It sounds silly to say that there is a special place in my heart for avocados… so I won’t say that. While growing up, I never ate avocados. I don’t know why that was the case considering we ate fruits and vegetables all the time. Just as often as there are times when something I eat (or make) brings me back to something my family would make, I seem to do things now that make me think ‘I am changing the course of my future and those who are around me and the things they will remember eating and making with me’. I like that thought.
I do not know exactly what is so satisfying to me about something so simple as an avocado on toast. I am sure it has something to do with the tang of toasted sourdough combined with the smooth richness of avocado. And don’t forget the sea salt… salt brings out the flavors, of course. It is opulent. Yes, food can be described as opulent. I did not want to say luscious because that seems effeminate coming from me… although, now that I say it, let’s be honest, avocados are kind of sexy.
Another reason I think it is so satisfying to me is because of all of its health benefits. Avocados contain vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, H, K, minerals like folate, magnesium, copper, iron, calcium, potassium, and all of the essential amino acids that our body needs. They are also rich in beta-sitosterol, which is used in treating prostate cancer (and other cancers and conditions as well, although it is important to stick to whole food forms like in avocados). Now now, all you ladies, don’t turn and run because I mentioned prostate cancer. In fact, I am sure you will want to know especially since the chances of the men in your life developing prostate cancer are extremely high. It is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men (JAMA).
I always enjoy eating avocados plain with salt, making guacamole, putting them in a smoothie, or slicing them on a sandwich. I am always curious about new recipes involving them though, so I will most likely be scouring blogs looking for an avocado to catch my eye.
Avocados, what a nice small step in fighting cancer. Now I can understand why Dr. Asa Andrews says “An avocado a day keeps prostate problems away.”
Tim is a health researcher and educator based out of Nashville, TN. Connect with him on Instagram @eattodaytolivetomorrow.
