Health & Wellness

Colorado Health & Wellness | Spring 2016

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28 Avocado is one of nature's wondrous foods. Native to Mexico, it originated there as a wild variety sometime between 7,000 and 5,000 B.C. Today, avocado's rich and creamy flesh is consumed throughout the world and is considered a nutritional powerhouse by many health professionals. Although avocados are high in calories and fat, when consumed regularly, they can actually assist in weight-loss goals. Avocados are high in monounsaturated fat – the "good fat" that can help reduce total cholesterol. They are also a good source of fiber, antioxidants and many nutrients to help prevent cancer and other diseases. The avocado even has more potassium than a banana. The fruit is also high in vitamin E, which is essential for radiant skin, shining hair and reducing wrinkles. History The avocado was cultivated as early as 500 B.C. in south-central Mexico, where it was part of the Aztec diet. The pear-shaped fruit was originally named a - huacatl, the Nahuatl word for testicle. When Spanish conquistadors arrived they had difficulty pronouncing it and subsequently referred to the fruit as aguacate, which became "avocado" in English. T h e r e a r e f o u r m a i n v a r i e t i e s o f avocados. The Hass, with its golden-yellow flesh and purplish-black knobby exterior, is considered the one with superior flavor by American consumers. Milder varieties include the Ettinger, Fuerte and Nabal. M o s t o f t h e w o r l d ' s a v o c a d o s a r e produced in Mexico, the United States, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Indonesia, Israel a n d S p a i n . A m e r i c a n a v o c a d o s a r e predominantly grown in California's San Diego County. Selecting and Storing: Select an avocado with clean, unblemished skin and one that "gives" slightly when squeezed. It should AVOCADO PACKED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS, FIBER, GOOD FAT NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE by Andrea Juarez 66974 Recovery is within reach. Individualized short- term rehabilitation On- site physician oversight* • Quality postoperative care Berkley Manor Care Center*..................... Briarwood Health Care Center*................ Garden Terrace Alzheimer's....................... Center of Excellence Hallmark Nursing Center........................... Heritage Park Care Center................. Life Care Center of Aurora*....................... Life Care Center of Evergreen.............. Life Care Center of Littleton*.................. Life Care Center of Stonegate*.................. Villa Manor Care Center*...................... Western Hills Health Care Center........... Denver • 303.320.4377 Denver • 303.399.0350 Aurora • 303.750.8418 Denver • 303.794.6484 Carbondale • 970.963.1500 Aurora • 303.751.2000 Evergreen • 303.674.4500 Littleton • 303.795.7300 Parker • 303.805.2085 Lakewood • 303.986.4511 Lakewood • 303.232.6881 Call any facility to schedule your tour! Joint Commission accredited • LCCA.com *On-site physician services available at select facilities.

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