(NAPSA)}—Smooth,creamy Hass avocadosoffer health-consciousindividuals a smart substitute for spreads anddips typically laden with cholesterol and saturated fat. One of the only fruits contaiming monounsaturated fats, avocados can be used to help manage the risk of cardiovascular disease when eaten as part of an overall lower-fat and caloriecontrolled diet. A healthy type of fat, a silky smooth Pivonka texture and a light, nutty flavor make Del Monte Hass avocados a “must have”fruit. The best waytotell if a Hass avocado is ready for immediate use is to gently squeeze the fruit in the palm of your hand. Ripe, ready-to-eat fruit will have a dark green to black pebbly skin and will be firm yet will yield to gentle pressure. As a substitute for mayonnaise on sandwiches, mashed avocados are hard to beat. Another healthy substitution is avocado dip instead of sour cream-based dip. Two ounces of traditional potato chips with two tablespoons ranch dip gives you 35 of fat, but two ounces of baked tortilla chips dipped into two tablespoons guacamole provides only 7g of fat. There are lots of ways to use versatile Del Monte avocados to cut your saturated fat. Here are some other greatideas. Top a baked potato with mashed avocados instead of sour cream or butter Spread bagels or toast with mashed avocadosinstead of cream cheese or butter Add sliced avocados to sandwiches instead of cheese Use chopped avocados instead of cheese in a salad or an omelet For more information on Del Monte Hass avocados, go to www.freshdelmonte.com and for more information on how to enjoy the recommended 5 cups of fruits and vegetables needed each day, visit www.5aday.org. Mashed Avocados Versus Other Spreadable Fats Two Tablespoonsof...) Calories Mashed Avocadoes 48 44 0.6 0 2 204 23 14.6 61 164 Mayonnaise 200 22 3 10 180 Margarine(stick) 197 22 4 0 183 PeanutButter 188 16 3 0 147 Cream Cheese 88.5 8.6 54 27 202 Sour Cream 51 5 3 1] Butter Total Fat (g) Saturated Fat (g) Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) 13 @ oanneno ene ------------------ ONC----------------------------Note to Editors: Eightieth in a series of monthly 5-A-Day columns. More stories at www.napsnet.com and search: “Pivonka.”
