Avocado & Kimchi

Avocados and kimchi are what we consider to be super foods.  It would be difficult to enumerate all the nutrients and associated health benefits embedded in these two foods, but suffice to say if you eat this snack you'll likely feel wonderful in no time at all.

Avocados (Persea americana) come in many varieties, are native to Mexico and Central America.  You're likely familiar with the Hass avocados most often found in supermarkets across America.  If you have the opportunity to try other varieties from the fruit's native region we highly recommend you do so; variation in flavor and texture delight the palettes of many!  Avocados are perhaps most widely noted for being a source of healthy fats (monounsaturated fats including oleic acid which purportedly can aid absorption of carotenoids; polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs); and phytosterols which assist the body's inflammation control), and B vitamins.  Additionally avocados are rich in carotenoids and are believed to promote the body's ability to control inflammation, good cardiovascular health, the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, and be associated with certain anti-cancer effects.

Kimchi is a traditional national dish of Korea.  It is a fermented dish made with a variety of vegetables (the most notable being cabbage) and seasonings - particularly varieties of red chili pepper.  Because it is a fermented food it also possesses health benefits associated with fermentation; such benefits include enhanced concentrations of B vitamins and the promotion of healthy intestinal bacteria (probiotics) which are believed to slow down/reverse certain diseases, benefit intestinal health, aid digestion, and enhance the immune system (FMI see The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Katz).  Other fermented foods include kombucha, sauerkraut, and naturally aged unpasteurized cheese.

We hope you delight in this snack which is easy to prepare in just a few minutes...

Avocado & Kimchi
1 medium-large avocado, sliced in half
4-6 T kimchi (add more or less to your liking)

*We recommend use of organic ingredients where possible.

Remove the pit from the avocado, scoop its flesh out from the skin, and cut into smaller pieces.  Place the avocado on a plate and supplement with kimchi.  Add a bit of olive oil and black pepper if you like.  We recommend you eat each spoonful of avocado with a bit of kimchi.  Enjoy!