Avocados are one of the superfoods bursting with nutrients, offering an array of health benefits. It is a versatile fruit that people consume in different ways, the most popular being guacamole. Guacamole is largely used around the world as a dip, spread and salad ingredient.
So, is guacamole plant based? Yes, guacamole is plant based as the recipe includes only avocados and other plant-based ingredients. Guacamole is made by mashing ripe avocados with sea salt.
In this article, let us try to learn more about what goes into guacamole so that you can find out whether you can add it to a plant-based diet.
Why Guacamole is Plant Based?
The traditional recipe of guacamole is made using 100% plant-based ingredients. It is just made by mashing ripe avocados with sea salt. The recipe often uses other components depending on the preferences but does not call for animal products.
This means most guacamole made at home and available at restaurants are plant-based. However, if an animal-based ingredient like cheese or cream is added, it does not suit a plant-based diet. This is why it is important to take note of what goes into your dip before consuming.
What Are The Main Ingredients in Guacamole?
Guacamole is a recipe made out of ripe avocados. The most basic recipe uses mashed avocados and salt while more advanced recipes may include other plant-based ingredients like cilantro, garlic, onion, tomatoes, oil, jalapenos, lime juice and vinegar.
Home-made recipes, as well as store-bought versions of guacamole, mostly use these ingredients. However, sometimes, ingredients like sour cream and cheese are added to the recipe. Some people even use whey protein concentrate, other additives and sugar. It is advisable that you check and enquire about the ingredients used in the food before adding it to your plant-based diet.
Guacamole Nutrition
Guacamole is a tasty Mexican dish enjoyed as a spread, topping or dip to avail the health benefits avocados have to offer. This fruit contributes healthy fats, vitamins and minerals to the dish. When consumed in moderation, it is a great addition to a balanced diet.
Here is the nutritional information for one serving of guacamole.
- Calories – 150
- Carbohydrates – 9g
- Total fat – 13g
- Protein – 2g
- Fiber – 6g
Though guacamole is largely fat, only 2g of it comes from saturated fats. The recipe is actually cholesterol-free and contains 8g of monounsaturated fat that lowers your levels of cholesterol and maintains blood sugar levels.
A serving of guacamole contains 452mg of potassium and 10mg of sodium. The high potassium content helps regulate blood pressure. The sodium content can go high if you add more salt to your guacamole. Each serving of the food also gives 24 percent of the daily recommended intake of dietary fiber.
Guacamole also gives you folate, about 20 percent of the daily value in one serving. It also has 22 percent of the daily value of vitamin C. avocados being rich in vitamins E, B6 and K, guacamole is a great way to get your daily nutrients.
Conclusion
So, guacamole is an excellent food you can add to a plant-based diet. Though it is full of nutrition and health benefits, it is advisable to consume it in moderation. Watch your portion when eating guacamole to make sure you don’t take in too many calories.
You can keep it healthy by pairing guacamole with vegetables, using it to make sandwiches or salads and eating it with low-fat chips.
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