Guacamole Nutrition & History: A Healthy Dip Deep Dive

Looking for a healthy snack? Look no further than guacamole. This delicious and easy-to-prepare dip is always a hit, whether it's just an evening snack or dish to pass at a party.

History

• Guacamole dates all the way back to the Aztecs, who called the delicious mixture ahuaca-mulli. In fact, the basic recipe we enjoy today is similar to what the Aztecs made.

Types

• Traditional guacamole combines avocado, tomato, onion, chilies, cilantro and lime juice. But there are endless variations with tasty twists such as goat cheese or cayenne pepper.

Benefits

• Avocados are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They're also rich in lutein, which is important for eye health.

Considerations

• As nutritious as guacamole is, the calories can still add up. A 2-tbsp. serving of classic guacamole dip has approximately 50 calories and 4.5 g of fat.

Warning

• Guacamole is a nutrient-dense food, but chowing down on high-calorie chips is counterproductive. Try dipping crunchy vegetables in your guacamole instead.

Fun Fact

• The Aztecs believed that avocados were an aphrodisiac--a good reason for their popularity.