For the Love of Guac – Why Is It So Popular?
Fresh Mex food is always a welcome addition to the everyday diet. This is because it incorporates fresh ingredients that awaken the senses. It’s also lots of comfort food, such as warm homemade tortillas or the sensory kick of sizzling fajitas. You’d also be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t appreciate the addition of fresh, creamy guacamole. Why is this delectable green dip so popular? Whether you go for the tableside guac when dining in at Chevys, frequent our food trucks, or book us to cater your wedding, guac is a must-have. What, exactly, makes mashed avocados such a beloved addition to Fresh Mex fare? For the love of guac, let’s find out!
Guacamole Tastes Great Alone or in a Range of Recipes
Not to state the obvious, but most people love guacamole because of avocados’ creamy, buttery flavor. This interesting fruit (it’s actually classified as a berry) is a versatile addition to many recipes. It pairs well with sweet, savory, and spicy flavor profiles. So it should come as no surprise that avocados serve as a great base for guacamole. However, it also can be added to just about any dish. For example:
- tacos
- nachos
- fajitas
- burritos
- quesadillas
- enchiladas
Really the list could go on! But, when you start with fresh avocados, add zesty lime juice, pico de gallo, and the heat of diced jalapeños, you get a flavor explosion that’s only enhanced by salty tortilla chips. Chevys Fresh Mex approach means diners always enjoy mouthwatering guac mashed tableside.
Load Up on Healthy Fats and Other Nutrients
Fat has become a four-letter word in our weight-conscious society. However, healthy fats deliver a range of benefits, including helping with weight loss. The monounsaturated fats found in avocados contribute to reducing inflammation and risk of heart disease, making guacamole a great addition to your diet. Avocados are also an excellent source of potassium. This can help control blood pressure and is often lacking in the American diet. Vitamins C, B6, and E contribute to immune function. And antioxidant compounds like carotenoids protect against oxidative damage that can contribute to cardiac, neurological, and other chronic conditions.
Although avocados are a bit steep when it comes to calorie count, they make for a filling and satisfying addition to so many dishes, whether you slice them, dice them, or mash them into tasty guacamole. In addition, when you make guac a part of your regular diet, you’ll enjoy a range of nutritional benefits in the process.
Go with Your Gut Health
The microbiome (your unique system of gut bacteria) has become a hot topic in health circles. While there’s still a lot of research to be done, this complex system is the gateway for nutrients entering the body and plays a huge role in overall health and wellness. So whether you have an iron stomach or you’re dealing with lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or FODMAP issues, you need to be aware of how the food you ingest impacts how you feel — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Guac is a great choice, not only for the satisfaction it delivers but also because of its high fiber content that contributes to healthy digestion. Just one avocado delivers about half the recommended daily value of fiber — in a delicious package, no less. Studies have also found that avocados can increase bacterial diversity and reduce gut inflammation, all of which are great for GI and overall health.
If you’re already getting creative with inventive and healthy taco toppings, make sure to add guac to the mix to boost benefits and flavor. Or simply head to Chevys for fresh tableside guac and a fun atmosphere to connect with family and friends.
