Every ingredient in this recipe is intensely nutritive. Guacamole contains ample amounts of one of nature\’s perfect foods, the avocado.  Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat, which experts say should make up about 50% of our fat intake.  This guacamole is a wonderful source of dietary fiber.  Avocados offer nearly 20 vitamins and minerals in every serving, making this recipe a nutritional powerhouse as well as satisfyingly delicious. Avocadoes contain cancer-fighting properties – backed up by those contained in the onions and garlic.  The biggest kick in this recipes comes from the jalapeno and cayenne peppers, both of which contain capsaicin the burn in the spice.  Capsaicin has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels by affecting carbohydrate breakdown after a meal.

The avocado is a tree classified in the flowering plant family Lauraceae.  The fruit of the tree is very high in monounsaturated fat.  Though mostly comprised of fat, avocados are also an excellent source of dietary fiber.  Avocados are also high in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium, and Magnesium.  Research studies suggest a diet that is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids helps lower LDL or bad cholesterol and increases HDL or good cholesterol.

Onions belong to the allium genus, it is the enzyme alliinase that makes you cry when you cut them.  They are high in Vitamin C, and also contain Vitamin A, the B-complex, calcium, magnesium, potassium and traces of other minerals.  Onions also contain the anti-oxidants selenium, quercitin, and glutathione.

The tomato is the edible fruit/berry of the nightshade Solanum lycopersicum.  Tomatoes are high in antioxidants and particularly rich in Lycopene, a compound thought to be important in bone and prostate health.  Tomatoes are also high in Vitamin C, Biotin, Molybdenum, Vitamin K, Potassium, Copper, and Manganese.

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium.  Garlic is a powerful anti-fungal agent and has been used traditionally to ward off sickness and infection.  Studies show that garlic reduces cholesterol production, reduces blood pressure, and is preventive against stomach cancer.

5.  The jalapeño is a medium-sized chili pepper.  Jalapenos and chilies contain health benefiting alkaloid compound, capsaicin, which gives them a strong spicy taste. Capsaicin has been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, and anti-diabetic properties. It’s also been shown to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.

Coriander, also known as cilantro, Chinese parsley or dhania, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae.  Cilantro is a powerful medicinal plant that is high in Vitamin K and contains many phytonutrients.  Cilantro has strong antibacterial properties and has been shown effective in fighting Salmonella and Candida Albicans.  Eating cilantro raw on a regular basis is a great way to cleanse your liver and digestive system and help maintain beneficial bacteria balance.

Cumin is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae.  Cumin is a warming spice with a long history of traditional medicinal use.  Cumin is high in Iron which is essential for energy and immune function.  Cumin has also been shown to aid digestion and to have cancer-protective properties.

The cayenne pepper is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum.  Although incredibly hot and spicy even in small amounts, cayenne is packed with nutrition and phytonutrients.  Cayenne is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin, Iron, Copper, and Potassium.  Cayenne also contains plenty of, capsaicin, which has been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, and anti-diabetic properties. It’s also been shown to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.

Lime is a term referring to a citrus fruit which is typically round, green and containins sour pulp.  The juice, pulp, and skin of the fruit are all used in cooking around the world.  Though limes have an acidic, tart taste – they are one of the strongest alkaline-forming foods.  Lime juice is a great way to help balance pH.  Limes are very high in Vitamin C and have a strong antioxidant and antibiotic effect.

Common salt is a mineral substance composed primarily of sodium chloride.  Salt provides sodium, which is absolutely essential for cell function and human life itself.  The average American diet contains far too much salt, making this ingredient a good one to avoid if you are uncertain how much you are getting in your food.  Over-intake of sodium is a cause of many health problems, including cardiovascular disease.