Eat up! Avocados are good for you

Dear Heloise: I love avocados, but my husband says they’re nothing but junk food. He claims that there is very little value in a fruit that is basically a lump of fat. Is it true that avocados are fattening and have very little nourishment?

— Elaine P., Bettendorf, Iowa Elaine, avocados are a good source of vitamins C, E, K and B6. They contain riboflavin, folate, magnesium and potassium. They also provide omega-3 fatty acids and beta-carotene. Eating a healthy fat like avocados helps to support skin health.

In addition, avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are good for your eyes, and 6 to 7 grams of fiber, per half fruit.

So, go ahead and eat avocados.

They’re good for you. — Heloise

A healthy snack

Dear Heloise: I discovered garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas) are high in plant protein.

Since I want my children to eat healthy and stay away from junk food,

I take a can of garbanzo beans and rinse and drain them. I spray a cookie sheet and spread the garbanzo beans out onto the cookie sheet. I usually season the beans to help add flavor and roast them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. They come out crunchy and tasty.

A great snack that’s healthier than chips or popcorn. — Margery D., Chandler, Ariz.

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