The 10 Things You Need To Eat: Avocados

Ever wished for a rich and succulent food that was actually incredibly good for you?

Well scratch one item off your wish list. Avocados are your answer. We all know that avocados are high in fat, but they're not the calorie bombs and diet no-no's most people make them out to be.

Researchers have found that eating avocado, because of its rich stores of heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fats, can actually lower your risk of heart disease, raise your levels of good cholesterol, lower your levels of bad cholesterol and reduce inflammation! And one half of an avocado has fewer calories than a serving of McDonald's french fries, and less fat and calories than a typical serving of most Ranch and Caesar style salad dressings.

Why would you top your foods and salads with something else, when you can sub in a creamy and nutritious serving of avocado?

For those of you whose avocado experience is limited to guac and chips, expand your avocado repertoire to soups, entrees and desserts with my new cookbook, The 10 Things You Need to Eat, where you'll find lots of delicious and different recipes revolving around the incredible avocado.

And for a great avocado tip, check out the following video: