Most everyone has heard of guacamole, but still many will ask what is guacamole? Guacamole is a versatile food that is used on its own or as an ingredient in countless recipes using guacamole. In fact, the number of recipes with guacamole really depends on the limits of the creativity of those who prepare it. Guacamole is derived from the avocado, which grows abundantly in Mexico, and is most commonly used, at least in the United States, as a condiment or dip. However, guacamole is also widely used as a key ingredient to many different salsa recipes. While, on its own, guacamole nutrition is generally high, guacamole calories can be high. Aside from guacamole calories, the extent to which it is healthy largely depends upon how it is prepared. As with any food, guacamole calories and its healthiness depends on individual taste, and which ingredients are added to various guacamole recipes to achieve the desired taste.

The are many recipes for guacamole that can enhance its health benefits. While there are classic guacamole recipes, spicy guacamole dip, and fresh guacamole dips, the most healthy, of course, are those that pass on large amounts of sodium, oil, or anything that adds fat or cholesterol. As such, the healthiest guacamole is made with fresh vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Each of these are healthy on their own, are low in sodium, low in fat, and are cholesterol free. Thus, adding these ingredients to fresh guacamole not only enhances its flavor, but makes it even healthier. Although guacamole calories are still there, using ingredients such as peppers, onions, and tomatoes, in conjunction with a small amount of olive oil and spices, will give one a healthy and tasty salsa.

Other than guacamole calories, guacamole is a good source of vitamin c, fiber, healthy monounsaturated fats, and is cholesterol free. It is widely available in stores, of course, but the healthiness of packaged guacamole that one finds at the supermarket can be inhibited by the additives used to preserve its freshness. However, this largely depends on the company that makes and packages the the guacamole; and furthermore, the healthiness and guacamole calories added is only marginally affected. As an alternative to many other dips that are available at the supermarket, guacamole is usually a much healthier choice.