Secret foods: Avocado

If you're in a fiesta partying spirit, don't forget to include guacamole as a dipping sauce for your corn chips. Sure, it's a fast food rich in calories, but it's still a healthier option than other types of dips.

Being primarily made of avocados - if made from scratch, at least, can't say much about pre-packaged powder mixtures -, the guacamole will carry on many of the healthy benefits of this fruit originary from Mexico and Central America. There's a monounsaturated fat in avocado that may help to lower bad cholesterol levelsm, while increasing the amount of good cholesterol. At least, that's what studies have shown so far.

Potassium and folate are also found in abundance within this green pear-shaped food, also helping in promoting good health for the heart and blood circulation. It may even help in the absortion of carotenoids from other vegetables, thus increasing the potential health benefits of other foods as well. Finally, ongoing research also seems to suggest that avocados may help reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready for some green creamy fruit delight.

Nutritious food: pumpkin seed

Pumpkin is not good only for Halloween or Pumpkin pie. Well, the main portion of it may be, but certainly not the seeds. In its raw format, it's an excellent source of protein, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and other minerals extremely important for maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. Carotenoids and Omega-3 fats found in the seeds also have health benefits. Ongoing studies are trying to prove how these seeds can help maintaining a healthy prostate. It might also be good to keep stronger bones in old age (particularly for men) and as an anti-Inflammatory for people with arthritis. Finally, some compounds in the pumpkin seeds may help in controlling or lowering cholesterol levels.

They are delicious on their own as a snack, but can also be mixed with salads, rice or other dishes. Just don't cook the seeds, or they may lose some or all of their important nutrients.