One of my favorite snacks is avacado on toast. It is fast, easy, and yummy! An added bonus is how great it is for RA or any autoimmune patients. The avocado and olive oil are chock full of nutrition that keeps symptoms in check and joints nice and limber.

 

Ingredients:

Two or three slices of bread, toasted (can substitute for gluten-free alternatives)

1 ripe avacado

2 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

 

I toast the bread and spread a little butter. I have a severe salty tooth and the butter hits the spot!

I mash the avocado into a paste and salt and pepper to taste. If I am feeling lazy I spread the avocado directly on the toast with a knife and add salt and pepper.

I drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the avocado and on the plate because I love sopping up oil with bread!

-If you want to make this a protein-punched power snack fry a couple of eggs and pack them on top!

 

To make this recipe even more RA-friendly, eliminate the butter (which increases inflammation in the joints) and salt and replace the bread with a gluten-free alternative.

 

 

So…

Why are avacadoes, gluten-free bread and olive oil good for autoimmune patients? I did a little research and compiled the more important points below!

Avacados are an extremely high-fat food. However, these monounsaturated fats are good for you. They are easier to digest and maintain the body’s good cholesterol. Eyesight problems increase as autoimmunes progress and avocados are high in the vitamins and minerals that protect the them. Avocados also contain a lot of omega 3 fatty acids which help digestion, control blood pressure and keep hair and skin healthy!

Olive Oil has similar benefits to avacados and this is why, in part, the two compliment each other so well. Olive oil is also a monounsaturated fat. It maintains a healthy blood pressure and reduces the risk of diabetes and certain types of arthritis. Olive oil is also high in antioxidants which help combat oxidative stress to the body’s cells.

Many autoimmune patients are sensitive to gluten, as inflammation from other parts of the body may spread to the gut. Gluten causes irritation and becomes difficult to digest. This, in turn, sets of an inflammatory response in the rest of the body. Many swear by the gluten-free diet! I personally hate it. I have switched to gluten-free granola and pastas but when I am fully gluten-free my energy levels tank!

 

I hope this post was interesting and helpful! Let me know if you like avocados (or not!) and eat this snack already!

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.