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Salsa is one of the healthiest condiments you can eat. It's low-fat, anti-inflammatory, and packed with antioxidants and other valuable phytonutrients. Now, a study shows that eating avocados or guacamole will help you get more of the nutritional benefits from salsa. Talk about a win-win!

One of the anti-oxidants you get in salsa is beta-carotene. Because beta-carotene is a fat-soluble nutrient, your body will absorb it more efficiently if you eat it together with some form of fat. That's where the avocado comes in.

Avocados are high in vitamin E and mono-unsaturated fats, the "heart healthy" fats. Researchers found that when people eat some guacamole along with their salsa (or a sliced avocado on their salad), they absorbed significantly more beta-carotene, as well as more lutein, lycopene, and zeaxannthin. In fact, the researchers found that when these nutrients were consumed in a fat free meal, very little was absorbed.

So, to get the most out of your veggies, add a little avocado to the meal. It's not only more nutritious, it's also delicious.

For a delicious avocado-salsa recipe, click on Recipes

Sources: Unlu NZ, Bohn T, Clinton SK, et al. Carotenoid absorption from salad and salsa by humans is enhanced by the addition of avocado or avocado oil. J Nutr, 2005;135(3):431-6.