You are what you eat. That adage goes for the immune system too. You can improve your immune system by adding healthy foods like avocadoes to your diet. Why not try out a few avocado recipes for your 4th of July barbecue?

Avocadoes aren’t just for guacamole. They also can be used to give desserts a creamy texture loaded with nutrients and good fats. Or try them added to deviled eggs for a new twist. Or grill up a few on your barbecue for a flavorful addition to your salad.

Avocadoes may be on your “fat foods” list but avocadoes are rich in the good kind of fat--- monounsaturated fats that have compounds to protect against cancer. In fact, they’re loaded with antioxidants lutein, vitamins and beta-carotene which help your body to absorb phytochemicals from other foods for better health. One serving (1/4 of an avocado) has 5 grams of fat and 56 calories. Avocadoes also contain vitamin E, vitamin C, folate and potassium.

Avocado ice cream will make you want to eat your dessert first.

Ingredients
•3 avocadoes
•3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
•1/4 cup honey or other sweetener
•1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Puree the ingredients together in a mixer until smooth.
2. Pour into a freezer-safe container. 3. Freeze until solid or follow your ice cream freezer directions.

Avocado deviled eggs make a great picnic side dish.

Ingredients

•1 ripe avocado, pitted and mashed
•4 hard boiled eggs
•1/4 tsp cayenne powder
•1/4 tsp sea salt
•1/4 tsp pepper

Directions

1. Cut hard boiled eggs in half lengthwise.

2. Pop out egg yolks into a bowl.

3. Mix egg yolks with the avocado, cayenne powder, sea salt and pepper.

4. Transfer mixture into egg whites.

5. Serve chilled.

Grilled avocadoes make a delicious addition to your salad.

Ingredients for 4 servings

•2 small avocadoes
•1 lime
•Olive oil

Directions

1.Cut avocadoes in half; pop out seeds
2.Squeeze a bit of lime juice on each half and brush with olive oil
3.Place on the grill cut side down.
4.Grill each side for about 1 ½ minutes
5.Serve with your favorite salad