No matter if you are watching your favorite football team, or simply are craving a snack, grabbing a bowl of guacamole and some tortilla chips can seem like a great idea. However, though guacamole may taste delicious, it is not necessarily the best choice for you. Before deciding between guacamole and salsa, be sure to evaluate the calorie, fiber, vitamin, mineral, and sodium content of each.

Calorie Content

One of the most important considerations you must keep in mind when evaluating whether to choose salsa or guacamole for your next snack is to consider the calorie content of each. As you may or may not already be aware, avocados (from which guacamole is made) is composed almost entirely of fat. While the fat found in avocados is unsaturated, and therefore much healthier than other forms of fat, it is still extremely high in calories. No matter if you are activity trying to lose weight, or are simply concerned about the health risks posed by the development of obesity, avoiding a consumption of high amounts of fat is very important.

Fiber Content

Next, evaluate the differences between fiber content when it comes to guacamole versus traditional salsa. As with most other raw vegetables, tomatoes and onions (which are found in high quantities in salsa) are loaded with fiber. In contrast, as described above, avocados are composed almost primarily from fat--and therefore are relatively poor sources of fiber. Fiber does not only have the ability to treat and prevent many long term health conditions, but can also effectively help in the prevention of weight gain.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

Next, consider the vitamin and mineral contents of both salsa and guacamole. Since salsa does contain high amounts of tomatoes, which are rich in vitamin C and riboflavin, it is therefore a very nutritious choice. Similarly, avocados contain several important vitamins and minerals that are not only important in keeping your body functioning properly, but can actually be quite effective from a cosmetic standpoint. Research has found that the omega-3 fatty acids which are found in high amounts in avocados are effective at helping to create and maintain healthy, shiny hair and nails, and can even leave your skin looking toned and healthy.

Sodium Content

Finally, in order to complete a discussion of the nutritional differences between salsa and guacamole, it is important to understand how much sodium each of these items contains. Typically, guacamole contains high amounts of added salt, which can result in serious health conditions over both the long and short term. In contrast, salsa is more often seasoned and flavored with cilantro and other herbs and spices, thereby preventing the negative health problems associated with eating high amounts of salt. If you must have guacamole, try making it at home yourself. This way, you can decide for yourself exactly how much salt should be added.