Avocados
Avocados (persea americana) aka: aguacate, alligator pear, and ahuacatl, are oval-egg shaped fruits with a tough dark green outer skin, creamy soft light green flesh, and large round inner pit.
Health benefits of Avocados
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Avocados
Choose avocados which are soft to the touch and without any dark spots or discolorations. Harder avocados can also be bought and ripened at home.
Climate and origin
Avocados originated in Central America and thrive in tropical climates, hybridized versions can grow in warm temperate climates.
Taste
Avocados have a dull creamy taste. They are typically served with citrus juice which adds an acidic taste and protects the flesh of the fruit from browning.
Miscellaneous information
The name avocado is derived from the Aztec name "ahuacatl" which was also the Aztec word for testicle.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 160 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 14.7g | 19% | ||
| Saturated Fat 2.1g | 11% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 7mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 8.5g | 3% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 6.7g | 24% | ||
| Total Sugars 0.66g | 1% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 2g | 4% | ||
| Vitamin C 10mg | 11% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.55mg | 3% | ||
| Calcium 12mg | 1% | ||
| Potassium 485mg | 10% | ||
| Phosphorus 52mg | 4% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||