Who doesn’t love avocados? This super fruit turns up in almost everything; we use them as the go-to ingredient for guacamole dips, we love putting it in salads, and it is an excellent ingredient for healthy smoothies. And, if you’re thinking that we made a mistake in the sentence before, no, we didn’t. Avocado is actually a fruit, or, to be more precise, a pear-shaped berry.
You didn’t know that, did you? Just because we use avocados on a daily basis, doesn’t mean that we know everything about them. And, there are so many things you should know. From human health to environmental impact, avocados are more than just a regular fruit. And, if you love avocados, or, at least appreciate them, make sure to keep reading.
How to Choose a Perfect Avocado
Choosing a perfect avocado can be a bit tricky. Unlike many other fruits, avocados do not ripen on the tree. They become edible and softer only after they have been harvested.
Choosing a “good” avocado can be done by observing the color of the skin. The most prominent avocado variety is the Hass avocado. And, it is ideal for consumption when its skin tone is dark purple or almost black. However, choosing an avocado by its color can be a bit misleading sometimes since there are many different varieties. That is why you should also rely on touch. Grab the avocado and gently squeeze it. If you can indent the fruit lightly with the fingertips, then the avocado is ripe.
How to Prevent Avocados from Browning
One day your avocado is fresh and the next it turns brown and squishy. The reason behind this is because avocados contain polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme which can easily oxidize upon contact with the air. Here is what you can do to prevent avocados from browning:
- Store your avocado (briefly) in a container filled with water.
- Do not remove the pit from the avocado at all.
- Rub the avocado that you want to store with lemon juice or any other acid.
Avocados Contain Healthy Fats
Cholesterol is essential for our body but at normal levels. High cholesterol can raise your risk of developing a heart disease. Avocados are high in “good” fat (monounsaturated fat) which can lower cholesterol but only when eaten in moderation. Keep in mind that avocados are also high in calories. Recommended serving is 1/3 of a medium avocado or 50 grams.
Avocados & Latex Allergy
If you are allergic to latex, you should consult your doctor before adding avocado to your diet. People who have a serious latex allergy may experience similar symptoms after consuming an avocado.
Plenty of Health Benefits
Avocados contain about 20 vitamins and minerals which can boost your health. Here are some of the health benefits that come with eating avocados:
- Avocados are a source of B vitamins which help fight off diseases and infections.
- Avocados also contain vitamins C and E.
- Every serving of avocado contains potassium (regulates blood pressure), lutein (good for the eyes), and folate (helps cell repair).
- Avocados are high in fiber. This contributes to weight loss because fiber helps you feel full for a longer period of time. In addition, fiber helps with gut bacteria.
- Avocados are high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which reduces inflammation.