Health Articles
May 2010
Health & Fact Benefits of Avocados
Did you know that avocados are a fruit, not a vegetable? There are more than 500 avocado varieties.
Avocados are native to Central and South America, where they have been cultivated for over 10,000 years. Another name for the avocado is the "alligator pear," so-called because of its alligator skin texture and pear shape. Avocados were first introduced to the United States in 1871, when Judge R.B. Ord planted three trees in Santa Barbara, California.
The Hass is the most common avocado in the United States and is the only avocado grown year round. Rudolph Hass, a postman, patented the Hass avocado tree in 1935. The first Hass avocado tree is still alive and producing fruit.
Mexico is the world's top producer of avocados, with California coming in second. California boasts 7,000 avocado groves. San Diego County produces 60% of California avocados. Florida is the second main producer in the United States Aside from the United States and Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Colombia are the world's top producing countries.
Did you know that one tree can produce between 150 and 500 avocados per year? The average avocado contains 300 calories and 30 grams of healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat. The avocado has the highest protein content of any fruit, and avocados contain more potassium than bananas.
Breast Cancer Protection
Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies.
Eye Health
Avocados have more of the carotenoid Lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases.
Heart Health
One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don't. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart.
Lower Cholesterol
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.
Interesting let’s try an avocado today.
