Avocado: Important Facts, Health Benefits, and Recipes

Alli Shircliff
Alli is a Certified Nutritionist and yoga instructor. She has loved food and nutrition since taking her first health class in the fourth grade. She got her Master of Science in Nutrition and worked in nutrition research at the University of Washington Medical Center for over 8 years.
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Updated: 5/24/2023

Avocado is a nutrient-dense fruit popular for its rich and creamy texture, subtle flavor, and potential health benefits, such as promoting heart health.

What Is an Avocado?

The avocado is a fruit from the flowering plant family called Lauraceae with a pit in the center and green and yellow flesh. The peel is green or dark purple depending on the variety. Avocados are a good source of fiber and monounsaturated fat. 

Is Avocado Good For You?

Yes, avocados are definitely good for you! Avocados are a great source of fiber and monounsaturated fats, are low in carbohydrates, and are a good plant-based addition to a meal.

Health Benefits Of Avocados

  1. Avocados are high in fiber 
  2. Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fats which are good for heart health
  3. Avocados are high in potassium
  4. The fat in avocados helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin A, D, E, and K
  5. Avocados may help lower cholesterol
  6. Avocados help eye health
  7. Avocados may be good for the brain, improving cognition and may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease
  8. Avocados may help strengthen bones
  9. Avocados may help maintain blood sugar levels

History, Background About General Facts of Avocado

The original avocados were from Mexico, in South Central Mexico

People began domesticating avocado trees 5000 years ago

Avocados began being grown in the United States in 1833 in California and Florida

Avocado is a derivative of the Spanish word aguacate, which comes from the Aztec word ahuacatl.

What Are The Cuisines That Regularly Include Avocado?

  • Mexican - guacamole, ceviche, topping for tacos
  • Columbia - avocado soup
  • Indonesia - avocado and sweetened condensed milk
  • Philippines - avocado ice cream
  • Brazil - avocado cream dessert and ceviche
  • Spain - seafood salad 
  • Ethiopia - fruit beverage with avocado and papaya
  • American sushi - California rolls

What Is The Best Way To Store Avocado?

Keep unripe and ripe avocados in a bowl on the kitchen counter. If they are ripe, but you aren’t going to use them right away, store them in the refrigerator. If you need to ripen an avocado, place it in a paper bag on the kitchen counter.

What Are The Different Types Of Avocado?

  • Hass (most commonly eaten in US)
  • Bacon
  • Fuerte
  • Cocktail
  • Gwen
  • Lula
  • Pinkerton
  • Reed
  • Zutano

Toxicity and Side Effects Of Avocado

Avocados are regarded as safe to eat unless you’ve experienced an allergic reaction.

 

Nutrition information is for 1 avocado.