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 Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- 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
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness) Avocados are high in monounsaturated "good for your heart" fats. Oleic acid in particular is known to reduce cholesterol.
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.
