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Avocado Nutrition Facts

Avocado Nutrition Facts
The avocado is a fruit grown on a tree also called the avocado. Avocados have a green skin and fleshy interior that surrounds a single seed. Avocados can be egg-shaped, spherical or pear-shaped and are grown in Mediterranean climates around the world. They are native to Central America and Mexico. Avocados are harvested before they are ripe when grown for commercial purposes, and ripen on the way to market or to supermarkets around the world. Evidence of avocados being consumed by humans dates back to 10,000 BC. The avocado is a highly nutritious superfood and is an important part of a healthy diet due to its ability to increase the body's absorption of antioxidants.
Interesting Avocado Nutrition Facts:
Avocados are also called Alligator Pears because of their skin's appearance which is leather-like in appearance.
The word avocado originates from the Aztec word 'ahuacatl'.
In parts of India the avocado is known as 'butter fruit'.
The avocado tree is an evergreen tree. Its scientific name is Persea Americana.
The avocado tree can grow as high as 65 feet.
Avocados range in size from only 8 ounces to as much as three pounds.
Avocados were once considered to be bad for human consumption because of their high calorie and fat content. It is now known that this is not true.
Avocados are high in protein. Their protein is easier to digest in the human body than meat such as steak. It is the fiber content in avocados that make them easier to digest and the protein easier to absorb.
Avocados contain all 18 of the essential amino acids the body requires to form a complete protein.
Avocados are an excellent regular dietary choice for vegans because of their protein content.
Avocados are high in the good fat that the body requires to increase good cholesterol (HDL).
HDL cholesterol protects the body from damage caused by free radicals, and also helps to prevent diabetes by regulating triglyceride levels.
Avocados contain carotenoids, which are a phytonutrient. Phytonutrients can help to prevent disease and promote proper functioning of the body.
Avocados act as an anti-inflammatory due to their combination of vitamins E and vitamin C, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, zinc, and selenium.
Avocados can help to prevent osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis or can help to reduce the effects of these diseases because of their anti-inflammatory properties.
The primary fatty acid in avocados is oleic acid which can improve cardiovascular health. Consuming avocados regularly can help to lower an individual's risk of heart disease.
The most health benefits come from avocados that are not overly-ripe. Ripe avocados are the best choice, which have no dents and are slightly soft (not really soft) when held.
The most nutrients in an avocado are found in the flesh closest to the skin.
1 cup of raw avocado contains 240 calories, 3 grams of protein, 12.8 grams of carbohydrates, 21.99 grams of fat, 10.05 grams of fiber, water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids.
Avocados are low on the glycemic index (meaning they do not spike blood sugar).


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