Health Benefits:
Aids in digestion
Aids in weight loss
Anti bacterial qualities
Anti inflammatory
Aphrodisiac
Detoxifying effects
Fights depression
Fights free radicals
Fights migraines
Improves bone and muscle health
Improves eyesight
Improves hair skin and nails
Increases Sex Hormones & Orgasm
Lowers blood pressure
May reduce cholesterol
May reduce risk of cancer
May reduce risk of diabetes
May reduce risk of macular degeneration
Promotes heart health
Protects skin from UV rays
Reduces risk of breast cancer
Reduces risk of prostate cancer
Relieves PMS
Nutrition:
Serving size: 1 cup avocado; Calories: 240; Fat: 22g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 14mg; Carbs: 13g; Fiber: 10g; Sugars: 1g; Protein: 3g; Potassium: 21%DV; Vitamin A: 5%DV; Vitamin C: 25%DV; Calcium: 2%DV; Iron: 5%DV
Did You Know?
- Avocados are a FRUIT, not a vegetable!
- There are 10 grams of fiber in one medium-sized avocado.
- Their thick skin protects them; it's natural packaging! You can't eat the skin, but it shields the green goodness inside, making avocados perfect for travel.
- Avocados are one of the only fruits that contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fat (the good-for-you fat) that helps boost good (HDL) cholesterol and lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol.
- Avocado oil is added to many cosmetics because if its ability to nourish the skin and make it glow.
- Florida Avocados are larger with smooth skin. California avocados are smaller and have pebbly skin that turns from green to purplish black when ripe
Ways to Eat:
- Raw
- Diced
- Sliced
- Mashed
- Pureed
- Oil
- Guacamole or avocado dip
- Pudding
Farming Trivia:
- It is cultivated in tropical climates, so it can only tolerate cold temperatures to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The oldest living avocado tree is found on the University of California, Berkeley campus – it was planted in 1879!
- It is native to Mexico and Central America, although fossil evidence suggests that there as a similar species as far north as California!
- Speaking of California, that’s where 90% of avocado production is located - 60% is in San Diego county alone!
