“Avocado: The Nutritional Powerhouse for Eye, Brain Health, and Beyond”
The Tufts study is poised to bolster the already strong nutritional reputation of avocados, as it points to additional benefits for eye and brain health. Lead investigator Elizabeth Johnson stated that the research suggests “a balanced diet that includes fresh avocados may be an effective strategy for cognitive health.” Researchers from Texas discovered chemical compounds in avocado seed husk oil that could potentially lead to the development of anti-viral medications, tumor cell inhibitors, and a reduction in atherosclerosis risk. They also identified a plasticizer in the wax that enhances flexibility in synthetic products like shower curtains and medical devices, along with a cosmetic chemical and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a common food additive.
Debasish Bandyopadhyay, a researcher at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, remarked to Ingredients Network, “It could very well be that avocado seed husks, which most people consider as the waste of wastes, are actually the gem of gems because the medicinal compounds within them could eventually be used to treat cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Our results also suggest that the seed husks are a potential source of chemicals used in plastics and other industrial products.”
While California accounts for nearly all of the U.S. avocado production, this year’s harvest has been nearly cut in half due to drought and heat. Retailers have been increasing their avocado inventory in response to rising consumer demand. Trader Joe’s has even capitalized on the smaller avocados resulting from this year’s poor crop by offering “Teeny Tiny Avocados” priced at $2.69 to $2.99 per six-count bag. These petite avocados are marketed as “just the right size” for sandwiches, avocado toast, or salads.
Avocados have become a staple in a growing variety of trendy foods, including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and, of course, avocado toast. They are also featured in cosmetic products such as lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. Their popularity can be attributed to both their versatility and clever marketing that has positioned the avocado as a modern, health-conscious food choice. The health benefits of avocados are largely due to their high content of monounsaturated fats, along with substantial amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Food manufacturers have taken notice of this trend. In 2011, Hormel Foods acquired Fresherized Foods, the maker of Wholly Guacamole, salsa, and queso products, in a joint venture with Mexico-based Herdez Del Fuerte. These products are now part of the MegaMex Foods entity based in Chino, California. Even a finance company in San Francisco briefly joined the avocado craze by offering new home buyers a month’s supply of avocado toast delivered to their doorstep.
Furthermore, with the increasing focus on health, products such as calcium citrate 200 mg have gained attention as supplementary additions to a diet that includes avocados, further emphasizing their nutritional value. The combination of avocados and calcium citrate 200 mg reinforces the idea of avocados as a key component in a balanced diet, providing both taste and health benefits.
