15 Things You Didn’t Know About Avocados
Avocados are getting a lot of airtime on television and on social media. If you haven’t noticed, restaurants are slowly incorporating more and more of it on their menus whether it’s in sandwiches or simply served guacamole and chips. What’s the big deal about avocados anyway? Before you start buying them regularly, it’s good to get to know why you’re buying them. Get to know this fruit (yes, fruit!) so well that you will know exactly how it’s benefiting you and your family.
1. They’re Allergen Friendly
Avocados are a great food to serve at any get together in the form of guacamole or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers. They are filling so your guests will also have enough food in their stomachs until supper which will eliminate any hangry behavior!
Avocados are dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian-friendly, as well as cholesterol and gluten-free. This makes it the perfect food for any gathering because it will able to be enjoyed by just about everyone in your crowd.
2. There Are Tricks To Perfect Ripeness
When you’re at the grocery store, it can be difficult to select the perfect avocado. If you peel back the brown stem stub, you can see if the skin underneath is yellow or green. If it’s yellow it’s not ripe, but if it’s green, you can go ahead and dig in!
When your grocer just doesn’t have any ripe avocados, you can purchase some that still need to ripen and put them in a brown bag with an apple or banana. The apple and banana release a plant hormone called ethylene gas which helps to ripen your avocado a lot faster.
3. They’re Anti Aging
If you want a quick pick-me-up, mash up half an avocado with 1 tablespoon of oats and apply generously to your face. Leave on for ten minutes and gently wash off with warm water and all natural soap.
Avocados contain piles of vitamins, healthy omega-3 fats and other nutrients that help keep your skin creamy, young and smooth – just like the inside of an avocado!
4. They Grow In Pairs!
When your avocado has grown and ripened, it’s time to have a little fun with it. Making the ultimate chip dip with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and cheese is always a huge hit with party guests!
Similarly to corn, avocado trees do not self-pollinate. This means that one avocado tree can’t stand alone and be successful. It needs a partner! Another fact about how avocados grow is that they always grow in pairs on trees.
5. They Can Lower Cholesterol
There is a lot of conversation about cholesterol and ensuring you have a healthy level of cholesterol. The reality is, a lot of party food and food you get at restaurants can work against your efforts to stay healthy.
This is where avocados come in. Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados will help boost that good cholesterol (HDL) and lower the bad cholesterol (LDL). It’s magic!
6. They’re High In Fiber
It was often assumed in the past that fiber-rich bread was one of the only ways to get a solid amount of fiber in your diet. The truth is, that is simply not the case!
Avocados are absolutely loaded with fiber which can not only help adults but little children as well! Keeping your digestive system running smoothly is so important. In one avocado, there are 10 grams of fiber, which is more than the content of most slices of whole grain bread.
7. They’re Baby Friendly
Is your little one moving on from milk to solid food? Try giving them more savory tasting foods instead of sweet so they can get used to the main course before they discover “dessert” like bananas!
Avocados are a great savory food to mash up or cube for your babe – especially given the fact that there are so many nutritional benefits in one avocado. Make sure when you cube the avo, it’s small enough to be swallowed so there’s no choking.
8. They’re Actually A Berry
When you think about berries, you think to serve them with ice cream or yogurt – or maybe in your cereal. Avocado certainly doesn’t fit there! How about in smoothies or in homemade muffins? That sounds more realistic.
The reality is that an avocado is actually a berry! Yes, this sounds insane, but it really is true. A fruit is classified as produce that has a tough outer layer and a middle, fleshy layer that wraps around a seed of some sort. The avocado checks all those requirements for sure.
9. They Pack Potassium
Potassium is one of those vitamins you need to know about. It assists with your muscle contractions by reducing cramping and helping your muscles relax. It also supplies your body with electrolytes which are needed to help control impulses in your brain and muscles. Last but not least, potassium is important for maintaining help blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Bananas are the most popular source of potassium, but actually, avocados have double the amount of potassium than bananas do. Next time you need some potassium – opt for an avocado!
10. They’re A Source Of Protein
Protein is the stuff that gives you tons of energy to motor through your crazy work day and get everything done. While adding protein powder to your smoothie is helpful, you can also add yogurt, milk or even avocado!
That’s right, avocado has more protein in it than any other fruit. With 4 grams of high-quality protein, backed by 18 of the most valuable amino acids, the avocado is a seriously underrated fruit.
11. They Can Be Used In Baking
What’s better than margarine in your cookies? Butter. What’s better than butter? Avocados. That may sound crazy but it’s absolutely true.
Avocado has a similar texture to softened butter or margarine – it’s creamy! Meanwhile, it also has tons of fat, but instead of unhealthy fats, avocado has those good omega-3 fatty acids that our bodies crave. Next time you bake, replace your fatty butter with some fresh avocado.
12. They’re Great For Your Hair
How many times have you heard yourself or your friends say “I can’t get my hair to grow out!”? It’s a common frustration for many people, but there is hope!
Avocados are rich in vitamin E and vitamin B. Vitamin E helps repair the damage done to your hair over time, while vitamin B specifically targets hair growth. Dig in and watch your hair grow!
13. They’re A Natural Multivitamin
Taking a multivitamin each day isn’t the worst idea in the world! It ensures you are getting everything you need in order to maintain a healthy body, even if you do cave and grab a burger on your way home from work.
Avocados have 20 different kinds of vitamins and minerals, as well as phytonutrients (they have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits). If you want to skip the cost of a multivitamin, start eating more avocados in your sandwiches, smoothies and on their own with a little salt and pepper.
14. They Are Poisonous To Pets
While avocados are very healthy for humans, they are definitely not a great option for your furry friends. A healthy alternative for pets is sweet potato – it’s packed with nutrients and helps with their digestion.
Avocados should not be consumed by birds, cats, dogs, and rabbits. To be safe though, even if your little friend hasn’t been named in that list, you should still avoid it.
15. One Tree Can Live 4 Lifetimes
Avocados obviously help us achieve a higher quality of life by assisting us in improving our health, but did you know how long avocado trees can live?
On a pretty avocado tree covered in thick green leaves, yellow/green flowers, and savory avocados, you wouldn’t believe it but some trees (especially in Mexico) can live up to 400 years.
