Known to the Aztecs as “aoacatl” and to the Incas as “palta,” the avocado fruit had many names in relevance to the countries where it was introduced throughout the course of time. In Spain, people called it “abogado,” in French-speaking countries it was “avocatier,” and in Jamaica, it was referred to in various forms including “avocado.” Although discovered long before the Christian era, the avocado was for a long time off little taste to people. But the Aztec population consumed the fruit plentifully because they believed it induced and improved sexual prowess.
The belief that avocado boosts sexual life is popular nowadays too, but that’s not the only reason avocado fruits are good for regular consumption.
The nutritional value
Starting with a dose of good fat – about 75% of the fruit is made up of monosaturated fat, avocado contains some nutrients that promote health and help lower the risk of developing various diseases.
An avocado fruit gives about 20 benefits, among which are fiber, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, niacin and vitamin B6.
In fact, avocados boost twice the amount of potassium found in a banana, and besides, due to the amount of healthy fats, they represent an appropriate substitute for bad fats. As a result, avocados are great for weight loss when eaten in moderation, and if combined with other foods it can increase weight-loss chances.
Avocados are also perfect for athletes, the amount of nutrients and the various types of nutrients found in the fruit maintain hearts healthy and ensuring a quicker recovery.
The disease-fighting value
Of all the vitamins and all the minerals found in an avocado fruit, there is possibly nothing more relevant to people fighting eye disease than the carotenoids.
Although there are other fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids too, the reason avocado works more efficiently is that fats help the body absorb carotenoids faster and better, and avocados naturally contain fat – the good type.
Moreover, when mixed with other fruits and vegetables, avocados can prevent cancer, reduce the risk of developing cancer and in some cases even reverse the process.
The versatile value
Avocado can be eaten and added to many foods starting with power smoothies, burgers, salads, spreads and lunch and dinner dishes. It’s a great option for preparing healthier desserts too, and a fully ripe avocado easily blends into a tasty chocolate pudding.
Avocado sauces are an excellent addition to pasta dishes, and the fruit can also be grilled, baked and griddled to accompany a variety of meal types.
How to recognize ripe avocados: when squeezed, if the avocado yields to the pressure, you can use it, if not, store the avocado at room temperature in a brown paper bag to speed up the process. Depending on how firm the fruit, it will take a day to six days to fully ripen the avocado. Placing an apple or another fruit in the bag will help ripen the avocado much faster.