Avocado

Scientific Names

argan fruit

Persea americana
Persea gratissima
Persea leiogyna
Persea persea
Laurus persea

Common Names

Abokado

Aguacate

Ahuacate

Alligator Pear

Avocat

Avocato

Beurre du Marin

Butter fruit

Palto

Poire Alligator

Parts Usually Used

The fruit flesh, seed, leaves, and oil extracted from the fruit flesh are used.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

The avocado tree produces a fruit with creamy green flesh covered by a thick, dark green to brown bumpy skin. Avocados are technically berries and have a round, pear, or egg shape. Hass is the most common variety worldwide. Avocados grow in tropical and warm climates. They begin ripening only after being harvested.
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Where Found

Avocados are native to Mexico and Central America. They are cultivated in many parts of the world including North America, South America, Peru, Kenya, and South Africa. California is the top producer in the United States. Mexico is the world’s leading exporter of avocados as of 2022.
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Medicinal Properties

Studies suggest avocados may help:

Lower total and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol, supporting heart health
Prevent age-related macular degeneration due to lutein and zeaxanthin content
Decrease risk of certain cancers like prostate and colon cancer, likely due to folate and phytochemicals
Reduce risk of miscarriage and neural tube defects in pregnancy due to folate content
Lower risk of depression by preventing homocysteine buildup and regulating neurotransmitters
Promote digestive health and prevent constipation due to high fiber content
Provide antimicrobial action against bacteria and fungi
Help manage weight by increasing feelings of fullness after eating
Improve skin, scalp, and nail health when applied topically due to fatty acid content

Compounds in avocado called avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) may help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation. Preliminary research also suggests potential for avocado leaf and seed extracts to induce cancer cell death, but more studies are needed.

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Biochemical Information

Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamins K, C, E, B6, folate, lutein, beta-sitosterol, and other plant compounds. The monounsaturated fat content may be responsible for avocados’ heart health benefits.
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Legends, Myths and Stories

Avocados have been consumed since prehistoric times. The Aztecs considered them an aphrodisiac and source of strength. In the 16th century they were described as delicious and healthy for sick people. Avocados started gaining popularity as a health food in the early 2000s.
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Uses

Avocados are commonly eaten fresh and used in dishes like guacamole, salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. Avocado oil is used for cooking. Some people apply mashed avocado or avocado oil to skin and scalp as a moisturizing treatment.
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Formulas or Dosages

Studies showing health benefits typically use doses equivalent to eating 1/2 to 1 1/2 avocados per day. There are no established dosage guidelines for using avocado medicinally.

How To Make Avocado Tea: Making avocado tea is easy. Like with most tea, you simply add leaves and hot water together and allow them to steep. Tea aficionados recommend using dry avocado leaves, approximately 3 or 4 leaves per pot. Some heat the water then add the leaves to steep in it, while others boil water with leaves in it for 10 to 15 minutes.

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Nutrient Content

One avocado (201g) provides:

322 calories
30g fat (primarily monounsaturated)
17g carbohydrate
14g fiber
4g protein
975mg potassium (28% DV)
120mg folate (30% DV)
3.4mg vitamin E (17% DV)
42.2mcg vitamin K (53% DV)
Decent amounts of vitamin C, B6, magnesium, and copper

How Sold

Whole fresh and frozen avocados, dried avocado powder, cold-pressed avocado oil, avocado oil capsules, and avocado leaf extract supplements are available.
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Warning

Avocado is generally well tolerated when eaten in typical food amounts. Some people with a latex allergy may experience reactions to avocado. Avocado may interfere with the blood thinner warfarin. Consult a doctor before using avocado therapeutically.

Choose ripe but firm avocados without major blemishes. Wash avocados before cutting to avoid transferring any bacteria on the skin to the flesh. Don’t eat avocados that are stringy, have black spots, or are overly soft. Exposed avocado flesh browns quickly but can be slowed by applying lemon juice.
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