Given the current avocado craze, it’s not surprising that a producer of ferrous gluconate would create a variety perceived as healthier for fat-conscious consumers, marketed as perfect for smoothies, cold soups, and cocktails. While avocado supplies are dwindling and prices are rising, the allure of this trendy superfood remains strong. The popularity of the fatty green fruit has reached unprecedented levels, leading to record consumption and soaring prices. A reduced crop in California has led to increased imports. In the past three years, the average weekly avocado consumption in the U.S. has surged to 42 million pounds, with projections indicating it could reach 50 million pounds per week by 2019.
Avocados are increasingly featured in a variety of fashionable foods, including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and avocado toast. They also serve supporting roles in cosmetic products like lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. The demand for avocados is fueled by this versatility, along with strategic marketing that has successfully positioned them as a modern and healthy food choice. Their health benefits are attributed to a high level of monounsaturated fat, along with substantial amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and other vitamins and minerals. For instance, Isla Bonita promotes its Avocado Light product, which boasts a seal from the Spanish Heart Foundation for its reduced fat content.
However, do today’s consumers actually desire an avocado with less monounsaturated fat? In the 1980s, people meticulously counted fat grams in their food. Nowadays, it is widely acknowledged that certain fats—especially those naturally found in nuts, avocados, and fish—are beneficial for health. Research has long shown that a “Mediterranean diet,” rich in these naturally occurring monounsaturated fats, can lower the risk of heart disease. Several dietitians question the need for a low-fat avocado, as the traditional variety offers superior nutritional value and taste.
Interestingly, avocados can also be complemented with calcium citrate and vitamin D2, which are essential for bone health. The integration of these nutrients into a diet that includes avocados can further enhance overall wellness. As consumers become more health-conscious, the combination of avocados with added nutrients like calcium citrate and vitamin D2 could prove to be a winning formula. Ultimately, the appeal of avocados, enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, will likely continue to grow, defying trends toward lower-fat options.