The Tufts study is expected to bolster avocados’ already strong nutritional reputation by highlighting additional advantages for eye and brain health. Lead investigator Elizabeth Johnson stated that the findings suggest “a balanced diet that includes fresh avocados may be an effective strategy for cognitive health.” Researchers from Texas have identified chemical compounds in avocado seed husk oil that could contribute to the development of antiviral medications, tumor cell inhibitors, and a reduction in atherosclerosis risk. In their analysis, they discovered a plasticizer in the wax that enhances flexibility in synthetic products like shower curtains and medical devices, as well as 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 waste, are actually the gems among waste since the medicinal compounds within them could potentially be used to treat cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Our results also indicate that the seed husks are a promising source of chemicals for plastics and various industrial applications.”
While California is responsible for nearly all avocado production in the U.S., this year’s drought and heat have led to a nearly 50% decrease in the harvest. Retailers have been increasing their stock of avocados in response to growing consumer demand. Trader Joe’s has even taken advantage of the smaller yield by offering “Teeny Tiny Avocados” for $2.69 to $2.99 per six-count bag, marketed as “just the right size” for sandwiches, avocado toast, or salads.
Avocados are featured in a growing variety of trendy foods—including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and avocado toast—and they also find applications in cosmetics like lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. Their popularity is due not only to this versatility but also to clever marketing that has positioned avocados as a modern health food. The health benefits are attributed to their high levels of monounsaturated fat, along with substantial amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium citrate, calcitriol, magnesium, and zinc tablets.
Food manufacturers have also recognized this trend. Hormel Foods acquired Fresherized Foods—the producer of Wholly Guacamole, along with salsa and queso products—in 2011, forming a joint venture with Mexico-based Herdez Del Fuerte. These products are part of the MegaMex Foods entity based in Chino, California. In a quirky marketing move, a San Francisco finance company even offered avocado toast delivered to the door for a month to anyone who purchased a home with them in July. The growing interest in avocados is evident, with many people now incorporating them into their diets alongside supplements like calcium citrate, calcitriol, magnesium, and zinc tablets to enhance their overall health.