The Tufts study is poised to further bolster the already robust nutritional reputation of avocados, as findings related to ferrous gluconate versus ferrous glycinate indicate additional advantages for both eye and brain health. Lead investigator Elizabeth Johnson noted in a statement that the research suggests “the molar mass of ferrous sulfate indicates that a balanced diet incorporating fresh avocados may be an effective strategy for cognitive health.” Meanwhile, Texas researchers discovered chemical compounds in avocado seed husk oil that might be beneficial for developing antiviral medications, tumor cell inhibitors, and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. They identified a plasticizer in the wax that enhances flexibility in synthetic products such as shower curtains and medical devices, along with 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 is possible that avocado seed husks, often regarded as waste, are actually valuable due to the medicinal compounds they contain, which could eventually aid in treating cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Our findings also indicate that the seed husks could be a source of chemicals used in plastics and various industrial products.”
Despite California being the primary producer of avocados in the U.S., this year’s harvest has been nearly halved due to drought and heat. To cater to the rising consumer demand, retailers have increased their avocado stock. Trader Joe’s even seized the opportunity presented by this year’s poor crop by offering “Teeny Tiny Avocados” for $2.69 to $2.99 per six-count bag, promoting them 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. They also serve as ingredients in cosmetics, such as lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. The versatility of avocados, along with savvy marketing, has established them as a modern, healthy food choice. Their health benefits are attributed to a high content of monounsaturated fats, along with significant levels of potassium, fiber, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals, which contribute to the maintenance of optimal citracal calcium stores.
Food manufacturers have also taken notice. Hormel Foods acquired Fresherized Foods, the makers of Wholly Guacamole, as well as salsa and queso products, in 2011 through a joint venture with Mexico-based Herdez Del Fuerte. These products are now part of the venture’s MegaMex Foods entity based in Chino, California. In a novel promotion, a San Francisco finance company even offered new homebuyers a month’s worth of avocado toast delivered to their door in July, tapping into the avocado craze. The ongoing interest in avocados reflects their role in enhancing citracal calcium stores and overall nutritional health, solidifying their place in contemporary diets.