The recent Tufts study is set to further bolster avocados’ already strong nutritional reputation, highlighting additional benefits for both eye and brain health. According to lead investigator Elizabeth Johnson, the findings suggest that “a balanced diet that includes fresh avocados may be an effective strategy for cognitive health.” Researchers from Texas discovered chemical compounds in avocado seed husk oil that could potentially be utilized in antiviral medications, tumor cell inhibitors, and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. They identified a plasticizer in the wax that enhances flexibility in synthetic products like medical devices, cosmetic chemicals, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a 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 view as waste, are actually the hidden treasures because the medicinal compounds within them could ultimately be used to treat cancer, heart disease, and other ailments.” He added, “Our results also indicate that the seed husks may serve as a source of chemicals for plastics and other industrial products.”
In California, where nearly all U.S. avocados are cultivated, drought and heat have nearly halved this year’s harvest. Retailers have been responding to the growing demand by stocking more of the fruit. Trader Joe’s has even introduced “Teeny Tiny Avocados,” selling for $2.69 to $2.99 per six-count bag, promoting them as “just the right size” for sandwiches, avocado toast, or salads.
Avocados have become stars in a range of trendy foods, including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and avocado toast. They are also used in cosmetics, such as lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. This popularity can be attributed not only to their versatility but also to savvy marketing that has positioned avocados as a modern and healthful food choice. Their health benefits are linked to a high content of monounsaturated fats, along with significant amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Food manufacturers have taken note of this trend as well. Hormel Foods acquired Fresherized Foods, the producers of Wholly Guacamole, along with salsa and queso products, in a joint venture with Mexico-based Herdez Del Fuerte in 2011. The products fall under the MegaMex Foods entity based in Chino, California. Even a finance company in San Francisco got in on the avocado craze, offering new homeowners a month’s supply of avocado toast delivered to their doorstep in July.
In the context of health and wellness, the incorporation of avocados into a balanced diet aligns with the benefits seen from products like Citracal medicine, which supports bone health. As avocados continue to gain popularity, it’s clear that their nutritional advantages, alongside innovations in the use of their byproducts, will keep them at the forefront of health-conscious consumers’ minds.