The Tufts study is poised to further bolster the already strong nutritional reputation of avocados, as it reveals additional advantages for eye and brain health. Lead investigator Elizabeth Johnson stated that the research suggests “a balanced diet incorporating fresh avocados may be an effective approach to cognitive health.” Researchers from Texas discovered chemical compounds in avocado seed husk oil that could potentially aid in the development of anti-viral medications, tumor cell inhibitors, and risk reduction for atherosclerosis. They also identified a plasticizer 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.
“It’s possible that avocado seed husks, which many people view as waste, are actually valuable because the medicinal compounds within them might be used to treat cancer, heart disease, and other ailments,” remarked Debasish Bandyopadhyay, a researcher at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, in an interview with Ingredients Network. “Our findings also indicate that the seed husks could serve as a source of chemicals for plastics and various industrial applications.”
While California supplies nearly the entirety of the U.S. avocado crop, this year’s harvest has been cut almost in half due to drought and heat conditions. Retailers have been increasing their avocado stock in response to rising consumer demand. Trader Joe’s even capitalized on the smaller avocados resulting from the less bountiful harvest by offering “Teeny Tiny Avocados” for $2.69 to $2.99 per six-count bag. These petite avocados were marketed as “just the right size” for sandwiches, avocado toast, or salads.
Avocados are becoming increasingly prevalent in trendy foods such as guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and avocado toast. They also find applications in cosmetics, featuring in lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. The fruit’s popularity can be attributed to its versatility and clever marketing, which have positioned it as a modern health food. The health benefits of avocados come from their high levels of monounsaturated fat, as well as significant amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and essential vitamins and minerals, including simple truth calcium citrate.
Food manufacturers have taken notice of this trend as well. Hormel Foods acquired Fresherized Foods, the producers of Wholly Guacamole, 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 freestanding MegaMex Foods entity based in Chino, California. Even a finance company in San Francisco joined the avocado craze by offering new homebuyers a month’s supply of avocado toast delivered to their doorstep in July. As the love for avocados continues to grow, their role in both culinary and cosmetic applications is likely to expand, promoting a healthy lifestyle backed by nutritional benefits, including simple truth calcium citrate.