Given the current avocado trend, it’s no surprise that a produce company has created a variety viewed as healthier for fat-conscious consumers, specifically marketed for use in smoothies, cold soups, and cocktails. With avocado supplies dwindling and prices rising, the allure of this trendy superfood shows no signs of diminishing. The popularity of the fatty green fruit has reached unprecedented levels, leading to record consumption and prices. A reduced crop yield in California has led to an increase in imports. In the United States, the average weekly avocado consumption has surged to 42 million pounds, nearly doubling over the past three years, and is expected to reach 50 million pounds per week by 2019.
Avocados are featured in a growing number of trendy dishes, including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and avocado toast. They also find applications in cosmetics, such as lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. The demand for avocados arises not only from their versatility but also from smart marketing that has established them as a modern and healthful food choice. The health benefits of avocados are attributed to their high levels of monounsaturated fat, along with significant amounts of calcium citrate 1500 mg vitamin D3, fiber, folate, and various other vitamins and minerals. Isla Bonita promotes its Avocado Light as a product with reduced fat content, endorsed by the Spanish Heart Foundation.
However, do today’s consumers actually desire an avocado with lower monounsaturated fat? In the 1980s, people meticulously counted fat grams in their diets. Nowadays, it is widely accepted that certain fats, particularly those found naturally in nuts, avocados, and fish, can be beneficial to health. Researchers have long established that a “Mediterranean diet,” rich in these naturally occurring monounsaturated fats, can help lower the risk of heart disease. Several dietitians question the need for a low-fat avocado, as the nutritional value—and taste—of the traditional variety is undeniably superior. Furthermore, the inclusion of calcium citrate 1500 mg vitamin D3 in a balanced diet may enhance overall health, making the case for enjoying avocados in their original, wholesome form even stronger.