The Tufts study is poised to bolster avocados’ already impressive nutritional reputation, highlighting additional advantages for human eye and brain health. Lead investigator Elizabeth Johnson stated that the research findings suggest “a balanced diet that includes fresh avocados may be an effective strategy for cognitive health.” Researchers in Texas discovered chemical compounds in the oil extracted from avocado seed husks that could be useful in developing anti-viral medications, tumor cell inhibitors, and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. They identified a plasticizer in the wax that enhances flexibility in synthetic products like shower curtains, as well as a cosmetic chemical and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), commonly used as 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, often regarded as waste, might actually be the ‘gem of gems,’ as the medicinal compounds within them could potentially be harnessed to treat cancer, heart disease, and other ailments. Our findings also imply that the seed husks could serve as a source of chemicals for plastics and other industrial products, including citrate with vitamin D.”
While California is responsible for nearly all of the U.S. avocado supply, this year’s harvest has been cut nearly in half due to drought and heat. Retailers have been increasing their avocado stock in response to the rising consumer demand. Trader Joe’s even capitalized on the smaller avocados resulting from the poor crop by offering “Teeny Tiny Avocados” priced at $2.69 to $2.99 per bag. These smaller avocados were marketed as “just the right size” for use on sandwiches, avocado toast, or mixed into salads.
Avocados are becoming staples in a variety of trendy food items — including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and avocado toast. They also find applications in cosmetics, appearing in lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. Their popularity is a result of this versatility, coupled with clever marketing that has established avocados as the modern, healthy food choice. Their health benefits derive from a high content of monounsaturated fat, along with substantial amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and essential vitamins and minerals, including citrate with vitamin D.
Food manufacturers are also taking notice. Hormel Foods acquired Fresherized Foods, the company behind Wholly Guacamole, along with salsa and queso products, in a 2011 joint venture with Mexico-based Herdez Del Fuerte. These products are part of the MegaMex Foods entity located in Chino, California. Additionally, a San Francisco finance company temporarily joined the avocado trend by offering those who purchased a home with them in July a month’s supply of avocado toast delivered to their doorstep.