A Nutrient-Rich Fruit
Raghu Yadav
| 12-07-2023
· Food Team
Avocado is an immensely popular fruit with a soft, delicious, and nutritious pulp that has become an indispensable part of modern tables. Its discovery and origin, as well as its nutritional value, make it an intriguing fruit worth exploring.
Discovery and Origin of the Avocado
The avocado is a fruit indigenous to Central America, with its roots in the regions of Mexico and Guatemala. According to archaeological research, the history of avocados dates back to around 5000 BC, when Indians had already started growing and eating avocados.
In the 16th century, with the arrival of the Spaniards, avocados began to spread to Europe. However, the climatic conditions at that time were not suitable for its growth, so avocados were not widely promoted in Europe.
It wasn't until the 19th century, with the discovery and exploration of America, that the avocado gradually spread to all parts of the world, becoming one of the most popular fruits of today.
Nutritional Value of Avocados
Avocado fruit has high nutritional value, contains a variety of vitamins, rich in fatty acids and protein, and high in sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc. The nutritional value of avocado is equivalent to that of butter, earning it the reputation of forest cream.
Avocado is also rich in potassium, folic acid, and vitamin B6, and contains a variety of mineral elements and edible plant fiber. For every 100 grams of raw avocado, water accounts for 74.3%, with 2 grams of protein, 15.3 grams of fat, and 7.4 grams of carbohydrates, providing 673.9 kilojoules of energy. Therefore, avocado is a high-energy and low-sugar fruit.
Avocados are high in fat and contain a lot of enzymes. They have the effect of invigorating the stomach and clearing the intestines and play important physiological functions such as protecting the cardiovascular and liver systems.
Apart from eating, the nutritional value of avocado is also used in the production of cosmetics and health products. Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids and nutrients such as vitamin E, which help maintain the health and luster of the skin and reduce dryness and inflammation of the skin.
Avocado is also believed to have the effect of reducing stress and promoting sleep, making it a commonly used health food by modern people.
Ways to Eat Avocado
Avocado has a unique taste and can be eaten directly or added to various delicacies as an ingredient. Below are several common ways to eat avocado, so you can taste its deliciousness and experience its health benefits.
Direct Consumption
Cut the shelled avocado in half horizontally and eat it with a spoon. You can also slice the avocado and eat it with a fork, depending on your personal preference.
Avocado Jam
Scoop up the avocado with a small spoon-like jam and spread it evenly on sliced bread, then add strawberry jam or honey for an amazing flavor.
Avocado Salad
This method is similar to the general salad, but the ingredients are replaced with avocado. Cut the avocado into 1cm cubes, add corn kernels and your favorite vegetables, then mix with salad dressing or tomato sauce.
Avocados are a highly nutritious fruit with an intriguing history and various culinary uses. Incorporating it into your diet can provide a wealth of health benefits.