Avocado is in fashion. Present in countless recipes, whether for breakfast or in salads, a fundamental element of the well-known "brunch", without forgetting the guacamole that both adults and children like so much, it is, nowadays, one of the foods that has become essential in our diet.
Is it a passing fad or a food that is here to stay in our shopping basket?
The truth is that avocado, among other things, contains a perfect balance of carbohydrates and fats, making it satiating. This fact, together with its taste, makes it an extremely attractive food.
We will now delve into the history and benefits of the avocado to understand why avocado consumption has increased dramatically in recent years.
Where does the avocado come from?
Its origin dates back to 7,000 BC in an area between southern Mexico and northern Guatemala. Remains of avocado seeds have also been found in Inca tombs dating back to around 750 BC.
Its name originates from the Nahuatl language, typical of the region at the time, and is related to the word "ahuacatl", the translation of which is believed to be "testicle" because of its shape and because it hangs from the trees.
Furthermore, for pollination, avocado trees must grow in pairs, male and female, which is why the Aztecs considered the avocado to be a symbol of fertility and attributed supposedly aphrodisiac properties to it.
In Spain, the first data are found in the 17th century, specifically about its presence in the Botanical Garden of Valencia and some plantations in Andalusia.
Spain is currently one of the main producers and distributors of avocado worldwide and a large part of its production is located in the southern part of our country.
What are the properties of avocado that make it so beneficial to our health?
As we have seen at the beginning, avocado is a food that is gaining more and more followers. In addition to its mild and pleasant taste, it is a food with multiple properties for our health.
On the one hand, despite being a fruit, it has a high content of healthy fats, of the same type as those present in olive oil.
It is also rich in vitamin E, which helps to prevent the development of diseases such as cancer. We should also not forget that its consumption provides us with a high volume of necessary minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron.
These properties result in important health benefits. The most important of these are:
- It helps to maintain our cardiovascular health:
Thanks to its monounsaturated fatty acid content, it helps to reduce cholesterol. Its consumption, therefore, is highly recommended to avoid diseases related to cardiovascular problems.
- Ideal for pregnant women:
Avocado is a food that supplements energy and folic acid needs, which is essential for the correct development of the foetus. In addition, folic acid also prevents certain types of malformations in the brain and spinal cord.
- Recommended for sportsmen and women:
It is a food that, due to its magnesium and potassium content, prevents muscle injuries and improves recovery from muscle strain.
- It helps to regulate our nervous system:
Avocado is rich in fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin B, properties that help regulate our nervous system.
How are avocados preserved correctly?
To preserve the avocado, we must put a thin layer of lemon juice on the part of the avocado that has been left uncovered. It is also important not to remove the stone. In this way, we will ensure that the remaining half of the avocado remains in perfect condition until the following day.
If you buy an avocado and its ripeness is not yet correct, you can try wrapping it in newspaper with some fruit and its ripeness will be reduced in a couple of days. You can also leave the avocado at room temperature and without direct sunlight until it ripens little by little.
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