- Avocados are fruits
You could be forgiven for thinking that avocados are vegetables as opposed to fruit. After all, they are used in savoury foods ranging from salad to pasta and one tends to equate fruits to the more dessert side of things! However, the truth of the matter is that the avocado is not classed as a vegetable. It is a fruit! To be even more specific, it is a single-seeded berry.
2. Avocados are allergen friendly
With the spate of dietary requirements and allergies that we know of today, the avocado might just be the chef’s best friend. Avocados are dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian-friendly, as well as cholesterol and gluten-free. This makes it the perfect food for any gathering because it will able to be enjoyed by just about everyone in your crowd.
3. An Avocado contains more potassium than a banana
A single avocado has 975 milligrams of potassium, while a banana, well-known for being loaded with potassium, delivers just half that, with 487 milligrams per large fruit.
4. Avocados grow in pairs
Avocado trees do not self-pollinate. This means that one avocado tree cannot stand alone and be successful. It needs a partner! Another fact about how avocados grow is that they always grow in pairs on trees.
5. They are baby friendly
Avocados are a great savoury food to mash up or cube for your baby during the weaning process – especially given the fact that there are so many nutritional benefits in one avocado. Make sure when you cube the avocado, it is small enough to be swallowed so there is no choking hazard
6. Avocados are NOT pet friendly
While avocados are very healthy for humans, they should not be consumed by birds, cats, dogs, and rabbits.
7. Avocados can be used as skincare and hair care
The antioxidants, amino acids and essential oils inside an avocado can help repair damaged hair, moisturise dry skin, treat sunburns and maybe even minimise wrinkles. I would however not suggest that you apply the fruit directly onto your skin or hair. Rather, there are specially formulated products available where the benefits of the avocados have been specifically harnessed for this purpose.
8. Avocados are an excellent source of protein
The humble avocado has more protein in it than any other fruit. With 4 grams of high-quality protein, backed by 18 of the most valuable amino acids, the avocado is a seriously underrated fruit.
9. Avocados can cause liver issues
Avocado contains two components called estragole and anethole, which can cause damage to your liver. Always check with a licensed physician if in doubt or if you have existing liver conditions.
10. Avocados may reduce milk production in breastfeeding women
Avocados should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Avocados reduce milk production and have even been known to damage the mammary gland. As always, please seek advice from a licensed physician or dietician.
