Did you know that the term avocado comes from the Aztec word ahuacate, which translates to “testicle”?
Because of its form and the belief that it was an aphrodisiac, it was chosen.
Because the word was difficult for Americans to say and didn’t conjure up an appealing image, Californian growers came up with the present moniker about a century ago, but only after failing with alligator pear, which never caught on.
Here are two more intriguing facts about this fruit that you may not be aware of… how much protein it has and the toxin persin it contains
How Much Protein In An Avocado?
A 50g portion of fresh avocado has 1 gram of protein, whereas a complete 5-oz. fresh avocado (3 servings) has 3 grams. Despite the fact that fresh avocados are low in protein, they may be a creamy and delicious addition to a number of meal plans and menus.
Furthermore, because they contain 6 grams of unsaturated or naturally healthy fat per 50g serving, they can be an excellent alternative for meals rich in saturated fats when consumed in moderation.
Health Benefits Of Avocados
Heart
“Avocados are strong in mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which may help lower blood cholesterol levels and minimize heart disease risk,” according to Anne Mauney, a nutritionist in Washington, D.C.
High levels of the amino acid homocysteine are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, but avocados contain vitamin B6 and folic acid, which can help manage it.
Avocados were linked to a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of symptoms linked to an increased risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and diabetes, according to a seven-year research published in Nutrition Journal in 2013.
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Flores stated, “Avocados have excellent anti-inflammatory qualities.” Avocados include “phytosterols, carotenoid antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, and polyhydroxolated fatty alcohols,” which can “benefit both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis,” according to her.
Lowering Cholesterol
Avocados may not only decrease bad cholesterol, but they may also raise good cholesterol levels. Patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) who ate avocados for one week experienced a 22 percent drop in bad cholesterol and triglycerides and an 11 percent rise in good cholesterol, according to a 1996 research published in Archives of Medical Research. Avocados improved cholesterol levels in persons who already had good lipid levels, but they were more beneficial in people who had minor cholesterol issues. Avocados can aid in this way since they contain a significant level of beta-sitosterol, a chemical linked to cholesterol reduction.
Blood Sugar Control
Avocados’ high monounsaturated fat content, according to Reader’s Digest, can help prevent insulin resistance, which helps manage blood sugar levels. Avocados’ soluble fiber can also help keep blood sugar levels in check. Avocados’ low carb and sugar content, in compared to other fruits, helps to keep blood sugar levels in check.
Regulating Blood Pressure
Avocados’ high potassium content can help keep blood pressure in check. Potassium, according to the American Heart Association, helps to balance the effects of salt, which can raise blood pressure.
Vision
Avocados are a good source of the pigment lutein, which lowers the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, according to Avocado Central, the Hass Avocado Board’s website.
Immune System
Glutathione is an antioxidant that has been linked to immune system health. “The immune system operates best if the lymphoid cells have a precisely adjusted intermediate level of glutathione,” according to a paper published in the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society in 2000. According to American National University, avocados are a good source of this chemical.
Pregnancy And Birth Defect Prevention
Avocados are a fantastic choice for expectant mothers, according to the California Avocado Commission. Avocados are high in folic acid, which is necessary for the prevention of birth problems such as spina bifida and neural tube defects.
Cancer
“Avocados have been demonstrated to lower the risk of some malignancies, including oral, skin, and prostate cancers,” Flores added. This is “due to the rare combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities,” according to the researchers. Avocado phytochemicals also induce cancer cells to stop growing and die, according to a 2007 study published in the journal Seminars in Cancer Biology.
Digestion
According to the Mayo Clinic, the fiber in avocados aids digestion by fostering regular bowel motions, healthy intestines, and a healthy weight.
Skin
According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, avocados’ vitamin C and vitamin E help keep skin healthy and radiant. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, avocado and B12 cream can help in psoriasis treatment.
Health Risks
Avocados, like many other fruits, have a high danger of overconsumption. “Even though avocados are an unsaturated fat, eating too many of them might contribute to weight gain,” Flores explained. “Because fat is metabolized slowly and keeps you feeling content for longer than other foods, it can also contribute to nutritional inadequacies.”
Avocado allergies do exist, however they are uncommon. According to the Mayo Clinic, they are commonly related with latex allergies. A stuffy nose, wheezing, coughing, and edema are some of the symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms after eating an avocado, consider eliminating the fruit from your diet to see if they go away. Consult a doctor if the symptoms continue or become serious.
Avocado Facts
- Avocados are native to Central and South America, where they have been cultivated since 8000 B.C.
- The United States, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Colombia are the top commercial avocado growers.
- 95 percent of all avocados farmed in the United States are grown in California.
- Because of its form and the leathery look of its skin, the avocado is also known as the alligator pear.
- Avocados come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including Hass, Fuerto, Zutano, and Bacon.
- In the United States, the Hass avocado cultivar is the most popular. The typical Hass avocado in California weighs around 6 ounces (170 grams) and has a pebbled, dark green or black skin.
- The Fuerte avocado has a smoother, brighter green peel and is frequently available throughout the winter months.
- “Avocado” comes from the Aztec word “ahuacatl,” which means “testicle.”
- Avocados are the fruit of the Persea americana tree, which may reach a height of 65 feet.
- Depending on the kind, avocados can weigh anything from 8 ounces to 3 pounds (226 grams to 1.3 kilograms).
- When an avocado is somewhat mushy, it is ripe and ready to eat, but it should not have dark sunken places or fissures.
- A tree-ripened avocado with a slight neck, rather than a rounded top, will have a greater flavor.
The ideal approach to peel an avocado is to “pick and peel,” as the California Avocado Commission calls it, since beneficial carotenoids are found just beneath the skin. Using a knife, cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Twist the two parts in opposing directions until they separate. Remove the seed and cut each half into long quarter portions lengthwise. Grip the edge of each quarter’s skin with your thumb and index finger and peel it off like you would a banana skin.
Conclusion
When it comes to this particular nutrient, avocados are a bad source for you. Males and females require 56 and 46 grams of protein per day, respectively, according to the Dietary Reference Intake.
To meet the RDI, a man would need 4,480 calories of avocado while a woman would need 3,680 calories. And keep in mind that this is for inactive individuals, not fitness enthusiasts or bodybuilders.
Are avocado growers the ones who created or propagated this idea/opinion? We’re not sure how someone could determine it’s a “excellent” source of protein compared to other lower-calorie plant-based meals, so we’re wondering whether that’s the case.
Of fact, in many respects, it’s still a nutritious food. Avocados are cholesterol-free, high in fiber, and practically sugar-free, and evidence shows that frequent intake might help with cardiovascular health and weight control. However, you should not rely on them as a reliable source of protein in your diet.
Pumpkin seed protein is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to a highly concentrated plant-based source with an outstanding amino acid profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Avocado A Good Source Of Protein?
Avocado may surprise you when it comes to high-protein fruits. Avocados are high in unsaturated fats, which assist to keep joints supple and blood pressure levels in check. They’re also high in fiber, which is necessary for weight loss. 4 grams of protein and 322 calories are found in one avocado.
How Much Protein Does 1/2 An Avocado Have?
About 2 grams of protein are found in half an avocado. Despite the fact that it isn’t a high-protein item, it can nevertheless help you fulfill your protein goals.
Is Avocado Considered Protein Or Fat?
Avocados are officially a fruit, however they are classified as a fat source nutritionally. Avocados, unlike other fruits, are exceptionally heavy in fat. In fact, fat accounts for around 77 percent of their calories. Avocados are primarily monounsaturated fat, with a minor bit of saturated and polyunsaturated fat thrown in for good measure.
Is 1 Avocado A Day Too Much?
“Normally, 12 to one avocado every day is a reasonable amount,” she says. She claims that because avocados are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat, they keep you fuller for longer and are harder to overeat because they fill you up.