In the United Kingdom the term avocado pear, applied when avocados first became commonly available in the 1960s, is sometimes used. [53] Berdugo‐Cely, Jhon A; etal. (2023). "Pleistocene‐dated genomic divergence of avocado trees supports cryptic diversity in the Colombian germplasm". Tree Genetics & Genomes. 19 (42). doi: 10.1007/s11295-023-01616-8. Avocados or “alligator pears” are known for their creamy smooth flesh and bumpy skin. They are a popular food across many cultures. Perhaps best known as the star ingredient in guacamole, they are versatile and prepared in an array of dishes, or simply eaten plain with a spoon. Although not sweet, avocados are botanically classified as a fruit with a large berry and single center pit, grown from the Persea americana tree. They are believed to have originated in Mexico or Central America, with Mexico being the leading producer worldwide. [1] Folic acid is important for DNA replication in all humans, but is even more important during pregnancy. It is advised that all women consume a supplement enhanced with folic acid, but avocados are an excellent source. Folic acid helps prevent the development of deformities in the womb, such as a condition called spina bifida. 11. Promote Healthy Liver Function Research has associated an optimal intake of folate with a reduced risk of developing colon, stomach, pancreatic, and cervical cancers. However, the mechanism behind this association remains unclear. Half of an avocado contains roughly 81 mcg of folate, 20% of the daily value.

Folate is important for a healthy pregnancy. Adequate intake reduces the risk of miscarriage and neural tube abnormalities. A person should consume at least 600 micrograms (mcg) of folate per day when pregnant. One avocado may contain as much as 160 mcg.

Consumption of avocados was also tied to a lower body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, as well as higher levels of good HDL cholesterol. This means that avocados could help with weight management when consumed with a healthy diet. In addition to being highly versatile, the vitamins and minerals in avocado are off the charts. Not only does it top the high-potassium foods list, but it’s also a great source of fiber, healthy fats and bone-boosting vitamin K. Avocados, soy, and some other plant foods contain saponins. These substances may have a positive effect on knee and hip osteoarthritis symptoms. However, researchers have not yet confirmed the long-term effects of saponins in people with osteoarthritis. 10. Antimicrobial action

Bruce Shaffer; B. Nigel Wolstenhome; Anthony W. Whiley, eds. (2012). The Avocado: Botany, Production and Uses. CABI. ISBN 9781845937010. We all can probably do with a little bit of weight loss, so every single thing helps. When it comes to fat, many people are scared, and misinformed. Fats will not necessarily cause you to gain weight, even though they yield more calories per gram when compared with the other macronutrients. Avocados, however, can help reduce your appetite and suppresses your overall caloric intake over the course of the day. Plus, when included in meals, you are likely to be satisfied for a far long time, opposed to having a meal without ample fat. 6. Avocados Are Fiber RichGwen': A seedling bred from 'Hass' x 'Thille' in 1982, 'Gwen' is higher yielding and more dwarfing than 'Hass' in California. The fruit has an oval shape, slightly smaller than 'Hass' ( 100–200g or 3 + 1⁄ 2–7oz), with a rich, nutty flavor. The skin texture is more finely pebbled than 'Hass', and is dull green when ripe. It is frost-hardy down to −1°C (30°F). [85] a b c Raul Lopez (18 December 2020). "The numbers behind avocados' record 2020". Blue Book Services – Produce . Retrieved 27 March 2021. Fuerte': Commercialized in the U.S. from budwood imported from Atlixco, Mexico in 1911, [88] Fuerte was the dominant commercial variety in the U.S. for the first half of the 20th century. [89]