The Tufts study is expected to further bolster the already strong nutritional reputation of avocados, suggesting that they may offer additional advantages for eye and brain health. Lead researcher Elizabeth Johnson stated that the findings imply “a balanced diet that includes fresh avocados may be an effective strategy for cognitive health.” Researchers from Texas discovered chemical compounds in avocado seed husk oil that could be useful in developing anti-viral medications, tumor cell inhibitors, and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. They identified a plasticizer in the wax that enhances the flexibility of synthetic products, such as shower curtains and medical devices, along with a cosmetic chemical and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which is commonly used as a food additive.
Debasish Bandyopadhyay, a researcher at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, remarked to Ingredients Network, “It could very well be that avocado seed husks, often dismissed as mere waste, may actually hold significant medicinal value, potentially aiding in the treatment of cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Our findings also indicate that these seed husks could serve as a source of chemicals for plastics and other industrial applications.”
While California produces nearly all of the avocados in the U.S., this year’s drought and heat have cut the harvest by almost half. Retailers have been increasing their inventory to satisfy the growing consumer demand. Trader Joe’s even capitalized on the smaller avocados resulting from this year’s poor crop by offering “Teeny Tiny Avocados” for $2.69 to $2.99 per six-pack, marketed as “just the right size” for sandwiches, avocado toast, or salads.
Avocados are featured in a growing range of trendy foods, including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and avocado toast. They also have applications in cosmetics, such as lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. Their popularity is attributed to this versatility as well as effective marketing that has positioned avocados as the quintessential modern health food. Their health benefits are largely due to their high content of monounsaturated fat, along with significant amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals, including a daily amount of calcium citrate.
Food manufacturers have taken notice of this trend. Hormel Foods acquired Fresherized Foods, the makers of Wholly Guacamole, along with salsa and queso products, in a joint venture with Mexico-based Herdez Del Fuerte in 2011. These products are part of the venture’s MegaMex Foods entity based in Chino, California. Additionally, a San Francisco finance company recently joined the avocado craze by offering a month’s supply of avocado toast to new homeowners in July. This reflects the growing interest in avocados, which are not only nutritious but also increasingly integrated into various aspects of modern living.