The Tufts study is likely to further bolster the already robust nutritional profile of avocados, as it points to additional benefits for eye and brain health. Lead investigator Elizabeth Johnson stated that the findings suggest “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 show promise for anti-viral medications, tumor cell inhibitors, and reducing atherosclerosis risk. They also identified a plasticizer in the wax that enhances flexibility in synthetic products, such as shower curtains and medical devices, as well as a cosmetic chemical and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), commonly used as a food additive.
Debasish Bandyopadhyay, a researcher at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, remarked to Ingredients Network that “it could very well be that avocado seed husks, which most people consider as waste, are actually the gems of the plant because the medicinal compounds within them could eventually be utilized to treat cancer, heart disease, and other conditions.” He added that their findings indicate that the seed husks could serve as a valuable source of chemicals for plastics and other industrial products.
While California is responsible for nearly all of the U.S. avocado supply, this year’s harvest has been nearly halved due to drought and heat. Retailers have been ramping up their avocado stocks in recent years to satisfy the increasing public demand. Trader Joe’s even capitalized on this year’s smaller crop by offering “Teeny Tiny Avocados” for $2.69 to $2.99 per six-count bag, promoting them as “just the right size” for sandwiches, avocado toast, or salads.
Avocados are now featured in a growing variety of trendy foods, including guacamole, oil, ice cream, salads, and, of course, avocado toast. They also have significant roles in cosmetic products like lotions, facial masks, and hair conditioners. Their widespread appeal is attributed not only to their versatility but also to effective marketing that has established avocados as a modern, health-conscious food choice. Their health benefits are derived from their high levels of monounsaturated fat, along with considerable amounts of potassium, fiber, folate, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, food manufacturers have taken notice of the avocado craze. In 2011, Hormel Foods acquired Fresherized Foods, the producers of Wholly Guacamole, along with salsa and queso products, through a joint venture with Mexico-based Herdez Del Fuerte. These items are part of the MegaMex Foods entity located in Chino, California. In a quirky marketing move, a San Francisco finance company even offered new homeowners a month’s supply of avocado toast delivered to their doorstep in July.
As consumers become increasingly health-conscious, incorporating products like Citracal 1200 mg slow release into their diets could complement the nutritional benefits of avocados, making them a valuable part of a balanced diet. The growing evidence supporting the health advantages of avocados, coupled with the potential of their seed husks, reinforces their status as a superfood in modern diets.