Butter pear, pear, avocado, or zaboca has its origins in Central America but today, this fruit can be found the world over as long as the climate is tropical. There are many varieties of avocados and each varies in size, shape, and colour. Full of essential nutrients found in a singular source, someone once referred to the avocado as superman without the cape! And they were not off the mark.
Contrary to popular belief, avocados are not rich in cholesterol. Cholesterol is primarily derived from foods of animal sources. Avocados are rich in the good type of fat-monounsaturated fat-which is a type of unsaturated fat. While saturated and trans fats increase the risk for certain diseases, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, decrease such risks.
Nutrients and benefits
Vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E and vitamin K are among the many nutrients that an avocado provides. We need Vitamin C in order to make connective tissues which bind the body cells together; we also need it to produce of blood, to build strong bones and teeth, and to assist in the absorption of iron.
Studies have shown that the high folate-content of avocado can help prevent strokes. Due to this super fruit's dense nutrient content, studies are being done to see how effective it can be in combating breast, prostate and oral cancer and the lowering of cholesterol.
Buying guide
There are many varieties of avocado but they fall into three main categories-the West Indian with the smooth, leathery skin; the Guatemalan with a thick, rough skin (also called Hass), and the Mexican, smaller with a soft, thin skin. Depending on the variety, some of the avocados will remain green when ripe, and some will darken, turning purple. Avocados do not ripen on the tree. They are picked when they are fully grown and then set to ripen. They can take one to two weeks to ripen. After purchasing it in a supermarket, when you get home, place it in a paper bag and leave it at room temperature to ripen. A ripe avocado will yield to gentle pressure when pressed with a thumb.