The Basics About Avocados…
1. Avocados are actually “fruits”
2. There are mainly seven commercial varieties of avocados produced in California, but the Hass variety accounts for about 95% of all California production.
3. Avocados contain an amazing number of phytonutrients, such as phytosterols, carotenoids and flavonoids. The richest source of phytonutrients is found in the dark green outmost flesh. The best way to peel an avocado to preserve as much of the outmost flesh as possible is to cut the avocado in half lengthwise, twist the two halves apart in opposite directions and peel the avocado like you would peel a banana.
4. Avocados are high in fat, although it is healthy fat that has anti-inflammatory properties. One cup of avocado has ~240 calories, of which ~200 of these calories come from fat (~22 grams). So, if you are trying to lose weight, make sure that you do not eat too much. In general, smaller-sized avocados tend to have more fat than large-sized avocados.
5. Avocados are a good source of pantothenic acid, dietary fiber, vitamin K, copper, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
– Sarah Washburn, MS,RD, CSO, Cancer Center of Santa Barbara with Sansum Clinic
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