It’s Avocado Season!
Avocado season in Florida is from June to January. Did you know avocados are also known as alligator pear, or butter fruit? They are also a part of the berry family.
After citrus, avocado and blueberries are the top fruit crops in Florida. Miami-Dade and Collier counties lead the state in avocado production. There are 3 major types of avocados: West Indian/Antillean, Guatemalan, and Mexican. Florida avocados are Antillean hybrid, and the popular Hass avocado is a Guatemalan/Mexican hybrid.
Some may dismiss Florida avocados as too watery but, they may have been picked too early. Since nearly all Florida avocados are green when ripe, it’s sometimes hard to tell when it is perfectly ripe. Avocados don’t ripen until they fall off, or are picked from the tree. If you pick avocados too soon, they won’t ripen properly they may shrivel, turn rubbery, or rot.
Avocados are extremely popular in the health and wellness world because they are nutritious superfood that have been linked to several health benefits.
Avocados have a concentrated source of healthy fats and fiber, plus several vitamins and minerals. Avocados are high in fat, but it’s monounsaturated fat, which is a “good” fat that helps lower bad cholesterol, as long as you eat them in moderation. They are also rich in nutrients that are often lacking in many people’s diets, including magnesium, B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and potassium.
Gut Health:
Avocados are high in fiber, providing about 14 grams per avocado, nearly half of the current DV. Getting enough fiber in your diet is essential for the digestive system, because it helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria.
Heart Health:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American men. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease. It can also help you improve and maintain your overall physical and mental well health. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, every week.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory:
Carotenoids found in avocados including lutein, alpha and beta carotene, have been shown to have strong antioxidant effects. It helps protecting against oxidative damage, which could lead to many chronic diseases. The vitamin E in avocados lowers inflammation in your body.
Storage Tips:
Store your ½ Avocado with the pit, squeeze some lemon juice or olive oil and then tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Check out these recipes:
– Krupa Patel, MPA, RD/LDN Registered Dietitian
Want more?
Check out our previous edition of Food for Thought!
Celebrated each year during June, Men’s Health Month brings awareness to the health issues all men face. Learn about how to maintain your mental health with our previous edition of Food for Thought!
