Posted on: September 27, 2015
Posted by: rocky
One of the most popular of these so-called superfoods is the avocado. A trendy addition to any brunch or burrito bar, this fruit – yes, it’s a fruit – has developed quite a following in the U.S. The consumption of avocados has grown dramatically over the last two decades across the country. According to the California Avocado Commission, California alone produced 401.4 million pounds of the produce – or about 800 million individual avocados – in the 2015-2016 season, for a crop that was valued at more than $400,000,000.
Despite its increasing popularity, the fact remains that avocados are an extremely calorie-dense food, which can be a cause for concern among some health-conscious consumers. Which begs the question: Are avocados healthy? Or is the hype too good to be true?
Despite their green color and savory flavor, avocados are in fact a fruit that grows on a tree. Botanically speaking, they’re classified as berries, despite their size and single seed. Grown in tropical climates, the avocado tree is native to Mexico, but can now be found in many other parts of the world.
In the U.S., about 15 to 20 percent of avocados are grown in California, according to USA TODAY, while the rest come predominantly from Mexico.
These fruits are completely natural and free of sodium and sugar, but the question remains: Are avocados healthy?
“YES!” said Pritikin Director of Nutrition Kimberly Gomer, MS. RD. “They are good fats. They will not lead to heart disease or elevated cholesterol. HOWEVER – they are one of the worst foods for anyone needing to lose weight because they are essentially all fat. Fat is the highest calorie-dense food we can consume.”
Kim went on to explain that 1 gram of carbohydrate is equivalent to 4 calories, and 1 gram of protein is equivalent to 4 calories. In comparison, 1 gram of fat is equivalent to 9 calories. Consequently, fat, as the name suggests, is more than twice as fattening as carbohydrates or protein. Their high-fat composition also means they’re a dense source of calories.
It’s this high calorie density that tends to tarnish the otherwise good reputation of the avocado.
In our modern dietary conversations, the words “fat” and “bad” seem to be used almost interchangeably. However, the debate around fats in our food is not so cut and dry. While trans fats and saturated fats can clog arteries, and should be avoided as much as possible, your body needs dietary fats for energy and cell growth, according to the American Heart Association. Consequently, giving up this macronutrient altogether is not the answer. Luckily, there are so-called “good fats” – unsaturated fats – that can give your body energy and support the growth of cells without clogging your arteries.
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