Avocados, which look like a vegetable, are actually a type of berry. Learn other fun facts about this versatile, nutrient-packed food.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
The avocado: lush, creamy, and full of flavor.
It may look like a vegetable, but it’s actually a fruit. A berry, to be exact!
People began eating wild avocados in Mexico as long as 10 thousand years ago.
The name avocado comes from the Aztec word “ahuactl,” which means “testicle.”
The Aztecs believed avocados were aphrodisiacs.
Today we know that they’re rich in antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals.
Ounce for ounce, avocados have more potassium than bananas and more fiber and protein than virtually all other fruits.
Though avocados are also high in fat, it’s the good kind of fat that’s heart healthy and doesn’t raise cholesterol.
In fact, avocados have been shown to improve cholesterol levels
Avocados are high in calories for a fruit, but they can cut the calories and saturated fat when swapped for cheese or sour cream in your dip, mayo on your sandwich, or butter in your cookies.
Did you know that some people have allergic reactions to avocados? Often they’re also allergic to latex.
Around the world there are hundreds of different types of avocados, which come in various sizes, shapes, and colors.
Perhaps because of their leathery skin, avocados are sometimes called alligator pears.
But there’s nothing reptilian about this flavorful food.