Its fruit, sometimes also referred to as an alligator or avocado pear, is botanically a large berry containing a single large seed. Avocado trees are partly self-pollinating, and are often propagated through grafting to maintain consistent fruit output.
Avocado is nutrient-dense and is particularly rich in healthy fatty acids (oleic acids) that moisturize skin and hair.
Avocados contain high levels of healthy, beneficial fats, which can help a person feel fuller Trusted Source between meals. Eating fat slows the breakdown of carbohydrates, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable.
Benefits of Avacado
- Rich in nutrients
- Healthy for the heart
- Great for vision
- May help prevent osteoporosis
- Components may prevent cancer
- Supporting fetal health
- Reducing depression risk
- Improving digestion
- Natural detoxification
- Osteoarthritis relief
- Antimicrobial action
- Protection from chronic disease
Risks
There is little risk in eating avocados in moderation. But as with all foods, overdoing it can lead to unwanted outcomes. For example, avocado has a high fat Source, so adding too many to the diet might lead to unintended weight gain.
Avocados also contain vitamin K, which can affect how blood thinners work. It is important for people taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), to keep their vitamin K levels constant. For this reason, it is not a good idea to suddenly eat more or fewer foods containing vitamin K, which plays an important role in blood clotting.
