The avocado is an evergreen tree, also known as the butter tree and belongs to the Persea genus, Daphnoid family.
Its fruit has a buttery taste and its flesh is thick. It consists of 70% water, 25% oils, 2.5% proteins, 2.5% sugars and its fatty substances help to reduce Cholesterol. Its protein and fat content combined with its low sugar content make it a good food for diabetics. Its fruit is used in salads or eaten as an appetizer with lemon and salt.
The history of the avocado begins several millennia ago in the region of Mesoamerica. The ancient Aztecs considered the avocado a sacred fruit, believed to have healing properties and offered to the gods.
The Aztecs believed that the god Quetzalcoatl gave the avocado to people to give them health and strength. The avocado tree was considered sacred and a symbol of rebirth and life.
After the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortez's conquest of Mexico in the 16th century, the avocado became known in Europe. At first, the Spanish were not sure how to eat the avocado and thought it was toxic.
However, over time, the properties of the avocado were discovered and people began to use it as a food and ingredient in various recipes. Today, avocado has become very popular around the world and is used in many different cuisines.
In Greece, the first seeds arrived in 1910 and efforts to cultivate it began in 1966 in Crete and it thrives in areas where are cultivated and citrus fruits.
Dnutritional value of avocado
The characterization of avocado as super food due to the abundance of nutrients it includes as well as vitamins, minerals and trace elements of.
The nutritional value of 100g. Avocado is:
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Energy: 160cal
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Proteins: 2g.
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Vegetable Fiber: 7g.
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Carbohydrates: 9g.
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Fat: 15g.
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Vitamin C: 17% of SID
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Vitamin K: 26% of SID
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Vitamin E: 10% of SID
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Vitamin B5: 14% of SID
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Vitamin B6: 13% of SID
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Folic Acid: SID's 20%
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Potassium: 15% of SID
In addition, it contains small amounts of iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and vitamins A, B1, B2 and B3.
The health benefits of eating avocados are:
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Lowers triglycerides and cholesterol
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Better absorption of nutrients
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It may help prevent cancer
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Its antioxidants protect the optic nerve
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It contributes to weight loss
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It may relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
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It contributes to the regulation of blood pressure
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Improves bone health
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It helps in the proper functioning of the nervous system
Sources: https://healthia.gr/avokanto-ta-pollapla-ofeli-gia-tin-ygeia/
https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%91%CE%B2%CE%BF%CE%BA%CE%AC%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%BF
https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2
