Food of the month: Avocados are great, but come with cautions

Food of the Month: avocado

Each month this year we will take a look at a specific food and discuss its advantages, drawbacks, and uses.

The avocado is considered a “superfood” thanks to a variety of nutrients and health benefits.

• It contains good stuff like fiber, healthy fats, potassium, and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
• Research suggests it may help your heart, aid in weight loss, and benefit your digestive tract, among other functions.

It’s also versatile, serviceable in

• dips like guacamole
• baked and cooking (as a fat replacement)
• smoothies
• salads

The worldwide popularity of the fruit has skyrocketed, with U.S. consumption up 500% since 1985. You can slice up an avocado and enjoy using one of these 50 recipes.

There are some cautions in buying and using avocados, though.

• Many avocados from Mexico, where they originated, are unethically sourced. Cartels have taken over or created plantations and resort to violence and forced labor to procure their control and crop. To avoid supporting these criminal enterprises and to support those growers who are taking care of the soil and their workers, it’s a good idea to look for California-grown avocados.
• Gauging the ripeness of an avocado is tricky. If they’re hard, they’re not ready yet. If they have a slight give, they’re ready for most plate uses. If they have a lot of give, you’ll need to be creative.
• Some people, like those with kidney problems, are advised to limit their consumption of avocados due to the fruit’s high potassium content.
• While avocados are brimming with health benefits, eating more than 1 to 2 servings a day can lead to digestive issues.