Do you remember when avocados were in their heyday? Avocado toast was hip. Avocados were popular online and among health nuts and influencers alike. The “free-shavacado” Vine-meme from 2016 can be attributed as the source of that modern avocado renaissance. This era of the modern avocado renaissance has come and gone. In its absence of popularity a vast rift has grown between the public and their love for avocados. 

In spite of this, the superfood remains one of the healthiest and culturally significant available for consumption. In attempts to bring this food back to its glory, I will be deep diving into the health benefits and historical context of the tastiest fruit on the block.

The nutrition gained by ingesting avocados knows no bounds. According to bbcgoodfood.com, 80 grams of avocado contain 360 milligrams of potassium. Along with its potassium intake, avocados also provide for an excellent source of protein and a good amount of monounsaturated fats, which are the category of fat that supports heart health and lowers blood pressure. They also contain a significant amount of vitamin E. The amount of soluble fiber in avocados is higher than many other fruits on the market. This, along with the carotenes in the fruit improve eyesight and eye health in a way that any other fruit simply cannot. 

The avocado is overflowing with nutritional value, and it is a refreshing and creamy taste that can appeal to anyone. Its multicultural uses of being a staple in Mexican food culture (guacamole) and the versatile nature of the fruit’s flesh makes this the ultimate superfood.

Avocados are culturally significant and have successfully provided for their home country of Mexico. Evidence shows that avocados were used to provide sustenance for the indigenous Mesoamerican people 10,000 years ago. In addition, the fruit was known for its health benefits and supposed mythological powers. Avocados were introduced to Spain in 1601, according to  http://www.donaguacato.com/avocados-from-mexico/. Since then they have become popular around the world. The United States and Brazil became proprietors of the avocado in the early 17th century. 

Avocados from Mexico make up for about 80% of their exports to the United States. The food has become a main source of income for Mexico being its second largest export (trailing behind the tomato), and Mexico has established its avocado dominance by producing one in every three kilograms of avocados throughout the world. Its rich background and the riches it provides to its home country explains the intrinsically beneficial nature of the avocado perfectly.

Rarely in school cafeterias do you see this beautiful fruit. It hardly shows up on non-Mexican food restaurant menus, the only time being as an add-on to a meal or a replacement for a meat option. No longer can you find memes and recipes praising the avocado for its prowess. This fruit needs to be shouted from the rooftops as the benefits it provides outweigh those that almost any other fruit could offer. Avocados need to be staples in our diets and need to be displayed proudly on menus.