The Alligator Pear aka. Avocado

That's right, I said alligator pear. Actually avocados are said to have many names but we'll save that for another day. We're really here to find out a few tidbits about this delectable fleshy fruit. First of all, as you can see below, this fruit actually grows from a tree. A more tropical climate is where you will find avocado trees growing, however there is opportunity to do-it-yourself at home (the link is below). Here in Canada, we typically see avocados at most of our friendly neighborhood grocery stores. So now you're probably thinking, 'why should I eat these green pear-shaped fruits?' Well I'll give you a reason or two.

It's true, avocados are mostly composed of fat and if you have ever tried one you can probably get down with this concept considering their buttery mouth feel. In fact, it is composed of mainly monounsaturated fats which are recommended as our main source of dietary fats.When you are replacing dietary saturated fats with monounsaturated fats, bad cholesterol (LDL) can be reduced making more room for good cholesterol (HDL). So what I'm trying to tell you is, don't let the term fat get the best of you. Just be aware that there are many forms of fat and aim to consume the good fats, like those found in the avocado (i.e. monounsaturated).

Another reason why I advocate for avocado is due to the fact that they are a good source of vitamin C, E, K, folate, B6 and potassium. Interestingly enough, avocados contain more potassium than a banana. This fruit is also a good source of dietary fibre, the majority of which is insoluble meaning it promotes a healthy digestive system. There you have it, my sch-peal about the alligator pear. That's all for now.

References:

Alpert P. Healthy foods thought to be unhealthy at first glance. Home Health Care Management & Practice 2012; 24(6) 312–314.

Dietitians of Canada. Dietary fats; 2007 [cited 2013 Jan 31]. Available from: http://www.dietitians.ca/Dietitians-Views/Food-Regulation-and-Labelling/Dietary-Fats.aspx

Dietitians of Canada. Food sources of fibre; 2012 [cited 2013 Jan 31]. Available from: http://www.dietitians.ca/Nutrition-Resources-A-Z/Factsheets/Fibre/Food-Sources-of-Fibre.aspx

Grow your own avocado tree link:

http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2009/09/09/how-to-grow-an-avocado-tree-from-an-avocado-pit/.