Elderly Care – February is Avocado Month

Elderly Care in Etobicoke – February is Avocado Month

February is the month to celebrate the creamy deliciousness and health benefits of avocados. This food is actually a fruit and is grown in several countries around the world. Some avocados ripen in spring and summer while other varieties ripen in fall and winter. Some have thin, smooth skins whereas others have thick, rough skin.

It’s believed the avocado originated between 7,000-5,000 BC in south-central Mexico. Avocadoes were first planted in California in the 1850s. Because the avocado is not a sweet tasting fruit, it wasn’t thought it would be commercially viable. However, better varieties of avocadoes really took off and became popular after 1913.

History of the Hass Avocado

“The mother of all Hass Avocados was born in a backyard in La Habra Heights, California in 1926.  The avocado was planted by chance by Rudolph Hass, a postman, who purchased a seedling and planted it in his orchard. Hass did not care for the fruit since it was black and bumpy and did not compare the green and smooth fruits that were standard for that time.  However, the tree produced tons of fruit and Hass’ children told him to give the fruit a chance.  After one taste, Hass knew he had a discovered a delicious, new variety of avocados.  Soon after in 1935, he named the fruit after himself and took out a patent. Today, the Hass avocado accounts for 80% of all avocados eaten worldwide.  The mother Hass avocado tree died recently in 2002 due to root rot.  Brokaw’s nephew nursed the tree for over ten years before it died.”  More information may be found at:  http://foodforward.org/2013/01/fruit-of-the-month-avocado/

Nutritional Benefits of Avocados

Affectionately known as the Alligator Pear, the avocado’s name is derived from the Aztec word “ahuacatl.”  Avocados can weigh anywhere from 8 ounces to 3 pounds each!

Avocados:

·        Improve the body’s absorption of lycopene and beta-carotene. These are two important carotenoid antioxidants.

·        Contains healthy fats which provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

·        Help increase our absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients.

·        Are a rich source of pantothenic acid, fiber, vitamin K, copper, folate and vitamin B.

·        Promote heart health

·        Provide a wide variety of anti-inflammatory benefits.

·        Rich source of phytosterols, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, manganese, zinc and selenium.

How to Add Avocado to your Diet

Avocados can be enjoyed fresh by themselves, sliced and added to a salad, chopped in a taco or wrap, mashed and made into guacamole, or sliced and added to a sandwich. These are only a few ideas to get you started.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care services in Etobicoke, contact the caring professionals at Staff Relief Health Care 24/7 at 905.709.1767.