Concept in Definition ABC

Avocado is the term used to define a tree of American origin and its fruit. In other parts of Latin America it receives different names, such as avocado, cura or avocado. In total there are more than 500 different species of avocado spread across the globe.

The tree is characterized by its evergreen and flowers yellow, and can reach up to 20 meters in height. While the pear-shaped fruit has a tough dark green or reddish-brown skin, collecting in its Inside the pulp, lime green in color and buttery consistency, being widely used in the kitchen international. Among the most famous recipes that use avocado, guacamole as well as various salads stand out.

Origin of the term

The word avocado has its origin in Quechua, being used to refer to a ethnicityindigenous that in pre-Inca times inhabited the north of Peru, in what today would be the Province of Loja.

In his conquering expeditions, Tupac Yupanqui would take possession of the territory of the avocados, discovering at the same time the fruit that they would name the conquered town with the same name.

The consumption avocado subsequently expanded to different territories in South America, resulting in that even today it is known by that name in Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Argentina and Uruguay.

Benefits derived from avocado consumption

In addition to providing a fresh flavor to meals, the benefits of avocado are becoming more and more recognized by dietetic medicine, making their consumption a regular recommendation by many specialists.

Thus, for example, thanks to its high lutein content, avocado consumption helps protect the retina from malicious effects of ultraviolet rays, preventing macular degeneration and therefore the appearance of waterfalls.

In addition, avocado is highly indicated in the case of pregnant women, since the folic acid in this fruit makes the fetus develop without complications, avoiding possible malformations.

On the other hand, folic acid also has beneficial effects on the heart, while helping to maintain the Balance in cholesterol levels, so the consumption of avocado is recommended in those with heart problems.

Also, thanks to its high concentration of vitamin E, avocado is an excellent protector for the skin, rejuvenating it and giving it greater elasticity, helping to fight the possible appearance of cancer.

Photos: iStock - Kesu01 / pawel_p