Millennials everywhere are raving over the superfood that is avocados. Teenagers are commonly associated with a passion for avocado toast and the extra cost for Chipotle guacamole is an outrage that everyone can bond over. For those that are questioning the hype over avocados, here are some reasons why they are definitely worth the praise.

To start, the most commonly purchased avocado is the Hass avocado, which has a very unique shape and turns black when it is ripe enough to eat. In the center is a giant pit, which requires an immense amount of patience to remove. Apparently, there are some techniques for removing the pit in a controlled fashion, but the majority of people haven’t learned these methods and just hope for the best. In addition, many people confuse avocados for vegetables, but they are actually categorized as fruit and, shockingly enough, they are even further categorized as berries.

Avocados have many health benefits and are rich with nutrients, vitamins and minerals. They contain antioxidants that are difficult to find in contemporary diets. According to the California Avocado Commission, avocados can act as “nutrient boosters” for our bodies as they facilitate absorption of more fat-soluble nutrients including vitamins A, D, E and K.

Another health benefit provided by avocados is that they’re comprised of many “good” fats. The American Heart Association says that mono and polyunsaturated fats, when taken in moderation, help lower blood cholesterol levels and decrease the likelihood of contracting heart disease.

As previously stated, avocados make a great spread for toast and are the key ingredient for guacamole, but there are many other ways that they can be used. Avocados are a great addition to any sandwich, adding a mushy texture and subtle dose of flavor. They can also be cut up into pieces, added to any kind of salad or blended into a smoothie. When adding avocado to toast, there are a variety of different ways to spice it up including the addition of a poached egg, feta cheese, salt, pepper, lemon juice or zest, etc.

As college students, avocados are always good to stock in your dorm room or kitchen as they are both quick and easy to incorporate into meals. If they’re purchased while still green, avocados don’t have to be eaten right away as they take a few days to ripen. Once their skin darkens, they can be cut and placed in the fridge for freshness and avoid color change.

The best avocados are grown in tropical places like Puerto Rico, but other great avocados are grown here on the mainland. All in all, their versatility, health benefits, flavor and texture definitely qualify avocados for the hype.

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-- Senior| Assistant Vine Editor Emeritus-- English Literature

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