Food

The Most Nutritious Part of an Avocado Is Also the Easiest to Ignore

Most of us have been missing out on the most nutritious part of avocados by not knowing the right way to prepare an avocado.

Updated

7 years ago

January 5, 2020

First for Women Staff

one avocado removed from skin and being sliced with chef's knife on a cutting board

One of the most amazing benefits of chowing down on avocados (aside from their delicious taste, of course) is how helpful the superfood is for our health. You can focus on the fatty acids for your heart, or perhaps the high levels of potassium found in the pulp. Others love knowing their avocado toast comes with a side of lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Even the pit can be used to create a flavorful broth that unlocks perks for treating of hypertension, inflammatory conditions, and diabetes. The large seeds also contain phenolic compounds, which aid in preventing and treating cancer.

It all begs the question: Are we missing out on even more nutrition hiding in the peels of the avocado, too? Biting into the tough, bumpy skin of an avocado might not sound super appealing, but there’s a chance you’re still not getting quite as much out of your avocado dish as you could be if you’re ignoring one important detail.

Go For the Green

According to a 2012 study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, “The peel extracts had a higher total phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity when compared to the seed extracts.” That means there’s even more reason to pay close attention to the peel. You could be neglecting the most important section of pulp that clings onto the peel as you scoop out an avocado.

The darker green areas that line the peel are what contain the highest amounts of health-boosting antioxidants. Most of us only bother with the paler green and yellowish pulp in the center of the avocado while preparing our meal. After all, it’s much easier to scoop out, and we’re all usually anxious to enjoy whatever dish we’re putting together as soon as possible! However, taking a few extra moments to snag those darker areas of pulp before tossing the peel away can mean a big boost to your overall health.

Next time you find yourself whipping up a batch of guacamole, blending avocado into your smoothie, or simply enjoying the fruit all on its own, remember to keep a keen eye on the darker green, nutrient-rich remnants of nutrients waiting for you on the lining of the peel.