Avocado (Persea Americana)

Avocado (Persea Americana) is an exotic fruit native to South America and consumed exclusively by Native Americans until the early 1500s. P. americana, which finds a place in global recipes thanks to its unique taste and nutritional properties, stands out with its high vitamin, mineral and fat content.  P. americana started to spread and be consumed all over the world after the discovery of the American continent. P. americana, which has been widespread in our country since the 1970s, is produced in the Mediterranean region due to the suitability of growth and growing conditions. P. americana should be grown in light textured and clay soil. For this reason, it is produced especially in Antalya, Mersin, Hatay and Muğla provinces in our country.   

P. americana is one of the rare fruits rich in lipid content and the composition of the oil is very similar to olive oil. In addition to its lipid content, avocado is also remarkable for its higher protein content, vitamins, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, pigments, chlorophylls and carotenoids. 
In researches, it is stated that bioactive compounds in the structure of avocado have antidiabetic effects and avocado consumption is especially important in lowering cholesterol. The fact that it is a very healthy food source thanks to its rich components enables P. americana to play an effective role in weight loss and weight control. Avocado leaf extract has been studied to reduce body weight by increasing the catabolism of lipids accumulated in tissues. It has been certified as a “healthy fruit” by various independent organizations and recommended to be consumed in the daily diet.  

In vitro studies have shown that P. americana leaf extracts have anti-HIV properties and are particularly effective in cytotoxic drugs produced for cancer cell death. On the other hand, it is also emphasized that P. americana seed oil has antioxidant effect and the fruit has antibacterial effect.  

In addition, the high content of unsaturated fatty acids in its structure makes it very important to protect the fruit from cardiovascular disease risk factors. According to research, P. americana aqueous extract has been proven to have a vasodilating effect. In addition to its relaxing effect on the vessels, the anti-inflammatory effect of P. americana has also been studied. According to the findings, there were visible improvements in swelling in the inflammation area.  
P. american is actively used in many areas other than traditional uses and the food industry, such as guacamole sauce and avocado oil. It also stands out with its frequency of use in cosmetic products. Especially thanks to its high oil content, it is included in the formulations of hand and face creams, soaps and other cosmetic products. Today, with its anti-aging feature, which has come to the fore in recent years, it prevents redness and tissue deterioration in the skin, while strengthening the collagen tissue under the skin. P. american stands out in the cosmetics industry with these properties; It is very popular in the production of sunscreens, creams, skin masks, soaps and shampoos with cosmetic ingredients.