Avocados are delicious, nutritious, and found on the menu in many restaurants, adding their beautiful color and unique flavor to all types of dishes. They're easy to find in the grocery store too, and make a great snack either on their own, on toast and sandwiches, or with chips and salsa.
Although high in calories, avocados are good for us; however, people are becoming more aware of how certain compounds in otherwise healthy foods can negatively affect our health.
Oxalates are a compound in food that can lead to kidney stones. Those prone to developing kidney stones or suffering from kidney disease may follow a diet low in oxalates to lessen their chances of developing these painful stones.
Does avocado fit well into a low-oxalate diet?
Avocados are very high in oxalates, with one containing about 19 mg.
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Are Avocados Good for Us?
Avocados are high in healthy fats and have more potassium than a banana. They also contain over 20 essential vitamins and minerals.
Studies have shown eating an avocado daily decreases harmful cholesterol levels.
Can I Eat Avocados if I Have Kidney Disease?
If you're on a low-oxalate diet, the occasional piece of avocado toast shouldn't cause any problems. However, you should always stay within your daily oxalate intake recommended by your doctor.
Other Foods High in Oxalates
I've listed a few foods below that, like avocado, are high in oxalates.
- Tomato sauce - 17 mg per half cup
- Potato chips - 21 mg per one ounce
- V8 juice - 18 mg per one cup
- Kiwi - 16 mg for one fruit
RELATED: Is Oatmeal High in Oxalates?
How to Prevent Avocados from Browning
To store a cut avocado, brush some olive oil or lemon juice onto the flesh and refrigerate in an airtight container; this stops the flesh from oxidizing.
Avocados and the Aztecs
The Aztec name for avocados, ahuacatl, means testicle, and they called it this because avocados grow in pairs.
Avocados symbolized fertility and love to the Aztecs.
How Many Types of Avocados Are There?
There are over 500 different types of avocados, with 15 of them grown commercially. Hass avocados are one of the most popular, and they're ideal for making guacamole.
Where Do Avocados Grow?
Avocados are native to Mexico and Central America, but they're now grown in warmer climates globally.