What’s the Skinny on Lower-Fat Avocados?
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The internet is exploding with stories of the trendy “skinny avocado.” Let us trim the fat to decide if a low-cal version of this famously high-fat food should be on your plate.
The Facts
Americans love their avocados. In fact, according to market research, Americans go through 37 million pounds of the stone fruit each week! The rise of avocado toast and pop culture mainstays like guacamole on game day further ensure that avocados reign supreme for both lovers of bar food and green drinks.
A medium avocado contains approximately 240 calories and 8 grams of fat, which includes 5 grams of monounsaturated, shown to help lower bad cholesterol. To round out the nutrition facts you will also find 4 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein per avocado. Since the fat and calories in an avocado rank higher than many other fruits and vegetables, a standard USDA serving size equates to 1/3 of a fruit. While the calories and fat are from healthy sources, portion control is recommended to keep the calorie count from going overboard.
The new avocado on the scene called Isla Bonita Light is grown by a company in Spain; this special breed contains one-third less fat and claims to have a slower rate of oxidation, meaning it won’t turn brown as quickly once cut. A slightly older version of a lighter avocado known as “Slim ado” (the trademarked name) is grown in Florida. These have a bright green and smooth skin and claim to contain about half the fat and 1/3 the calories of a California grown Haas avocado.
The Pros
Avocado lovers may be able to over slather their avocado toast with fewer calories. According to growers, skinny avocados retain other important nutrients like potassium and folate. Light avocados also tend to have a firmer flesh that may work better in salads and other recipes where intact chunks are preferred.
The Cons
Less fat means less flavor and you’ll be sacrificing some of that creamy goodness when you slash 30% of the fat. The fat here is good fat to have in the diet, and consumers may be better off slashing calories from less healthy sources from their diet instead.
Whether you’ve got a hankering for a light avo or not you might have to wait a while. SlimCados may be hard to find nationwide and the newer variety from overseas is not yet available in the U.S.
Tell Us: Would you reach for a skinnier avocado?
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