Whether it’s baby boomers blaming Millennials' love for avo toast for the housing crisis or Gen Z giggling at our so-called "bougie" breakfast, the humble avocado has become a cultural punching bag.
But let’s take a step back. Is avocado toast really worth the hype? More importantly, should you be eating it?
To answer this very serious (l question, let’s dive into the avocado’s journey, its benefits, and whether it really deserves a place on your plate.
Whether you’re slathering them on bread, tossing them into a salad, or eating them straight out of the peel with a sprinkle of salt, avocados are everywhere.
Avocado toast has become synonymous with millennial culture, a symbol of “bougie” living and Instagram-worthy breakfasts. Its global popularity surged in 2013 when wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow published a cookbook featuring a simple avocado toast recipe.
Food bloggers and Instagrammers followed suit, and suddenly, avocado toast wasn’t just breakfast - it was a lifestyle statement.
Why avocados are worth the hype
Let me confess something: as a kid, I couldn’t stand avocados. It’s a texture thing and lack of taste wasn’t helping either.
It was one of those "eat your food or else" moments that left me scarred - kind of like my love-hate relationship with minestrone soup (childhood trauma is real, okay?).
Fast forward to adulthood, and I’m eating avocados almost every day. Why the change?
Well, avocados are packed with health benefits that make them a must-have for anyone trying to live their best life.
Avocados give you glowing skin
Ever wondered why so many skincare products boast “avocado oil” as a key ingredient? It’s because avocados are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which help repair skin damage caused by acne, eczema or even scrapes.
Pro tip: You don’t have to eat them to reap the benefits. Mash up half an avocado and apply it as a face mask. Leave it on for three minutes, rinse with warm water, and voilà - hydrated, glowing skin!
Can help with weight management
If you’re looking to curb those mid-afternoon snack cravings, avocados might be your best friend. They’re high in monounsaturated (the good) fats and fibre, which help you feel full for longer.
A study even found that adults who added half an avocado to their meals felt significantly less hungry afterwards. So, instead of reaching for chips, why not grab an avo?
A plant-based protein boost
Believe it or not, avocado is one of the most protein-rich fruits out there. A 100g serving (about half an avo) contains 2g of protein.
While that might not sound like much, for vegans or vegetarians in South Africa struggling to meet their protein needs, every bit counts.
A natural remedy for sunburn
Ah, the South African sun - both a blessing and a curse. Going by the “No waste in South Africa” saying, make the most of what you already have in your pantry. Avocado can double down as a natural sunburn relief.
For a quick sunburn remedy, try this home made ointment: ½ cup smashed avo, ½ teaspoon lime juice and - 1 teaspoon plain yoghurt.
Mix it all together, apply to the sunburnt area, leave for 10 minutes, and rinse off. It reduces redness, soothes inflammation, and cools your skin.
Avocados are anti-ageing superstars
If you’re like me and want to age gracefully, avocados are your secret weapon. Free radicals damage skin cells and lead to premature ageing, but the antioxidants in avocados fight back.
They also boost collagen production, which helps lighten age spots and soften skin, leaving it youthful and radiant.
So, should you jump on the avocado train?
If you’re still hesitant about avocados, I get it. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea or slice of toast.
But whether you’re looking for glowing skin, weight loss, or a natural just good old snack that’s healthy, there’s no denying the incredible benefits of this creamy fruit.
Plus, avocados are so versatile.