The shape of the Avocado (again invoking the Doctrine of Signatures by different names in different cultures) and its silken, buttery texture have made it an aphrodisiac to many people for centuries. The Aztecs called it “ahuacatl” (meaning “testicle”), and considered it such a powerful sexual force that maidens were forbidden to leave their houses during the avocado harvest.
Its shape, whether whole or in cross-section, has also been compared to womanly forms.
What does science say about it? Not much, except that the fruit is intensely fatty, and in a way not notably fattening. Hey, what? you say. No, it’s true. Though eating one’s self into obesity can be accomplished by just about any food, ounce per ounce avocado is far less fattening than, say, a bagel. Unlike items loaded with refined carbohydrates, the fats in avocados don’t mess with your leptin or insulin, and avoids the “rebound hunger” that the carbo-loading can cause. Avocado’s folate also helps control homocysteine, which can mess with blood flow.
The fruit also lowers bad cholesterol, may help prevent oral and breast cancers, reduces stroke risk, boosts immunity, slows aging and benefits your eyes, bones and muscles. However, like asparagus, aside from a healthy body being a sexy body avocado has no direct aphrodisiac effect.
But it’s really tasty in guacamole.