Who should not eat avocados: an expert named the most dangerous consequences

Avocado is a unique fruit that contains a lot of healthy and essential fats and vitamins. It can be added to salads, made into delicious sandwiches, or simply eaten with salt and black pepper. It is often even used to make desserts.

Despite this, not everyone can eat a healthy product. In an exclusive commentary for OBOZREVATEL, Victoria Stelmakh, founder of the largest Ukrainian-language Facebook group on complementary foods and baby food expert, told us who should avoid avocados and what the consequences of eating the product may be.

Avocado allergy

"You can actually be allergic to avocados in not just one but two ways: an oral avocado allergy or you can be allergic to latex. An oral avocado allergy occurs when you eat an avocado and your body perceives the food as an enemy and alerts your immune system. Your body reacts with mild or severe allergy symptoms, such as itchy lips, mouth, and throat," the expert explained.

"If you are allergic to latex, consult your doctor before adding avocados to your diet. People with severe latex allergies may have symptoms after eating avocados. You may also hear this referred to as latex-food syndrome or latex-fruit allergy," advises Viktoriia.

The expert added that latex products are made from a protein in the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Avocados have a very similar protein that causes an allergic reaction.

Side effects of eating avocados

The expert noted that eating avocados in moderation poses at least a minimal health risk. But, as with any food, overeating can lead to undesirable consequences. For example, avocados are high in fat, so adding too much to your diet can lead to unintended weight gain.

"For people taking blood thinners, it is important to maintain a constant level of vitamin K. For this reason, you should not suddenly start eating more or less foods containing vitamin K, which plays an important role in blood clotting," the expert said.

The expert added that avocados can also negatively affect people suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). For them, avocado consumption is limited, in minimal amounts, and only after consulting a doctor.

Avocados are also the food with the highest FODMAP content

"They contain carbohydrates that are not easily digested or absorbed. So, those on a low FODMAP diet or those with excessive bacterial growth in the gut will also want to stick to 1/8th of an avocado serving, although there is no magic number for everyone – everyone is different," summarizes Victoria.