Why Avocados Are Even More Awesome Than You Think

As one of five things every millennial should have in her pantry, avocados already hold a sacred place in our hearts. But, this new video from the American Chemical Society's Reactions channel has us loving them even more. Here's how the chemistry of avocados makes them so awesome. You already know about their nutrient benefits: Avocados are high in potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. They're also packed with cancer-fighting carotenoids, particularly in the dark-green area right under the skin. So, to preserve those healthiest bits, be sure to peel away the skin carefully. You also know that if you let these lovelies sit out for too long, they'll start to brown. This is thanks to phenols (compounds in the avocado) coming into contact with oxygen. When that happens, the phenols turn into other compounds, quinones, which eventually chain together to form melanin — the same pigment in human skin. And, with the help of a generous enzyme, this process happens way quicker for avocados than it does for other foods. To learn even more about the magic of avocados and how to keep your guac from going brown, check out the full video below. And, while we're at it, let us present you with some amazing (and easy) avocado recipes.