Avocado is often praised as a “superfood” because it contains healthy fats, fiber, potassium, folate, and several vitamins. For many people, it can be part of a balanced diet. However, avocado is not suitable for everyone. Some people may need to avoid it completely, while others should limit their intake or speak with a healthcare professional before eating it regularly.

1. People With Avocado Allergy

The most obvious group who should avoid avocado is anyone with a known avocado allergy. Although avocado allergy is not as common as peanut or shellfish allergy, it can still cause uncomfortable or serious reactions. Symptoms may include itching in the mouth, swelling of the lips or throat, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, sneezing, skin rash, or difficulty breathing. Medical News Today notes that avocado allergy may be connected to latex allergy and can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to breathing problems.

People who notice repeated discomfort after eating avocado should stop eating it and talk to a doctor or allergist. Severe symptoms such as throat swelling, wheezing, or trouble breathing should be treated as an emergency.

2. People With Latex Allergy

People with latex allergy should be especially careful with avocado. This is because of something called latex-fruit syndrome. Some proteins in avocado are similar to proteins found in natural rubber latex, so the immune system may confuse one for the other. Allergy & Asthma Network explains that people with latex allergy may react to certain fruits and vegetables, and avocado is one of the commonly linked foods.