Avocados are widely praised as a nutrient-dense fruit packed with vitamins and minerals that offer numerous health benefits. However, consuming them in excess can lead to several unexpected side effects you may not be aware of.

Weight Gain

Avocados are naturally high in calories and healthy fats. If you add them to your daily meals, you’ll need to reduce calories elsewhere. Eating too much avocado can cause a calorie surplus, which may lead to weight gain over time.

Potential Liver Damage

Avocados contain a significant amount of collagen—a substance that supports skin regeneration and helps slow down aging. But when consumed in large quantities, excess collagen may not be fully digested and can accumulate in the liver, potentially causing liver stress or damage.

More importantly, certain avocado oils contain compounds like estragole and anethole, which have been linked to increased risks of liver toxicity and even cancer in some studies. For this reason, it’s best to eat avocados in moderation.

Allergic Reactions

People with a latex allergy should be especially cautious. Avocados contain natural latex-like proteins that can trigger the body to produce elevated IgE antibodies, potentially leading to dangerous allergic reactions.

Common symptoms of avocado-related allergies include rashes, itching, skin redness, hives, and eczema. Mild cases may cause tingling or itching in the mouth and tongue, or even nausea and vomiting.

Reduced Effectiveness of Certain Medications

While avocados have anti-inflammatory properties, they can interfere with specific medications. If you’re taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before consuming avocados regularly, as they may reduce the medication’s effectiveness.

Lowering of “Good” Cholesterol

Avocados help lower overall cholesterol levels, but overeating them may have the opposite effect. The compound beta-sitosterol found in avocados can reduce HDL cholesterol—the “good” cholesterol that protects heart health—if consumed excessively.

Effects on Pregnant Women and Young Children

For pregnant women, avocados provide valuable folic acid, support digestion, reduce nausea, and help prevent anemia. However, eating too many avocados during pregnancy or breastfeeding may reduce milk production and potentially irritate breast tissue.

Breastfeeding mothers who consume large amounts of avocado may also unintentionally cause stomach discomfort or fussiness in their babies.