The avocado tragedy alert

Former “Bachelorette” star and best-selling author Andi Dorfman is used to the spotlight. But recently she made headlines for a very different reason. Dorfman fell victim to the dreaded “avocado hand.” She was preparing guacamole and attempted to show off her chops in the kitchen by holding half an avocado in one hand and remove the pit by whacking it with a knife. She missed the pit and sliced a tendon and hit a nerve between her fingers on her palm. At the emergency room, a hand surgeon immediately went to work on the injury, but the repair was so complex that six months later she’s still on the mend.

As avocados’ popularity has spread, this sort of injury has become all too common. One plastic surgeon in England says “avocado hand” is epidemic and suggests the fruit come with a consumer warning label.

But don’t let this scare you away from these flavorful, nutrient-packed fruits. They’re loaded with fiber, protein and vitamins A, C and E. They also contain healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower your lousy LDL cholesterol levels. According to one study, if substituted for butter, margarine or cheese, they can increase your good HDL cholesterol by up to 16 percent.

So expand your avocado repertoire: Besides guacamole, try them in smoothies, salads and toasted sandwiches. You can even grill them. To enjoy them safely, the California Avocado Commission recommends removing the pit with your fingers, and placing the fruit on a cutting board, not in your hand, while slicing.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare.com.