Avocado Consumption Positively Linked to Improved Cardiometabolic Health in Adults, unveils Australian Study
In a promising revelation, a recent cross-sectional analysis of
the Australian Health Survey 2011-2013 has uncovered positive associations
between avocado consumption and enhanced cardiometabolic health in Australian
adults. Avocados have long been recognized for their potential health benefits.
The study results were published in the Nutrition Journal.
Avocados, recognized for their nutrient-rich profile, are a
source of monounsaturated fats, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals. Studies have
associated higher avocado intake with enhanced dietary quality. To delve deeper
into this relationship, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a
representative sample of Australian adults using data from the Australian
Health Survey 2011-2013.
The study, involving 2,736 observations, utilized day 1 24-hour
recall data to assess avocado consumption and its potential impact on
cardiometabolic risk measures. Avocado intake, both whole avocados, and
products excluding avocado oil, was examined alongside markers such as LDL,
HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, HbA1c, plasma glucose,
systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Results:
Key findings revealed that 14.7% of Australians were classified
as ‘avocado consumers.’-
The mean avocado intake for this group was 24.63 (95% CI: 20.11,
29.15) grams per day, with a median intake of 10.40 (IQR: 4.49–26.00) grams per
day. -
Avocado consumers exhibited lower BMI and waist circumference
(p ≤ 0.001), along with a significant decrease in plasma glucose levels
(p = 0.03) and higher HDL cholesterol (p ≤ 0.001) compared to non-consumers.
Further analysis between high and low consumers of avocado
revealed a notable trend: high consumers showcased lower plasma glucose and
HbA1c (each, p = 0.04) and a higher dietary fiber intake (p = 0.05).-
These findings suggest a positive association between avocado
intake and improved cardiometabolic characteristics.
While the study establishes a correlation, it emphasizes the
need for future research, particularly clinical trials, to explore the
potential causative relationships between avocado consumption and
cardiometabolic risk factors, especially in the realm of glucose homeostasis.
The study underscores the potential benefits of incorporating avocados into the
diet for improved metabolic health, urging further exploration into the
mechanisms behind these observed positive outcomes.
Further reading: Probst Y, Guan V, Neale E. Avocado intake and cardiometabolic risk factors in a representative survey of Australians: a secondary analysis of the 2011-2012 national nutrition and physical activity survey. Nutr J. 2024 Jan 25;23(1):12. doi: 10.1186/s12937-024-00915-7.
