Avocado Consumption and Cardiometabolic Health

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.

Also Read: Daily avocados consumption may improve diet quality, lower cholesterol levels

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.

Also Read: Flaxseeds, almonds, avocados, tomatoes, turmeric and green tea distinctly bring down LDL cholesterol

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.