Avocados Linked to Better Diet Quality
From: Allison Winter, ENN.com
Break out that
guacamole! New data suggests avocado consumption may be associated with better
diet quality!
Avocados, also known as
the alligator pear for their shape, green skin and rough texture can be found
in dishes all around the world. From adding them to dips, spreads, salads and
sandwiches, avocados not only add to the flavor of your meal, but carry
multiple health benefits as well.
The health benefits of avocados
have been publicly known as they contain monounsaturated fatty acids (what some
call the "good" type of fat), dietary fiber, and essential nutrients.
However no data had existed on the fruit's effects on diet quality and weight
management, until now.
Researchers collected
data from over 17,000 participants over the age of 19 who provided information
on their avocado consumption and overall nutrition while also undergoing
physical examinations.
The study revealed that
in general, avocado consumers had significantly higher intakes of vegetables
and fruit, thus contributing to their diet quality, total fat, dietary fiber,
vitamins E, K, magnesium, and potassium. The consumers also had lower intakes
of added sugars.
The research also shows
that body weight, BMI, and waist circumference were significantly lower in
avocado consumers vs non-consumers.
"These findings
suggest an interesting association between the consumption of avocados and
better nutrient intakes and other positive outcomes," said study primary
investigator Victor Fulgoni, PhD. "These observations were derived from
population survey data, they provide important clues to better understanding
the relationships between diet and health, and give direction to future
research endeavors."
"To this end, the
Hass Avocado Board is funding additional clinical studies to investigate the
relationship between fresh avocado consumption and risk factors for
cardiovascular disease, avocados' potential positive role in weight management
and diabetes, and avocados' ability to enhance nutrient absorption," said
Hass Avocado Board Executive Director Emiliano Escobedo.
While it can be debated
that healthier people may be eating other and more nutritious foods besides
avocados that could be contributing to their overall diet quality and despite
the paper's connection to the Hass Avocado Board, one thing is for sure-
avocados are a vitamin-packed super food, so eat up!