An avocado a day: exploring its health benefits

A study conducted on 1000 people, half of whom ate an avocado a day, showed an unexpected beneficial effect of consuming this fruit

@canva

“The age-old saying goes, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ But what might the regular consumption of an avocado do? This question was the focus of a recent study published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition.

To explore the impact of avocados on human health, a cohort of 500 individuals participated in an experiment where they consumed an avocado daily for a total of 26 weeks. The findings were quite remarkable.

Based on research involving 1,008 participants, 72% of whom were women with an average age of 50, it was found that daily inclusion of an avocado significantly improved adherence to dietary guidelines.

The study targeted individuals who had a low intake of avocados prior to the research, typically consuming two or fewer each month.

Participants were divided into two groups: one maintained their usual eating habits, while the other added an avocado to their daily diet. After 26 weeks, researchers assessed the dietary changes in both groups.

What did they discover?

Firstly, the group that added a daily avocado to their diet showed increased adherence to dietary guidelines, focusing on nutrient-rich foods, reducing intake of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, and limiting alcohol consumption.

The most notable change was an increase in vegetable intake and a better ratio of dietary fatty acids in the avocado group, favoring unsaturated over saturated fats.

There was also a shift in protein consumption; those who consumed avocados preferred plant proteins and seafood over other animal protein sources.

What does this mean for the average consumer?

It’s crucial to note that the study’s goal isn’t to advocate for eating an avocado every day. Instead, it highlights the importance of incorporating more whole foods and plant-based items into our diets for overall better health.

Avocados are known for their healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, the key takeaway is not to promote this fruit specifically but to encourage a varied and nutrient-rich diet.

In summary, while it’s not necessary to consume an avocado daily, doing so can prompt a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Additionally, avocados can now be sourced from Italy, reducing the environmental impact of bringing this fruit to our tables.”

Source: CDN