Daijiworld Media Network - New York
New York, Jun 7: Eating one avocado every day may help reduce the impact of diet on blood sugar levels, according to a recent study, adding to the growing body of evidence highlighting the fruit’s health benefits.
The study, published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition, found that daily avocado consumption lowered dietary glycemic load, a measure of how food affects blood sugar levels after eating.
Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial, which followed participants for six months. The study involved adults aged 25 years and above with elevated waist circumference.
Participants were divided into two groups. One group consumed a large avocado daily, while the control group continued its usual diet and limited avocado intake to no more than two avocados per month.
Researchers found that participants who consumed avocados had a lower dietary glycemic load compared to the control group. The avocado group also consumed higher amounts of fibre and healthy fats while taking in fewer carbohydrates and less animal protein.
The final analysis included 961 participants. Although glycemic index scores remained largely unchanged between the groups, dietary glycemic load was significantly lower among those who ate avocados daily.
Experts suggest that the high fibre and monounsaturated fat content of avocados may help slow carbohydrate absorption and improve blood sugar regulation.
Nutrition specialists noted that avocados are nutrient-dense and highly filling, which may encourage people to replace less healthy foods such as sweets, desserts and refined carbohydrates with healthier options.
Researchers cautioned that the findings should be interpreted carefully, as dietary information was based on participant recall and the study population consisted largely of overweight or obese adults. Women also accounted for nearly 73 per cent of the participants.
The study was funded by the Hass Avocado Board, although researchers stated that the organisation had no role in collecting data, analysing results or preparing the report.
While the findings point to another potential health benefit of avocados, experts emphasised that overall dietary patterns remain more important than any single food. They recommend including avocados as part of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other nutrient-rich foods.