Insights & Discussion
Consumption of unripe avocado extract in the diet may lower postprandial insulin levels in overweight adults with previously elevated insulin levels.
In this study, a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial was performed on 60 non-diabetic adults (with a majority of 47 being women, average age 48 years, BMI 34.0 kg/m). The participants were stratified by sex and randomised into two groups. One group daily consumed an extract from unripe avocado (10 g finely ground, freeze-dried unripe avocado), while the other took a placebo (10 g finely ground cornmeal supplemented with 5% spinach powder) over a period of 12 weeks. The primary outcome measured was the change in glucose area under the curve (AUC) in response to a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test.
The results showed no significant differences between both groups in terms of glucose AUC, insulin AUC, or cardiovascular outcomes. However, in a subgroup analysis focusing on participants with above median baseline postprandial insulin levels, there was a notable reduction in insulin AUC in those who consumed the avocado extract compared to the placebo. This suggests that the daily consumption of an unripe avocado extract, enriched in MH, might not significantly impact glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity in obese non-diabetic adults. Nonetheless, there seems to be a potential benefit of this intervention on postprandial insulin levels in individuals with initially elevated insulin responses.
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The consumption of avocado is associated with better cognitive function in older adults.
2021 Frontiers in Nutrition US Older Adults That Consume Avocado or Guacamole Have Better Cognition Than Non-consumers: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014 Cheng FW, Ford NA, Taylor MK
Cohort Study Avocado
In the methodology, the researchers conducted a cross-sectional study involving 2,886 participants aged 60 or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014. These participants were classified into two groups: those who consumed avocado or guacamole, and those who did not. Cognitive performance was evaluated using tests for immediate and delayed recall, the Animal Fluency test, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, with education-dependent z-scores calculated for each participant as the education level can impact cognitive function. To control for potential influencing factors, comparisons were made between consumers and non-consumers with independent sample t-tests and advanced statistical methods like ANCOVA.
The study found that those who consumed avocado showed significantly better scores across every cognitive test and the global cognitive score compared to non-consumers. Even after adjustments for potential confounders, the positive differences persisted. These findings support the conclusion that consumption of avocado correlates positively with improved cognitive function amongst elderly adults.
Bioactive compounds found in avocado waste products exhibit various biological properties, with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
2020 Food Reviews International Pulp, Leaf, Peel and Seed of Avocado Fruit: A Review of Bioactive Compounds and Healthy Benefits Jimenez P, Garcia P, Quitral V, Vasquez K, Parra-Ruiz C, Reyes-Farias M, et al.
Review Article Anti-Inflammatory Anticancer Antimicrobial
In this study, we delved into the archived scientific research concerning bioactive compounds and their sources, particularly focusing on avocado waste products such as leaves, peels, and seeds. We identified the primary compounds found in these parts to include carotenoids, tocopherols, phytosterols and a group of natural organic structures known as polyphenols.
In the results discussion, we found that the compounds discovered in avocado waste products have credible biological activities that have distinct health implications. The wastes extracts demonstrated antimicrobial properties, along with anti-inflammatory characteristics. Additionally, they showed potential anticancer, antidiabetic and antihypertensive capabilities. These findings infer that the bioactive compounds from avocado wastes may be successfully used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Coffee consumption, in the long term, improves glucose metabolism but may cause unfavourable acute effects.
2019 Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Effects of coffee consumption on glucose metabolism: A systematic review of clinical trials Reis CEG, Dórea JG, da Costa THM
Systematic Review Glucose Insulin Type 2 Diabetes
Researchers undertook a systematic review to evaluate the impact of coffee consumption on glucose metabolism. They scanned two electronic databases, PubMed and Web of Science, for relevant studies published till September 2017. After thorough scrutiny, eight clinical trials involving 247 participants were earmarked for analysis. These trials were divided into short-term (1-3 hours) and long-term (2-16 weeks) studies for distinct evaluation. The participants' characteristics, major discoveries, and study quality were all meticulously noted and analysed.
The initial short-term studies revealed that consumption of caffeinated coffee might lead to an escalation in the area under the curve for the glucose response, an immediate effect. Conversely, long-term studies suggested that caffeinated coffee might contribute to the enhancement of glycaemic metabolism over time by reducing the glucose curve and bolstering the insulin response. Despite the immediate short-term effects, an overall positive long-term impact on glucose metabolism was reported.
Avocado's nutritional and therapeutic properties show potential for novel drug discovery in prevention and treatment of prevalent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
2019 Antioxidants The Odyssey of Bioactive Compounds in Avocado (Persea americana) and their Health Benefits Bhuyan , Alsherbiny , Perera , Low , Basu , Devi , et al.
Review Article Anti-Diabetic Anti-Inflammatory Anticancer
The methodology utilized in this review was an extensive summary and assessment of research conducted in recent decades with emphasis on avocado's nutritional and therapeutic properties, along with its unique biochemical profile. Special focus was given to the major metabolites of avocado, their antioxidant properties, as well as their bioavailability and pharmacokinetic features.
The discussion of results involved highlighting the potential of avocado in novel drug discovery for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases like cancer, microbial, inflammatory, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Emanating from the unique bioactive compounds and antioxidant contents of avocado, it’s clear that the fruit has much more to offer in terms of medicinal value than is currently explored today.
Avocado, with its lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and cardioprotective effects, can potentially manage metabolic syndrome more efficaciously than synthetic treatment options.
2017 Phytotherapy Research Effects of Avocado (Persea americana)on Metabolic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Systematic Review Tabeshpour J, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H
Systematic Review Avocado Cardiovascular Disease High Blood Pressure
The methodology used in this research involved a systematic review of several studies investigating the pharmacological effects of avocado on different components of metabolic syndrome. This included studies on the lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antithrombotic, antiatherosclerotic, and cardioprotective effects of avocado. Further, the review also encompassed researches based on the effects of avocado's various parts like the flesh, seed, peel, and leaves in metabolic syndrome.
Upon evaluation of collected studies, the researchers found that the avocado, a rich source of carotenoids, minerals, phenolics, vitamins, and fatty acids, demonstrates strong potential in managing metabolic syndrome. Its antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-obesity, lipid-lowering, and cardioprotective properties specifically align with the key risk factors of metabolic disease, including high blood sugar, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. These qualities suggest that avocado might present a more efficient and less adverse alternative to synthetic treatments.
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