Avocado Intake Linked to Better Nutrient Intakes

A preliminary study sheds light and provides a basis for future research on avocados and nutrient intakes

Irvine, Calif. (May 10, 2010) – Preliminary data indicate consuming avocados may be associated with better nutrient intakes, lower body weight, lower body mass index (BMI) and lower metabolic syndrome risk, according to researchⁱ presented at the Experimental Biology meeting in April.

The analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2001–2006, 14,484 adults ages 19 and older), supported by the Hass Avocado Board (HAB), revealed that avocado consumers (defined as 273 adults (62% female) consuming any amount of avocado in the 24 hour recording period), had several significantly better nutrient intake levels and more positive health parameters than non–consumers:

Avocado consumers had significantly higher intakes of important nutrients than non–consumers, including 40% more dietary fiber, 62% more vitamin K, 33% more vitamin E, 16% more potassium and 15% more magnesium
Avocado consumers had significantly higher intakes of total fat, monounsaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat than non–consumers, without significant differences in calorie intake
Avocado consumers weighed an average of seven pounds less than non–consumers
Avocado consumers had lower BMI values that were closer to the "normal" range (BMI values of 18.5–24.9ⁱⁱ) than non–consumers
Avocado consumers had waist circumference measures that were an average of four centimeters smaller than non–consumers
Avocado consumers had higher HDL (known as "good" cholesterol, according to the American Heart Associationⁱⁱⁱ) levels than non–consumers
Avocado consumers had a 42% lower odds ratio for metabolic syndrome than non–consumers

"These initial findings indicate there is an interesting association of consumption of avocados with better nutrient intake and other positive outcomes," said lead researcher Victor Fulgoni, PhD, of Nutrition Impact, LLC. "Avocados may have an important role in promoting overall good nutrition and diet quality."

While these are initial research findings from a single analysis, they provide clues and a basis for future studies to further define the specific role of avocados in promoting good nutrition and health.

Avocados can help consumers meet the dietary guidelines of the American Heart Association, which are to eat a diet that is low to moderate in fat. The fats should be primarily unsaturated and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Avocados, due to their mono and polyunsaturated fat content, are a great substitution for foods rich in saturated fat. And the avocado is virtually the only fruit that has monounsaturated fat.

One–fifth of a medium avocado, or about one ounce, has 50 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that can contribute to the nutrient quality of one's diet. Hass avocados are available year–round. For tips, recipes and more information on avocado nutrition, visit www.avocadocentral.com.

About HAB
The Hass Avocado Board was established in 2002 after approval by producers and importers of Hass avocados in a national referendum. A 12–member Board administers the program. Over 20,000 producers and 100 importers are involved in the HAB, which covers fresh domestic and imported Hass avocados sold in the U.S. market. The Avocado Nutrition Center (ANC) was established by the Hass Avocado Board in 2010 to increase awareness and improve understanding of the unique positive benefits of avocados to human health and nutrition.

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*Editor's note: High–resolution images of Hass avocado recipes available for download at www.avocadocentral.com/media

ⁱ Fulgoni V, Dreher M, Davenport A. Avocado consumption associated with better nutrient intake and better health indices in U.S. adults (19+ years): NHANES 2001–2006. Abstract #8514. Experimental Biology, Anaheim, CA. April 28, 2010. http://www.fasebj.org
ⁱⁱ National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Web site. "Calculate Your Body Mass Index." Accessed April 10, 2010. http://www.nhlbisupport.com/BMI/bmi–m.htm
ⁱⁱⁱ American Heart Association. Web site. "LDL and HDL Cholesterol: What's Bad and What's Good?" Accessed April 10, 2010. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=180