A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has found that consuming a small amount of avocado every day may lower a woman’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study involved 25,640 participants from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey, with over 60% classified as overweight or obese. It was reported that 45% of participants were avocado consumers, with men consuming an average of 34.7 grams per day and women consuming 29.8 grams per day. The research indicated that avocados contain antioxidants, nutrients, and a unique seven-carbon sugar that may help control blood glucose levels, as well as improve insulin sensitivity, which is a key factor in Type 2 diabetes risk.
Registered dietitian and doctor of public health, Wendy Bazilian, who was not involved in the study, emphasized that avocados are a heart-healthy food due to their nutritional profile, including unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. The findings of the study suggested that consuming avocados may play a role in lowering diabetes risk, particularly for women. Even when accounting for various factors such as age, education level, weight, and physical activity, the lowered diabetes risk for women was still observed. A standard serving of avocado is considered to be one-third of a medium avocado or approximately 50 grams.
The researchers noted that a higher percentage of male participants were smokers compared to female participants in the study, with men being more likely to engage in binge drinking. These behaviors are associated with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome and diabetes, which may explain why a similar association between avocado consumption and diabetes risk was not found in men. The study authors suggested that more in-depth exploration is needed to understand the long-term effects of avocado consumption on diabetes risk, particularly when considering factors like sex and other lifestyle habits. Avocados are known for having a lower glycemic index and sugar content compared to other fruits, making them potentially beneficial in managing blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
The researchers concluded that avocados may have a positive impact on diabetes risk for women due to their unique nutritional profile and potential benefits for insulin sensitivity. The study findings offer valuable insights into the role of avocados in managing chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, which is a prevalent health issue worldwide. With the high prevalence of obesity and overweight individuals in the study population, the potential benefits of avocado consumption for lowering diabetes risk are significant. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms behind the observed associations between avocado consumption and diabetes risk in different populations and to better understand the long-term effects of including avocados in the diet as a preventive measure for chronic diseases.
