A daily avocado could offer more than just healthy fats and flavour.
Researchers found that eating one avocado a day may help alter the way the body stores abdominal fat, particularly among women.
The study involved 105 overweight or obese adults who consumed one daily meal for 12 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups, with one group receiving a meal containing a fresh avocado and the other receiving a similar meal without avocado.
Looking beyond weight loss
The goal of the research was not to examine weight loss, but rather to investigate how avocado consumption affects fat distribution in the body.
Abdominal fat consists of two main types:
- Subcutaneous fat, which sits beneath the skin.
- Visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs and is associated with a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers measured participants' abdominal fat and glucose tolerance at the beginning and end of the 12-week trial.
Benefits seen in women
Women who consumed an avocado every day experienced a reduction in visceral abdominal fat as well as a healthier ratio of visceral to subcutaneous fat, suggesting fat was redistributed away from the organs.
However, researchers found no comparable benefit among male participants. The study also found no improvement in glucose tolerance among either men or women.
Led by kinesiology and community health professor Naiman Khan, the research was published in the Journal of Nutrition.
More research ahead
Researchers say additional studies are needed to better understand why the benefits appeared primarily in women and how avocado consumption may influence long-term fat distribution and metabolic health.
A summary of the findings is also available from the University of Illinois.
While avocados are not a miracle food, they are rich in fibre, healthy fats and nutrients that can form part of a balanced diet.
Source: Ygeiamou.gr
