When you’re deciding what to munch on during your brunch, you might lean towards avocado, not just because it’s creamy and delicious, but also because it’s good for your heart.
Well, guess what? Recent research suggests that choosing avocado might also help lower your risk of diabetes!
A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics delved into the correlation between avocado intake and diabetes among adults, analyzing data from over 28,000 participants of different age groups from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey.
Here’s the interesting part: they found that women who consumed avocados exhibited a reduced likelihood of diabetes compared to those who didn’t, even after adjustments for factors like age, education, weight, and physical activity were made.
Specifically, females who consumed 30-38 grams of avocados per day showed notably lower odds of developing diabetes.
Understanding the Relationship Between Avocados and Diabetes Risk
Wendy Bazilian, a registered dietitian and public health doctor not tied to the study, shared some insights into what this research means for the people involved.
“Considering all the good stuff in avocados – like healthy fats, lots of fiber, and a bunch of vitamins and minerals – it’s no surprise that eating them could help lower the risk of diabetes,” she said.
She explained that avocados seem to be a perfect mix for keeping diabetes at bay.
“First off, they’re packed with fiber, which helps control blood sugar levels and keeps us feeling full longer after a meal,” Bazilian explained. “That means less chance of blood sugar spikes and feeling hungry soon after eating.”
And then there’s the unsaturated fats in avocados.
“Just like fiber, these fats slow down digestion, which is good for managing blood sugar and feeling satisfied,” Bazilian added.
She also highlighted how these fats and fiber are a great combo for keeping our hearts healthy.
“Diabetes and heart problems often go hand in hand because they share similar risk factors,” Bazilian said.
“Avocados help keep our hearts in good shape by keeping our cholesterol levels in check, which lowers the risk of heart disease.”
Bazilian pointed out that what’s good for the heart usually benefits diabetes risk and overall metabolic health.
And here’s a fun fact – avocados are technically fruits!
“Eating mostly plant-based foods, like fruits and veggies, is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and heart issues,” Bazilian noted.
“And unlike most fruits, avocados don’t have much sugar naturally, so they don’t mess with our blood sugar levels,” she added.
Why avocados may help lower diabetes risk in females and not males
The differences in how avocados affect diabetes risk between females and males could stem from various factors, including hormonal variations, metabolism variances, and dietary habits.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Kristen White agreed that differing lifestyle factors could be at play.
Additionally, she said it’s possible that hormonal differences between males and females could contribute to variations in how avocados affect metabolic health.
For instance, hormones like estrogen may influence how the body processes nutrients, potentially affecting how avocados impact blood sugar levels.
Additionally, metabolic differences between genders could play a role, as men and women often have different rates of metabolism and nutrient absorption.
Furthermore, dietary habits and lifestyle choices may differ between genders, which could influence how avocados interact with overall health and diabetes risk.
Factors such as calorie intake, physical activity levels, and other dietary preferences may contribute to divergent outcomes in diabetes risk reduction between females and males.
Ultimately, more research would be needed to understand the specific reasons behind any observed gender disparities in the relationship between avocado consumption and diabetes risk.
Choosing and using avocados
Avocados boast a rich, buttery flavor profile that adds versatility to numerous culinary creations, including salads, sandwiches, and both sweet and savory dishes.
Unlike many ingredients, avocados don’t require cooking. Optimal consumption occurs when they reach peak ripeness, typically indicated by a dark hue and a gentle softness upon slight pressure.
If an avocado remains firm and maintains a vibrant green hue, it’s best to allow it to ripen for a few additional days.
Avocados ripen naturally off the tree, often requiring time post-harvest to achieve their desired ripeness when available in stores.
An additional method to determine an avocado’s ripeness involves assessing its stem:
- Attempt to remove the stem.
- If it resists removal, the avocado isn’t ripe yet.
- If the stem detaches easily and reveals green flesh beneath, the avocado is ripe.
- if the stem removes effortlessly and exposes brown flesh, the avocado may be overripe, potentially harboring brown spots or exhibiting overly soft texture.
Simple ways to include more avocado in your diet
To incorporate more avocado into your diet, here are some simple and delicious ways to do so:
- Avocado Toast: Spread mashed avocado on toast and season with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices for a nutritious breakfast or snack
- Guacamole: Blend ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and your choice of spices to create a tasty dip for vegetables, chips, or crackers
- Avocado Salad: Add sliced or diced avocado to your favorite salads for a creamy and nutritious twist
- Avocado Sandwiches and Burgers: Use avocado as a spread or add it to your sandwiches and burgers for a healthier alternative to traditional spreads
- Avocado Soup: Blend avocado with chicken or vegetable broth to create a creamy and nutritious soup
- Stuffed Avocado: Fill avocado halves with your choice of ingredients such as tuna, chicken, or vegetables for a nutritious snack or light lunch
- Avocado Sushi: Add avocado to sushi rolls for a creamy and flavorful twist
- Griddled Avocado: Grill sliced avocado for a smoky and flavorful side dish
- Avocado and Chilli: Serve avocado with a sprinkle of chilli flakes and a squeeze of lime for a simple and satisfying snack
- Avocado Chocolate Cake: Use avocado as a substitute for butter or oil in cake recipes to create a moist and decadent dessert
Conclusion
Avocados, known for their numerous health advantages, may also play a role in lowering the risk of diabetes, as indicated by recent research findings.
Interestingly, you don’t need to consume large quantities of avocados to reap these benefits.
Simple dietary substitutions, such as incorporating avocado as a spread, dressing, or smoothie ingredient, can be an effective way to boost your avocado intake and potentially enhance its positive impact on your health.
References
Study reveals avocado may lower diabetes risk in women, not mennews-medical.net
Association Between Avocado Consumption and Diabetes in Mexican Adults: Results From the 2012, 2016, and 2018 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveyshttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2024.04.012
Is avocado good for diabetes?https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/310996#choosing-and-using-avocados
Eating Avocado May Lower Diabetes Risk, Especially for Femaleshttps://www.healthline.com/health-news/avocado-diabetes-risk-women#Why-avocados-may-help-lower-diabetes-risk-in-females-and-not-males
How to Tell If an Avocado Is Ripehttps://www.thekitchn.com/use-this-simple-trick-to-determine-whether-an-avocado-is-ripe-inside-tips-from-the-kitchn-172933
