Background
Diets emphasizing unsaturated fat and high fiber are associated with reducing cardio-metabolic risk factors. Avocados are rich in mono- and poly-unsaturated fats and fiber.
Objective
Assess replacement of carbohydrate energy with avocado energy for 12 weeks on glucose homeostasis and cardio-metabolic risk factors in self-selecting free-living adults with overweight or obesity and insulin resistance.
Methods
In a single-center, randomized, 2-arm, controlled, 12-week parallel trial, adults [n = 93, male: female 39:54, mean ± SD age 42 ± 12 years, BMI 32.6 ± 3.9 kg/m2, homeostatic assessment for insulin resistance, 2.7 ± 1.7] were counseled to exchange avocado (AV) or control food (C, low-fat low-fiber energy-matched) for carbohydrate food in their usual diet for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in Matsuda Insulin Sensitivity Index (MISI) after 12-week interventions. Secondary outcomes were changes in fasting and post-oral glucose tolerance test glycemic variables, fasting lipids, endothelial activation and inflammation markers. ASA24 dietary assessment tool captured weekly dietary intake. Intervention effects were mainly determined by analysis of covariance using PC-SAS, 9.4.
Results
Dietary total, mono- and poly-unsaturated fat, fiber, and vegetable intake were higher in the AV group compared to C group (P < 0.05), and no change in body weight or composition was observed (P > 0.05). Differences between the changes in MISI after AV compared to C were not different (Δ0–12 week, P = 0.1092). Differences in fasting insulin (Δ0–12 week, P = 0.0855) and improved HbA1c (Δ0–12 week P = 0.0632) after AV vs C were suggested. C-reactive protein was significantly lower after AV vs C at 12 weeks (P = 0.0418). Select biomarkers of endothelial activation and lipoproteins by NMR were also influenced by AV vs C food intake.
Conclusions
Avocado intake was associated with a healthier dietary pattern and trends favoring improved glucose control and reduced biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk when replacing avocado energy for carbohydrate energy in free-living adults with overweight or obesity and insulin resistance.
Inclusion of resistant starch type 4 (RS4 – 10 g and 20 g) into a cereal bar test product did not change postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in a healthy population.
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