A Comprehensive Review of Hass Avocado Clinical Trials, Observational Studies, and Biological Mechanisms

Abstract

This first comprehensive review of fresh Hass avocados includes 19 clinical trials, five observational studies, and biological mechanisms. We identified four primary avocado health effects: (1) reducing cardiovascular disease risk in healthy overweight or obese adults with dyslipidemia by lowering non-HDL-C profiles, triglycerides, LDL oxidation, small atherogenic LDL particles and promoting postprandial vascular endothelial health for better peripheral blood flow; (2) lowering the risk of being overweight or obese, supporting weight loss, and reducing visceral fat tissue in overweight or obese women; (3) improving cognitive function in older normal-weight adults and in young to middle age overweight or obese adults especially in frontal cortex executive function; and (4) stimulating improved colonic microbiota health in overweight or obese adults by promoting healthier microflora and fecal metabolites. We also identified a unique combination of four Hass avocado nutritional features that appear to be primarily responsible for these health effects: (1) a 6 to 1 unsaturated (rich in oleic acid) to saturated fat ratio similar to olive oil; (2) a source of multifunctional prebiotic and viscous fiber; (3) a relatively low energy density of 1.6 kcal/g (79% of edible Hass avocado weight consists of water and fiber with a creamy, smooth texture); and (4) its oleic acid and water emulsion increases carotenoid absorption from low-fat fruits and vegetables (e.g., salsa or salad) when consumed with avocados. They are also a good source of micronutrients and polyphenols, and are very low in sodium and available carbohydrates supporting secondary health and wellness benefits. Hass avocado health effects are best demonstrated when consumed in a healthy dietary plan such as the Mediterranean diet. More extensive and longer clinical trials are needed to further enhance our understanding of the Hass avocado’s health effects.

Boron Effects on Fruit Set, Yield, Quality and Paternity of Hass Avocado

“…However, this increase was minor (1%) and the relative abundances of fatty acids in the fruit from all three boron treatments were within the standard ranges reported previously for Hass fruit [82]. Avocado consumption improves blood lipid profiles, supports weight management and promotes healthy ageing, while reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome [26][27][28].…”

“…Fruit of avocado (Persea americana, Lauraceae) are gaining popularity due to their rich flavour and health benefits [4,26]. Avocado fruit are enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids and have high levels of dietary fibre [26][27][28]. However, avocado production is constrained by poor pollination, flower abscission, premature fruit drop, inconsistent yield and poor fruit quality [8,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35].…”

“…The commercial value is typically based on the fruit mass or diameter, with standardised cartons often used for transporting avocado fruit of different sizes [42,51,52]. Consumers are increasingly attracted to avocado fruit because of the healthy fatty acid profile, with a high ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids in the fruit flesh [26,28,53]. Foliar application of boron to other mass-flowering tree crops such as almond, apple and citrus can increase the fruit size and improve fruit quality by intensifying the colour, increasing the total soluble solid concentrations and acidity and reducing the incidence of postharvest disorders [54][55][56].…”

Identifying usual food choices with avocados in a clinical trial cohort of overweight and obese adults in Australia

“…Avocados are a rich source of key nutrients including monounsaturated fatty acids, fibre, potassium, magnesium, and phytochemicals [ 11 , 12 ]. Epidemiological evidence suggests that avocado consumers tend to have significantly lower body weight and body mass index (BMI) than non-consumers [ 13 – 15 ]. Isocaloric substitution of foods with avocados in a lunch meal occasion resulted in an increased post-ingestive satiety during a 5-h period in overweight and obese adults [ 16 ].…”

Avocado Allergy: Identification of a New Allergen

“…Avocado consumption is increasing worldwide, mainly due to healthy benefits as cardiovascular health, weight loss, cognitive function and colonic microbiota health [1].…”