Background: Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) dietary fiber, essential nutrients and\r\nphytochemicals. However, no epidemiologic data exist on their effects on diet quality, weight management and\r\nother metabolic disease risk factors. The objective of this research was to investigate the relationships between\r\navocado consumption and overall diet quality, energy and nutrient intakes, physiological indicators of health, and\r\nrisk of metabolic syndrome.\r\nMethods: Avocado consumption and nutrition data were based on 24-hour dietary recalls collected by trained\r\nNHANES interviewers using the USDA Automated Multiple Pass Method (AMPM). Physiological data were collected\r\nfrom physical examinations conducted in NHANES Mobile Examination Centers. Diet quality was calculated using\r\nthe USDAââ?¬â?¢s Healthy Eating Index-2005. Subjects included 17,567 US adults = 19 years of age (49% female),\r\nincluding 347 avocado consumers (50% female), examined in NHANES 2001ââ?¬â??2008. Least square means, standard\r\nerrors, and ANOVA were determined using appropriate sample weights, with adjustments for age, gender, ethnicity,\r\nand other covariates depending on dependent variable of interest.\r\nResults: Avocado consumers had significantly higher intakes of vegetables (p < 0.05); fruit, diet quality, total fat,\r\nmonounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, dietary fiber, vitamins E, K, magnesium, and potassium (p < 0.0001);\r\nvitamin K (p = 0.0013); and lower intakes of added sugars (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were seen in\r\ncalorie or sodium intakes. Body weight, BMI, and waist circumference were significantly lower (p < 0.01), and HDL-C\r\nwas higher (p < 0.01) in avocado consumers. The odds ratio for metabolic syndrome was 50% (95th CI: 0.32-0.72)\r\nlower in avocado consumers vs. non-consumers.\r\nConclusions: Avocado consumption is associated with improved overall diet quality, nutrient intake, and reduced\r\nrisk of metabolic syndrome. Dietitians should be aware of the beneficial associations between avocado intake, diet\r\nand health when making dietary recommendations.
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