New research on potential avocado health benefits presented at International Congress of Nutrition

New research findings on avocado consumption, presented as two posters at the IUNS 20th International Congress of Nutrition, in Granada, Spain suggest that although calorie consumption at dinner was unchanged, inclusion or addition of fresh Hass Avocado to a meal may help to reduce hunger and the desire to eat in overweight adults. Results also showed that including or adding avocado to a meal resulted in smaller post-meal rises in insulin compared to eating a meal without avocado.

Findings were based on a Hass Avocado Board (HAB) supported clinical study conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University that investigated the effects of incorporating fresh Hass Avocado into a lunch meal - either by replacing other foods or by simply adding it to the mea - on satiety, blood sugar and insulin response, and subsequent food intake. The posters "Effect of Hass Avocado Intake on Post-Ingestive Satiety and Subsequent Energy Intake in Healthy Overweight Adults" and "Effect of Hass Avocado Intake on Post-Ingestive Glucose and Insulin Levels in Healthy Overweight Adults," were presented by Michelle Wien, DrPH, RD, and Ella Haddad, MD, respectively.

"While more studies are needed, this research provides promising clues and a basis for future research to determine avocados' effect on satiety, glucose and blood insulin response," said Nikki Ford, Nutrition Director, HAB. "This research will contribute to a deeper knowledge on Hass avocados' potential positive role in weight management and diabetes."

"The Hass Avocado Board made an investment in 2010 to increase awareness and improve understanding of the unique positive benefits of fresh avocados to nutrition and human health," said Emiliano Escobedo, Executive Director, HAB. "Currently, HAB is supporting seven clinical trials to investigate the relationship between avocado consumption and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, avocados' potential positive role in weight management and diabetes, and avocados' ability to enhance nutrient absorption."

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As part of its commitment to supporting research, HAB recently launched a science-based food and wellness education program, called Love One Today. This program encourages consumers to include fresh Hass Avocados in everyday healthy eating plans to help increase fruit and vegetable intake and as a delicious, cholesterol-free, whole food source of naturally good fats.

For more information, free educational resources and recipes visit LoveOneToday.com.

About the Hass Avocado Board

The Hass Avocado Board was established in 2002 to promote the consumption of Hass avocados in the United States. A 12-member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass avocados directs HAB's promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Hass avocados are grown in California and imported into the US from Mexico, Chile, Peru, Dominican Republic and New Zealand.