Study Links Daily Avocado Consumption to Improved Focus in Overweight or Obese Adults
Background on Cognitive Impairment and Diet
Previous studies have indicated that being overweight or obese increases the risk of cognitive impairment. Researchers have identified that avocados, rich in lutein, may offer cognitive benefits, prompting a team from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to explore the relationship between avocado consumption and cognitive health in adults facing these weight challenges.
Research Methodology
The team conducted a randomized-controlled clinical trial involving 84 overweight or obese adults. Participants were divided into two groups: one group consumed a meal including one fresh Hass avocado daily for twelve weeks, while the second group received a meal without avocado, serving as a control. Blood lutein levels were measured before and after the twelve-week period, alongside cognitive tests to assess focus and attention.
Key Findings
The findings of the study, published in the Journal of Psychophysiology, revealed that daily avocado consumption was associated with enhancements in participants’ ability to concentrate on specific tasks. Although there was a notable increase in serum lutein concentrations, the researchers found no direct correlation between these levels and the observed cognitive improvements.
Expert Insights
Caitlyn Edwards, the lead researcher, remarked, “Avocados also are high in fiber and monounsaturated fats. It is possible that these other nutrients may have played a role in the cognitive effects we saw, but we focused on the lutein in our analyses.” She emphasized the need for future studies to examine the impact of other nutrients in avocados, as well as their effects on weight status, inflammation, and changes in the microbiome.
Implications of the Study
This research underscores the potential of dietary modifications to influence cognitive health positively. Professor Naiman Khan, who led the study, noted, “Our mission is to give people options. There are multiple ways people can eat to optimize brain health.” He added that avocados might represent a neuroprotective fruit, contributing to a variety of healthy food choices available to consumers.
Study Support and References
The study received support from the Hass Avocado Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The complete findings can be found in the International Journal of Psychophysiology, with the reference: Caitlyn G. Edwards et al. (2020). Effects of 12-week avocado consumption on cognitive function among adults with overweight and obesity. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 148; 13-24, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2019.12.006. For additional information, see the news release at https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-03/uoia-sda031020.php.