Since several years, many health benefits have been conferred to avocado. Recently, two new studies have provided new evidences of such benefits, with improvements in cognition function and modulation of gut microflora following consumption of fresh avocado.

In a randomized and controlled trial, Edwards et al. (2019) have shown that one avocado per day for 12 weeks was able to improve selective attention and serum lutein concentrations in adults with overweight or obesity (n = 72). No change in macular pigment optical density has been measured in this study.

The same research team has also examined the effects of fresh avocado (1 per day for 12 weeks on gut microflora still in overweight or obese subjects (n = 160) (Thompson et al., 2019). The avocado intake was associated with increased acetate and total short-chain fatty acid concentrations, and with increased relative abundance of Faecalibacterium.

Therefore, avocado consumption may have beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health and cognitive function, confirming the interest of this fruit.

Edwards C, Walk A, Thompson S, Reeser G, Erdman J Jr, Burd N, Holscher H, Kha N. Effects of a 12-week Avocado Randomized-controlled Trial on Cognitive Function and Lutein Status Among Adults with Overweight and Obesity (OR05-01-19). Curr Dev Nutr. 2019 Jun 13;3(Suppl 1). pii: nzz029.OR05-01-19.

Thompson S, Edwards C, Reeser G, Khan N, Holscher H. Effects of Avocado Consumption on Gastrointestinal Microbial Metabolite Concentrations and Taxa Abundances: A Randomized, Controlled Trial (OR23-07-19). Curr Dev Nutr. 2019 Jun 13;3(Suppl 1). pii: nzz040.OR23-07-19.