Earth.com reveals in a fresh article that researchers at the US Penn State University have found that eating just one avocado a day may lead to healthier food choices and improved diet quality, all without making drastic changes to your routine.
Avocados are taking center stage in American kitchens, appearing in everything from Instagram-worthy toast to gourmet salads. Their creamy texture and rich, versatile flavor are only part of the reason behind the surge in popularity—avocados are also packed with nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle.
A new study from Penn State University suggests that adding just one avocado a day to your diet might meaningfully improve the quality of your meals and encourage healthier food choices. Led by Associate Professor Kristina Petersen and retired Professor Penny Kris-Etherton from the Department of Nutritional Sciences, the study explored how a simple dietary shift could align with the US Dietary Guidelines.
Published in Current Developments in Nutrition, the study followed 1,008 adults over 26 weeks. Participants were split into two groups: one maintained their usual diet with limited avocado intake, while the other added a daily avocado. The researchers used the Healthy Eating Index to evaluate diet quality.
“Avocados are a powerhouse of nutrition, and our objective was to ascertain if their regular consumption could boost diet quality,” explained Petersen.
Those who included daily avocados showed a notable shift toward nutrient-rich eating. “This improvement suggests that simple strategies like daily avocado consumption can significantly enhance diet quality,” she added.
The study also noted that avocados helped replace higher-calorie, less nutritious foods. “The substitution effect we observed is particularly noteworthy,” Petersen said. “By fostering better compliance with dietary guidelines, we can substantially lower the risk of chronic conditions and improve overall health outcomes.”
In addition to being rich in fiber, potassium, and heart-healthy fats, avocados help promote fullness and support digestion. As their global popularity rises, consumers are also encouraged to consider sustainable sourcing to reduce environmental impact.
The message is simple: small changes, like enjoying an avocado a day, could lead to lasting health benefits.
By Naila Huseynova
Source: caliber.az
scorpion.az