Avocados: Avoid The Risks And Consume In Moderation

Avocados: Avoid The Risks And Consume In Moderation

Article
Allergy
Digestive Health
+2
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAAug 01, 2017

Avocado, also known as alligator pear, is a green colored fruit with butter like soft flesh and a single seed in the center. Avocados are native to Mexico and Central America and available in different varieties. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins B, C, E, and K, calcium, and potassium. Avocados contain diverse fats along with various phytonutrients and a fair amount of fiber. The avocado is known for its health benefits in the management of metabolic syndrome and various types of cancers.

One serving of avocado provides more than 160 calories, and most of its calories come from its fat content. An avocado contains fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered healthy. However, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2002 suggests that avocado may contain an appetite depressant and could interfere with the metabolism of fat in the liver.

Although avocados may be a good source of fat, vitamins, and minerals, it is low in protein content. One cup of sliced Avocados provides about 2.9 g of protein.

It has been reported that avocados consumed in moderation can help to promote weight loss. However, excessive consumption could potentially lead to weight gain. This is because avocados (sliced) provide about 234 calories per cup, and increased calorie intake is associated with weight gain.

Avocados could sometimes cause allergic reactions. They are known to trigger the onset of a latex allergy, as they contain some allergens found in latex. In a latex allergy, the body thinks latex is a pathogen; thus an immune response against latex is triggered. Some of the symptoms include itchy skin, redness and rashes, wheezing, runny nose, and cough. Avocado hypersensitivity could lead to anaphylactic reactions. An anaphylactic reaction is the most serious type of latex allergy response and could be deadly. It is characterized by difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, a drop in blood pressure, and irregular pulse rate. A patient having an anaphylactic reaction needs to seek immediate medical intervention in case of severe symptoms. 

In a study published in the journal Allergy in 1994, middle-aged women hypersensitive to latex were exposed to avocados and found that different varieties of avocado caused different allergic reactions in these women. Another study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 1995 supported the above findings by concluding that an allergic reaction to avocados is attributed to a common allergen also present in latex. Ten out of seventeen patients with well-documented latex allergies were also shown to have allergies to avocados.

Numerous studies show that avocados are one of the most nutritious fruits and have many health benefits, which protect against heart disease, cancer, and even metabolic syndrome. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends consumption of avocados in their dietary guidelines.

Moderate consumption of avocados is considered to be beneficial. However, over-consumption could present certain health risks like weight gain and associated risks, as reported by a few studies. Nonetheless, more research studies may need to be conducted on the possible health risks of eating too much avocado.

References

Naveh et al (2002). Defatted Avocado Pulp Reduces Body Weight and Total Hepatic Fat But Increases Plasma Cholesterol in Male Rats Fed Diets with Cholesterol. Journal of Nutrition 132(7):2015-2018. Retrieved from http://jn.nutrition.org/content/132/7/2015.abstract?sid=d62d039b-0e77-4364-8c8e-689cfdb7f85b

(2011 Sept). Healthy Ways to Gain Weight If You’re Underweight. Retrieved from http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/food-nutrition/healthy-food-choices/healthy-ways-to-gain-weight-if-youre-underweight.html

(2014 Oct 14). Latex Allergy. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/latex-allergy/basics/symptoms/con-20024233

Blanco, et.al. (1994). Avocado hypersensitivity. Allergy, 49(6), pp. 454-9. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8074265

Lavaud, et.al. (1995). Allergy to latex, avocado pear, and banana: evidence for a 30 kd antigen in immunoblotting.  The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 95(2), pp. 557-64. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7852672

Pichelman, H. (2015 Jan 28). Avocados: Helping Draw up the Perfect Recipie for the Big Game. Retrieved from http://blogs.usda.gov/2015/01/28/avocados-helping-draw-up-the-perfect-recipe-for-the-big-game/

http://www.harvestofthemonth.cdph.ca.gov/download/spring/avocados/avo_edu_2.pdf
Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!