Avocado has been the subject of study due to its potential health benefits. Now, new research has discovered that a compound present in the fruit is capable of reducing insulin resistance, linked to type 2 diabetes.
The discovery is a study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research in October.
The study pointed out that AvoB, or avocatin B, present in avocado, is the compound responsible for ensuring the complete oxidation of fats, leading to better tolerance and use of glucose, which improves insulin sensitivity.
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Study details
Scientists conducted the study by feeding mice a high-fat diet for eight weeks, inducing obesity and pancreatic hormone resistance in the animals.
Then, half of the mice had AvoB added to their diet for an additional five weeks.
After 13 weeks, mice receiving AvoB gained weight at a slower rate than their counterparts and showed increased insulin sensitivity.
In a separate clinical study, researchers examined the effects of an AvoB supplement on humans, administered in conjunction with a balanced diet over 60 days.
Dosages varied between 50 and 200 mg. The results indicated that the participants tolerated the compound well.
Furthermore, the team identified no adverse effects on the liver, muscles or kidneys, and there were no signs of dose-related toxicity.
Limitations of benefit in humans
Although the results were significant in rats, in humans, researchers observed insignificant weight loss.
The research team stresses that simply eating avocados will not provide enough AvoB for a person to obtain their potential benefit.
However, AvoB in powder and tablet form could be used better.
What is insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and eventually the development of type 2 diabetes. Animal studies have suggested that avocatin B may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.
