Is avocado beneficial for lipid profiles? An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, and phytochemicals and has been linked to favorable lipid and cardiometabolic outcomes. This review synthesized evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on avocado consumption and its effects on cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for reviews published up to June 2024. Eligible studies examined the impact of avocado on lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Study quality was assessed using PRISMA 2020, AMSTAR 2, and GRADE. RESULTS: Eight reviews met inclusion criteria. In individuals with dyslipidemia, avocado intake was associated with reductions in LDL-c (-9.4 to -17 mg/dL) and TC. Effects on HDL-c and TG (30-500 g/day) were inconsistent. Modest improvements in blood pressure were observed in hypertensive individuals. Among overweight and diabetic populations, reductions in fasting insulin and HbA1c were reported, with no significant changes in fasting glucose or BMI. CONCLUSION: Avocado intake may benefit individuals with dyslipidemia by lowering LDL-c and TC. However, inconsistent findings for HDL-c and TG and methodological limitations highlight the need for standardized, long-term trials.