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Effects of one avocado a day for six months on cognitive performance in overweight adults: A randomized controlled trial Author links open overlay panel
The investigation into dietary impacts on cognitive health has gained importance as neurodegenerative diseases become more prevalent with an aging population. Avocados, known for their nutrient density, contain fiber, carotenoids, antioxidants, polyphenols, and monounsaturated fats, all linked to cognitive enhancement. This study aims to explore whether incorporating one avocado daily for six months can improve cognitive function in adults with central obesity.
The research was an ancillary study of the Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial (HAT), focusing on the relationship between avocado intake and reductions in visceral fat. Conducted at Loma Linda University, the study involved 251 participants with increased waist circumference. They were randomly divided into two groups: one consuming one avocado daily (AVO group) and the other avoiding avocados (CON group), all for six months without further dietary guidance.
Cognitive assessments were conducted at the start and conclusion of the study, evaluating memory, processing speed, executive function, simple reaction time, and working memory reaction time. The analysis employed mixed analyses of covariance to determine cognitive score variations over the intervention period, examining both group differences and potential age-related modifications to the intervention effects.
Ultimately, out of the initial participants, 241 completed the trial (69.7% female, 53.1% white), with a mean age of 49.6 years and a body mass index of 33.4 ± 5.7. While all participants showed improvements in working memory reaction time at six months, the analysis revealed no significant interactions between the AVO and CON groups across cognitive domains. Additionally, there were no notable age-related interactions in the context of cognitive changes.
In conclusion, this study establishes that consuming one avocado daily for six months does not produce significant changes in cognitive function among adults with central obesity across various age groups. Further exploration is necessary to assess the potential role of avocados within dietary frameworks aimed at promoting cognitive health, especially in populations at metabolic risk or those of normal weight. [NPID: Avocado, cognitive health, obesity]
Year: 2026
