Nutrition Articles for Health Professionals

This article explores the connection between nutrition and brain health, highlighting avocados as a food of interest within broader dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets. It reviews evidence showing that avocados provide bioactive compounds—including lutein, vitamins C and E, and monounsaturated fats—that may protect brain cells, support memory, and improve problem-solving and attention. Emerging clinical and observational studies suggest potential cognitive benefits from regular avocado consumption, though more long-term research is needed. For health professionals, incorporating avocados into balanced, nutrient-rich eating patterns offers a practical, evidence-based way to support cognitive health across the lifespan.

Could avocados be the next gut health powerhouse? Emerging research suggests the nutrients in avocados may boost microbial diversity and prebiotic benefits—here’s what you need to know to support your clients.

Do your clients ask about healthy skin? This article dives into the science behind how avocados, containing important nutrients and healthy fats, can contribute to a healthy skin barrier. From hydration to potential anti-aging benefits and even a possible link to reduced skin cancer risk, explore the latest research on the power of avocados for skin health. Discover how incorporating this delicious fruit into the diet can support your client’s desire for natural healthy skin.

Maintaining cognitive health with diet and lifestyle changes is crucial for healthy aging. Avocados are well-suited as a part of brain-healthy dietary patterns, and research shows they may benefit cognitive functioning in older adults.

Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits, as part of an overall healthy diet, may protect against certain types of cancers. Avocados are a fresh fruit that can enhance the nutrient quality of the diet.

Eating well and staying active are pillars for health, however, too many are not meeting diet and physical activity guidelines. A randomized controlled trial in Hispanic families found that avocado consumption increased physical activity. Eating avocados could be one simple step towards healthy heating patterns with a bonus boost of physical activity.

You can help your patients assess their diet quality and/or compare them to their demographic group. Various indices exist for assessing diet quality, with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) in the United States being a USDA tool that evaluates diet based on alignment with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Adopting a food is medicine approach to eating can improve diet quality and nutrient intake. Avocados are a nutrient-dense food that can support healthy living.