Evidence supporting the use of: Avocado
For the health condition: Weight Gain

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Avocado is sometimes recommended as part of a diet for healthy weight gain, largely due to its high caloric density, healthy monounsaturated fats, and nutrient content. Scientific studies and nutrition guidelines acknowledge that avocados are an energy-dense food, providing approximately 160 calories per 100 grams, along with significant amounts of fiber, potassium, vitamins E and C, and healthy fats. These characteristics make them a useful addition for individuals aiming to increase caloric intake in a nutrient-rich manner, such as those with increased energy requirements or struggling with underweight.

However, while avocados can help increase total caloric intake, there is limited direct clinical research specifically investigating avocado consumption as a treatment for medical weight gain (e.g., in patients with cachexia or anorexia). Instead, the evidence base is largely extrapolated from general nutritional science, where adding calorie-dense, nutritious foods is a cornerstone strategy for weight gain. Avocados are recommended by many dietitians and health organizations as part of a healthy eating pattern for those needing to gain weight. Some small studies suggest that inclusion of avocados in the diet does not adversely affect metabolic health and may even improve markers like cholesterol.

In summary, while the use of avocado for weight gain is supported by nutritional logic and some indirect evidence, there is a lack of targeted, high-quality clinical trials. Therefore, the evidence level is moderate (3/5), supported by general dietary guidelines and nutritional properties rather than direct intervention studies.

More about Avocado
More about Weight Gain

Products containing Avocado

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.