Abacateiro
Also known as: Abacateiro, Avocado tree, Avocado, Persea americana
Overview
Persea americana, commonly known as Abacateiro or avocado, refers to the avocado tree, whose fruit and extracts are utilized as dietary supplements. Avocado is a nutrient-dense fruit, rich in monounsaturated fats, essential vitamins, minerals, and beneficial phytochemicals. Its primary applications in the supplement realm include supporting cardiovascular health, exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, and potentially offering benefits for metabolic health and menopausal symptom relief. While research on avocado-derived supplements is ongoing, with several clinical trials conducted, high-quality systematic reviews specifically on 'Abacateiro' as a standalone supplement are somewhat limited. Current evidence suggests potential in improving lipid profiles and alleviating symptoms in certain conditions, though more dedicated research is needed to establish definitive efficacy and standardized dosing.
Benefits
Avocado consumption has been linked to several health benefits, primarily due to its rich nutritional profile. For cardiovascular health, studies indicate that avocado intake can improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL ('bad') cholesterol and increasing HDL ('good') cholesterol, thereby potentially lowering cardiovascular disease risk. The strength of this evidence is moderate, largely derived from dietary studies. Avocado components also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, with some research suggesting a reduction in inflammatory markers. Furthermore, plant-derived supplements, including those containing avocado extracts, have shown some efficacy in mitigating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. However, the evidence for this specific benefit is heterogeneous and not exclusively attributed to avocado alone, often involving multi-ingredient formulations. While avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) have been investigated for osteoarthritis symptom relief, current high-quality meta-analyses do not position avocado as a primary intervention for this condition when considered in isolation.
How it works
Avocado exerts its beneficial effects primarily through its rich composition of monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, along with phytosterols and various antioxidants. These compounds play a crucial role in modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory pathways within the body. Specifically, the monounsaturated fats and phytosterols can help regulate cholesterol levels. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals may interact with nuclear receptors, such as PPARs (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), and contribute to reducing oxidative stress. This collective action helps improve cardiovascular and metabolic profiles. The bioavailability of the fatty acid components is generally good, while the absorption of specific phytochemicals can vary depending on the supplement formulation and whether it's consumed with fats.
Side effects
Persea americana, when consumed as food or in typical supplement forms, is generally considered safe. Adverse effects are rare, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or upset stomach. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications widely reported in the literature for the doses typically found in dietary supplements. However, caution is strongly advised for individuals with a known avocado allergy, as this can lead to allergic reactions ranging from oral allergy syndrome to more severe systemic responses. Furthermore, individuals with latex-fruit syndrome should also exercise caution, as there can be cross-reactivity between latex and avocado. As with any supplement, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Dosage
There is currently no standardized or universally established dosing guideline specifically for 'Abacateiro' supplements. Clinical studies investigating avocado extracts or avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) for conditions like osteoarthritis have typically utilized doses ranging from 300 to 600 mg per day. However, it's important to note that these studies often involve formulations combining avocado with other components, such as soybean unsaponifiables, rather than pure avocado extract. For general cardiovascular benefits, dietary recommendations often suggest consuming about half to one whole avocado daily as part of a balanced diet. Due to the lack of standardized supplement dosing, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions on specific 'Abacateiro' products or consult with a healthcare professional to determine an appropriate and safe dosage, especially given the absence of established upper limits for isolated avocado supplements.
FAQs
Is 'Abacateiro' effective for menopausal symptoms?
Some plant-derived supplements, including those containing avocado extracts, have shown potential in improving menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and more rigorous, avocado-specific clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Is 'Abacateiro' safe to consume?
Yes, 'Abacateiro' (avocado) is generally considered safe when consumed as food or in typical supplement doses, with minimal reported side effects. Individuals with avocado allergies or latex-fruit syndrome should exercise caution.
How long does it take to see benefits from 'Abacateiro'?
The time frame for observing benefits can vary. Clinical trials on lipid profile improvements with avocado consumption have shown effects within weeks to a few months. Other benefits may also require consistent, long-term use.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38189863/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis from 2024 included 61 RCTs on plant-derived supplements for menopausal symptoms, with avocado being one of the plants studied. It found significant symptom improvement across various plant interventions but highlighted considerable heterogeneity among studies and emphasized the need for more rigorous research. The quality of included studies was mostly fair to good, with varying sample sizes.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1556133/full – This 2025 network meta-analysis on osteoarthritis involved 22 RCTs with 2,777 participants, comparing various supplements for knee osteoarthritis. It indicated that avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) were not ranked as a top intervention, suggesting limited evidence for avocado alone as a primary treatment for osteoarthritis symptoms in this context.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28096125/ – This 2017 systematic review broadly examined dietary supplements and their impact on cardiovascular outcomes. It noted that avocado components contribute to lipid modulation, supporting their role in cardiovascular health. However, the review also pointed out that direct randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence specifically on avocado supplements for cardiovascular outcomes is limited.
