Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Avocados Under The Spotlight In Latest Medical Study TAURANGA, March 2012: A new pilot study which aims to investigate if the dietary habits of New Zealanders can be changed, will encourage participants to eat avocados and other specific foods every day to help reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases. Nutrigenomics New Zealand (a collaboration between AgResearch, Plant and Food Research and The University of Auckland) is asking a group of people aged 20 to 60 to change their diet for six weeks to incorporate foods rich in healthy fats such as avocado, along with fish and seafood, lean meat, fresh vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts and whole grains. It is thought a ‘anti-inflammatory’ diet such as this, could assist in reducing the chances people have of developing cancer, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s as well cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and autoimmune diseases. The study is being led by Auckland University’s head of nutrition, Professor Lynnette Ferguson. It draws inspiration from the Mediterranean diet which relies heavily on the above foods and avoids processed food or items high in sugar, fat or white flour. “This sort of eating pattern is based on the traditional foods and lifestyle of individuals that border the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Spain, Italy and Turkey. Although the specific dietary guidelines that we are asking people to follow are not identical to this, they have a number of things in common,” Professor Ferguson says. “In particular, we request that people eat at least seven servings of fresh fruit and vegetables, two or more servings of fish per week, and that their sources of fat are mainly from extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds.” This pilot study is nearing completion. Nutrigenomics New Zealand will use the information gathered to gauge how feasible it is to get Kiwis to change their diet long enough to see changes in inflammation. Different levels of support, education, recipes and food was given to participants to establish how much intervention is needed to successfully get people to modify their diets. Blood and urine samples will also be taken before and afterwards to see if there is a change in people’s inflammation profiles. . “We would like to use the outcomes of this study to then design a large scale study for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients who could benefit greatly from a diet like this. We ultimately wish to be able to provide dietary guidelines that will aid individuals suffering from the disease,” Professor Ferguson explains. The Avocado Industry Council (AIC) supported Nutrigenomics New Zealand with avocados and recipes throughout the pilot study. AIC chief executive Jen Scoular says the industry is excited to see the results of the study as avocados have long been renowned for their health benefits. “The fats in avocados are classed as ‘good fats’ because they lower your cholesterol and are good for your heart. Eating at least some avocado every day will definitely make a difference to your overall health and wellbeing so hopefully the information and insights gained from this study will benefit all New Zealanders,” Scoular says. For more information or images please contact: Natalie Bridges | Village Public Relations & Marketing p: +64 7 572 1608 m: +64 21 891 699 e: [email protected]