Avocado addicts are likely to have a healthier diet and slimmer waistlines than the rest of the population, according to new research.
They also have better cholesterol readings and are less at risk of heart disease, strokes and diabetes, it is claimed.
The findings, published in the Nutrition Journal, emerge from a large US health and diet survey.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the study was funded by the Hass Avocado Board, which promotes avocado consumption.
Researchers analysed data on more than 17,500 individuals who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
They focused on 347 adults, half of them women, who reported eating any amount of avocados. Average consumption was about half a medium-sized avocado a day.
These participants were found to have significantly better nutrient intake levels and health indicators than those who avoided the fruits.
Find out which other foods could benefit your wellbeing..
50 Of The Healthiest Foods
Almonds(01 of50)
Open Image ModalApples(02 of50)
Open Image ModalApples are an "excellent source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can lower blood cholesterol," says Wixom. The fruit is also high in fiber and its peel contains something called ursolic acid, which has been shown in recent studies to lower the incidence of obesity. "Apples also contain quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help in preventing respiratory problems," Heather Bauer tells The Huffington Post. "Research shows that pregnant women who incorporated apples into their daily diet were less likely to give birth to a child with asthma." (credit:shutterstock)
Artichoke Hearts(03 of50)
Open Image ModalAvocado(04 of50)
Open Image ModalBeets(05 of50)
Open Image Modal"The dark red color indicates the powerful phytonutrient package of beets," Diekman tells The Huffington Post. Indeed beets are rich in betalains, such as betanin and vulgaxanthin, that give them their pigment and also have anti-inflammation and antioxidant properties.Beyond that, beets contain significant amounts of folate, vitamin C, B6, iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, zinc, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine. (credit:FLICKR: USDAGOV)
Beans(06 of50)
Open Image ModalBell Peppers(07 of50)
Open Image ModalBlackberries And Raspberries(08 of50)
Open Image ModalBerries are low in calories and are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants and phytochemicals, and, according to Wixom, some research suggests they help with such divergent health challenges as age-related mental decline, heart disease, some cancers and urinary tract infections. On the mental acuity front, the berries are full of anthocyanins for boosting memory, according to Joy Bauer, but that's not their only age-related benefit. "These foods are high in antioxidants, protect the body from the harmful effects of by-products known as free radicals, made normally when the body changes oxygen and food into energy," according to experts at the Penn Institute on Aging at the University of Pennsylvania. (credit:shutterstock)
Black Tea(09 of50)
Open Image ModalBlueberries(10 of50)
Open Image ModalWhile all berries provide healthful antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and phytochemicals, studies show that blueberries have a particular and unique health benefit. "Among the fruits with the highest level of antioxidants, blueberries have been linked to lowering cholesterol, reducing diabetes risk, slowing the aging process, improving motor skills and supporting urinary and vision health," says Fitzgerald. "The compound, anthocynanin, gives blueberries their color and may be the main component of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties." (credit:Alamy)
Broccoli(11 of50)
Open Image ModalBrown Rice(12 of50)
Open Image ModalBrussels Sprouts (13 of50)
Open Image ModalCherries(14 of50)
Open Image ModalChia Seeds(15 of50)
Open Image ModalCoffee(16 of50)
Open Image ModalCranberries(17 of50)
Open Image ModalDark Chocolate(18 of50)
Open Image ModalEdamame(19 of50)
Open Image ModalEggs(20 of50)
Open Image ModalFlax Seed(21 of50)
Open Image ModalGinger(22 of50)
Open Image ModalGreek Yogurt(23 of50)
Open Image ModalGreen Tea(24 of50)
Open Image ModalKale(25 of50)
Open Image ModalKefir(26 of50)
Open Image ModalLentils(27 of50)
Open Image ModalOatmeal(28 of50)
Open Image ModalOlive Oil(29 of50)
Open Image ModalOranges(30 of50)
Open Image ModalPistachios(31 of50)
Open Image ModalPomegranate(32 of50)
Open Image ModalPotatoes(33 of50)
Open Image ModalQuinoa(34 of50)
Open Image ModalRed Wine(35 of50)
Open Image ModalSalmon(36 of50)
Open Image ModalSardines(37 of50)
Open Image ModalSeaweed(38 of50)
Open Image ModalShiitake Mushrooms(39 of50)
Open Image ModalSkim Milk(40 of50)
Open Image ModalSpinach(41 of50)
Open Image ModalStrawberries(42 of50)
Open Image ModalSunflower Sprouts(43 of50)
Open Image ModalSweet Potatoes(44 of50)
Open Image ModalTomatoes(45 of50)
Open Image ModalTurmeric(46 of50)
Open Image ModalTuna(47 of50)
Open Image ModalWalnuts(48 of50)
Open Image ModalWater(49 of50)
Open Image ModalWhite Tea(50 of50)
Open Image ModalAccording to the study, avocado eaters had generally healthier diets rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Their fibre intake was 36% higher, and they consumed 23% more vitamin E, 13% more magnesium, 16% more potassium and 48% more vitamin K.
People who ate avocados also had significantly higher levels of "good" fats in the blood that those who did not, despite consuming the same number of calories.
Their body mass index readings were lower, and they weighed on average 7.5 pounds less than avocado avoiders. In addition, their waistlines were four centimetres slimmer.
Eating avocados was associated with significantly higher levels of "good" cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, which protects against heart disease, the study showed.
Avocado consumers were also 50% less at risk of metabolic syndrome, a collection of symptoms linked to heart disease, stroke and Type-2 diabetes.
Lead researcher Dr Victor Fulgoni, a dietary consultant at the firm Nutrition Impact, said: "These findings suggest an interesting association between the consumption of avocados and better nutrient intakes and other positive outcomes.
"These observations were derived from population survey data, they provide important clues to better understanding the relationships between diet and health, and give direction to future research and endeavours."
The findings were based on a single snapshot of participants' diet over a period of 24 hours, combined with test results.
The researchers pointed out there was no evidence of a causal link between avocado consumption and better diet.
Avocados were cultivated in Central America as long ago as 5,000 BC, but did not reach British shores until the late 17th century.
They made their first appearance on supermarket shelves in the UK in the 1960s.