Effects of Avocado Products on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adults: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are a major global health concern, and avocados, rich in monounsaturated fats and bioactive compounds, may help improve heart health by influencing lipid profiles and other risk factors. However, existing studies on avocado consumption and cardiovascular benefits show inconsistent results, and no comprehensive meta-analysis has been conducted. This study aims to systematically review and analyze current research to provide a quantitative assessment of avocados' effects on cardiovascular risk factors in adults. From inception until May 2025, a comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to find randomized controlled studies (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of avocado intake on cardiovascular risk factors. Following screening, data were extracted and analyzed by STATA. The pooled analysis of 10 RCTs showed that avocado intake had no significant change on triglycerides (TG) (WMD: 0.02 mg/dL; p = 0.97), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: 1.28 mg/dL; p = 0.62), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (WMD: −0.27 mg/dL; p = 0.64), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: −0.05 mg/dL; p = 0.78), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: −0.07 kg/m2; p = 0.31) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: 0.02 mg/dL; p = 0.06). Conversely, a significant reduction was observed in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD: −3.75 mg/dL; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), systolic blood pressure (BP) (WMD: −1.15 mmHg; p = 0.03; I2 = 56%), and an under border of insignificant change in diastolic BP (SWD: −0.03 mmHg; p = 0.066; I2 = 61.9%). The findings from this meta-analysis suggest that while avocado intake does not significantly impact triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, fasting blood glucose, BMI, or CRP, it is associated with a significant reduction in LDL and systolic blood pressure. These results indicate a potential cardioprotective effect of avocado consumption by lowering key risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. However, further well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these benefits and explore the long-term effects of avocado intake on cardiovascular health.