Avocado (Persea americana) pulp improves cardiovascular and autonomic recovery following submaximal running: a crossover, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial

Author(s)

Sousa, Fernando H. ^[1] ; Valenti, Vitor E. ^{[2, 3]} ; Pereira, Leticia C. ^[2] ; Bueno, Rafaela R. ^[2] ; Prates, Sara ^[2] ; Akimoto, Amanda N. ^[3] ; Kaviani, Mojtaba ^{[2, 4]} ; Garner, David M. ^{[5, 2]} ; Amaral, Joice A. T. ^[6] ; de Abreu, Luiz Carlos ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Hlth Ctr ABC, Dept Morphol & Physiol, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[2] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Auton Nervous Syst Ctr CESNA, Av Hygino Muzzi Filho 737, Mirante 17, BR-525900 Marilia, SP - Brazil

^[3] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Postgrad Program Phys Therapy, Presidente Prudente, SP - Brazil

^[4] Acadia Univ, Sch Nutr & Dietet, Wolfville, NS - Canada

^[5] Oxford Brookes Univ, Fac Hlth & Life Sci, Dept Biol & Med Sci, Cardioresp Res Grp, Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP - England

^[6] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Pediat, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 10, n. 1 JUL 1 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that regular avocado consumption presents advantageous effects on cardiovascular system. However, little attention has been paid to the use of avocado as a dietary supplement, in particular, for individuals involved in physical exercise training. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of acute avocado pulp intake on cardiovascular and autonomic recovery subsequent to moderate exercise. Using a crossover, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial design, 16 healthy female adults underwent two protocols: Avocado pulp (600 mg in capsule) and placebo (600 mg starch in capsule). After the ingestion of Avocado pulp or placebo, the subjects were seated for 60 min at rest, followed by running on a treadmill at a submaximal level and then remained seated for 60 min during recovery from the exercise. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) {[}rMSSD, SD1, HF (ms(2))] and skin conductance were evaluated before and during exercise, as well as during recovery. HR, systolic blood pressure, HRV and skin conductance recovered faster when subjects were given avocado pulp prior to exercise. In conclusion, avocado pulp improved cardiovascular and autonomic recovery after exercise, suggesting a reduced risk of cardiovascular events after exertion. The current results support the beneficial effects of ingestion of avocado prior to submaximal treadmill running. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/02994-1 - Investigation of the involvement of body composition in heart rate dynamics during recovery from submaximal physical exercise and muscle isometric contraction in physically active subjects
• Grantee: Vitor Engrácia Valenti
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants