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Avocados may help manage obesity and prevent diabetes

Researchers have shown for the first time how a compound found only in avocados can inhibit cellular processes in the pancreas that normally lead to diabetes. Commenting on the research, Dr Sarah Brewer, said: “This latest research from the University of Guelph suggests that avocados may even protect against type 2 diabetes by inhibiting some of the abnormal cell metabolic processes that occur in diabetes. A particular molecule that is unique to avocados, and known as avocatin B can reduce insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and pancreas cells. Healthy volunteers who took avocatin B extracts as a dietary supplement lost some weight while continuing to eat their normal diet, and no safety concerns were highlighted. Trials in people with type 2 diabetes are now planned.”