Changes To Your Diet Can Affect Your Allergies - Here's How
Regularly Eating Avocado Linked To Lower Diabetes Risk In Women
New research published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests a potential association between avocado consumption and diabetes risk among Mexican adults.
Diabetes is the second leading cause of death in Mexico, affecting around 15.2% of adults (12.8 million).
To investigate the relationship between avocado consumption and diabetes risk, researchers studied mostly self-reported dietary habits and diabetes diagnosis information from survey responses of a portion of the Mexican population. The majority of these respondents were classified as having overweight or obesity.
The results showed that women who consumed avocados were less likely to develop diabetes than those who did not eat them. This connection, however, was not observed in men.
This study analyzed data on Mexican adults aged 20 and older from the Mexican National Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT) years 2012, 2016, and 2018.
After excluding specific individuals, such as those who were pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with missing or unreliable data regarding diabetes and avocado intake, the final sample included 25,640 participants.
Approximately 59% were female, and more than 60% had abdominal obesity.
In the surveys, dietary information was assessed using a 7-day food-frequency questionnaire to determine avocado consumption habits, and participants were strictly classified as avocado consumers (consuming any amount of avocado) or non-consumers.
The presence of diabetes was primarily identified through self-reported diagnoses, with a portion of the participants using clinical measures of blood sugar levels to confirm diabetes cases.
The participants also self-reported demographic and cardiometabolic risk factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic level, education, body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity, healthy eating index (HEI-2015) score, calorie intake, lifestyle habits, and pre-existing conditions.
However, trained personnel measured the participants' weight, height, and waist circumference.
Upon gathering the survey data, the researchers analyzed it using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to investigate the link between avocado consumption and diabetes risk among the adult population in Mexico.
Among the participants, about 45% reported consuming avocados, with average daily intakes of 34.7 grams (g) for men and 29.8 g for women.
Those who ate avocados generally had higher levels of education and belonged to a higher socioeconomic class than those who did not consume avocados.
Additionally, over three-quarters of avocado consumers resided in urban areas.
Across both genders, avocado eaters also tended to have slightly higher scores on the healthy eating index, indicating a somewhat more nutritious diet overall.
These findings suggest that individuals who consumed avocados likely had greater access to and resources for healthier food options. It is important to note, however, that the study's adjusted models considered and accounted for these factors.
In women, avocado consumers showed a 22% and 29% lower risk of developing diabetes in unadjusted and adjusted models, respectively. However, this protective effect of avocado consumption was not observed in men.
This relationship remained consistent when laboratory-confirmed diabetes diagnoses were used instead of self-reported diagnoses.
Medical News Today spoke with Avantika Waring, MD, a board-certified physician in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, and chief medical officer at 9amHealth, not involved in the study, about how avocados may reduce diabetes risk among women.
Waring explained:
"There are a few potential ways that avocado consumption could lower risk of diabetes in women, including the presence of antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and cellular damage that would otherwise increase the risk of conditions like diabetes. Avocados, being high in fat and fiber, also have a low glycemic index, and therefore don't promote spikes in glucose and the resulting rise in insulin levels that are metabolically unfavorable."
She pointed out, though, that these mechanisms are speculative, and suggested that the high fiber and healthy fats in avocados could also promote fullness, subsequently decreasing the intake of less nutritious foods.
Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS, physician-scientist at the RUSH Institute for Healthy Aging, Rush University System for Health, not involved in the study, similarly highlighted that avocados, rich in "insulin-sensitizing nutrients," could potentially stabilize the diabetic disease process.
"However, it remains a challenge to precisely determine why the association was observed only in women and not in men," he said.
He proposed that various factors might influence the disease course in women, including sex differences in diabetes that are related to hormonal changes across the lifespan, genetic and environmental factors, and psychosocial stressors that uniquely impact women's diabetes risk.
Waring concurred, emphasizing the significant hormonal shifts women experience during key life stages. "During pregnancy, women become more insulin resistant for example, and during menopause as estrogen levels drop, body fat patterns change in women that can result in a higher risk of diabetes," she said.
Ultimately, it is unclear what caused the sex differences in avocado consumption's impact on diabetes risk in this study, highlighting the need for further research on sex-specific dietary interventions and personalized nutrition recommendations.
Eliza Whitaker, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian and medical nutrition advisor at Dietitian Insights, who was not involved in the study, noted the study's major limitation in broadly categorizing avocado consumers, making it hard to determine the beneficial amount of avocado intake.
She mentioned that lumping occasional and frequent avocado consumers together complicates understanding the precise impact on diabetes risk.
As far as we can tell, based on current science, she said: "Avocados may be associated with a lower risk of diabetes, but avocados alone aren't enough to reduce that risk. We have to look at the diet as a whole when it comes to reducing the risk of developing diabetes."
Waring echoed this sentiment, suggesting the study supports the consumption of unprocessed, heart-healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, for better metabolic health but doesn't result in specific dietary guidance regarding avocado consumption.
Overall, "maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with diet being one component, enhances an individual's ability to take control of their disease process," Holland added, emphasizing a holistic approach to disease prevention.
Although the study cannot be used to draw definitive conclusions about avocado consumption and diabetes risk, Holland suggested the associations it reveals still carry significant weight.
Regarding whether individuals should incorporate avocados to reduce diabetes risk, Holland concluded:
"Considering the abundance and diversity of nutrients found in avocados, there is compelling evidence that incorporating them into a healthier diet, such as the DASH diet, Mediterranean diet, or MIND diet, is strongly recommended for diabetes management."
The Best Hypoallergenic Pillows, According To An Allergy Specialist
Millions of people suffer from allergy symptoms, according to allergy specialist Michael Wein, M.D. "Mite allergy is one of the most common allergies in the U.S.," says Wein. "Since there are only 24 hours in a day, and we often sleep for eight hours, a large proportion of time is spent in the bedroom. So it is essential to reduce mite levels there." That's where the best hypoallergenic pillows come in. These pillows can reduce exposure to common allergens while also accommodating your preferred sleeping position. With its adjustable filling and organic materials, the Avocado Green Pillow is our top choice for the best hypoallergenic pillow and comes with options for a wide variety of sleepers.
The best hypoallergenic pillows keep allergens at bay to provide a restful night of sleep.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: RetailersDifferent types of sleepers have different pillow needs, and adding allergy considerations to the list can make it even harder to find a great match. To help narrow things down, we've rounded up nine additional hypoallergenic pillows for varying budgets, sleeping types and preferences.
MOST POPULAR
Fill: Organic latex and kapok fibersFirmness: Medium-plushTrial period: 100 nights
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While dust mites are the most common allergen, some may also be sensitive to chemicals or materials. That's why Avocado made its Green Pillow suitable for as many allergy sufferers as possible. The outer cover is machine washable for convenience, zippered to protect against mites and made with GOTS-certified organic cotton. Inside that is a zippered organic jersey cotton liner for additional protection. The filling is comprised of ribbons of GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok fiber. The latex is naturally durable with excellent temperature control, while the kapok fiber is a soft, vegan alternative to down that is grown pesticide free.
Adjustability is another standout feature. Avocado includes an extra bag of fill with every pillow to customize comfort to your preferred sleeping position. Those sensitive to chemicals or in search of peace of mind may appreciate the brand's extensive certifications and testing processes. It's verified formaldehyde free by UL Environment and holds both an eco-Institute label and a Made Safe seal, signifying a high level of safety. It's also vegan certified.
What our editors say: "I've been using this pillow for a couple of years now, and it does not disappoint," says Forbes Vetted commerce editor Margaret Badore. "As a stomach sleeper, I didn't need the extra filling, but I appreciate that you have the option to plump it up. The latex shreds give this pillow a weighty, substantial feel, and the pillow's cover is thick and plush, like a fantastic sweatshirt."
Saatva
Saatva Latex Pillow (Standard/Queen)
Fill: Shredded natural latexFirmness: PlushTrial period: 45 nights
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With hypoallergenic microdenier fiber and shredded natural latex (which is naturally dust mite and mildew resistant), this pillow is a top choice for those with allergies. And since the natural latex goes through a washing process that removes allergy-causing proteins and the pillow has both a liner and cover, the brand says it's also suitable for those with latex allergies. The entire pillow is encased in a Fair Trade Certified organic cotton cover that wicks away moisture for more comfortable sleep.
It's available in two loft heights—the standard 5-inch height is ideal for back and stomach sleepers, and the high-loft 6- to 7-inch height is perfect for side and combination sleepers. With a unique buoyant feel and responsive head and neck support, side sleepers in particular might appreciate the extra inches. In addition to a machine-washable outer cover, the inner microdenier fiber insert is also suitable for the washing machine, so you can wash them often.
What the reviews say: One 5-star review says, "I was looking for a pillow that was hypoallergenic as I have allergies exclusively at night. I also wanted something hotel-like. This is it. This pillow is so soft, yet supportive enough to not fully sink in. [It's] good for both back and side sleepers, of which I am. And [there's] no smell."
Fill: DownFirmness: Plush, mid-plush or firmTrial period: 365-night return policy
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While down often gets a bad reputation as problematic for those with allergies, allergy specialist Wein says it's not an issue as long as it's well-encased. This Brooklinen option is stuffed with hypoallergenic and Downmark certified-down, which means you can rest easy knowing the filling is high quality and ethically harvested. Plus, it's fully covered in a cotton sateen shell with double-stitched edges to ensure the fluff stays put.
Brooklinen's Down Pillow is available in standard and king sizes with plush, mid-plush and firm options to suit different bed sizes and sleep styles. The plush contains only down feathers and is recommended for stomach sleepers, while both the mid-plush and firm pillows are stuffed with a mixture of down feathers and clusters for a firmer core. The brand recommends fluffing it every day to keep the filling evenly distributed.
What the reviews say: "[This] feather down firm pillow is light, fluffy and supports your neck if you are a side sleeper," notes a review. "[I] love this pillow. The down is soft and yet not too much."
Fill: Down alternativeFirmness: Plush to mediumTrial period: 30 nights
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The Amazon Basics Down Alternative Pillow is proof you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great hypoallergenic pillow. They're sold in sets, which is a great value for the money, and come in standard and king sizes. You also have the choice of medium or soft firmness. When it comes to the hypoallergenic features, this pillow uses a down alternative to mimic the cloud-like softness without the potential irritation. The pillow protector is designed with a tight weave that not only keeps the filling from escaping but also keeps dust mites out. Last but not least, the entire pillow is machine washable to cut down on allergens, bacteria and dirt. It's also made in an Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified factory to ensure it meets safety and environmental standards.
What our editors say: "The Amazon Basics is one of the pillows I keep gravitating to even a year after my initial tests," says Eby. "They haven't flattened out or developed weird lumps, even after many rounds of washing. They are supportive but still have a good deal of give. The Amazon Basics pillow washed and dried easily and quickly, without shrinking or clumping, and required zero fluffing."
Buffy
Buffy Cloud Pillow (Standard)
Fill: Recycled fibersFirmness: Soft, medium or firmTrial period: 7-night trial, 50-night return policy
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Made with recycled filling, this cloud-like pillow is not only hypoallergenic but also eco-friendly. Buffy uses a Global Recycling Standard (GRS) certified-facility that specializes in converting plastic containers into new products. Plastic bottles that might end up in the landfill or ocean are turned into marshmallowy-soft filling that feels lightweight, like a blend of cotton and silk. Each pillow recycles between 24 and 30 plastic bottles, and comes in three firmness levels to appeal to more sleepers.
The cover is made from the brand's signature eucalyptus fabric, which is an earth-friendly alternative to conventional cotton. It also absorbs moisture more effectively than cotton for cooler, drier nights. It's spot clean only, however, so make sure to use a machine-washable pillowcase.
What the reviews say: A 5-star review says, "I purchased all three densities for our king bed. I sleep with a medium and soft, and use a firm underneath if I am watching TV or reading in bed. They are very comfortable, breathable and keep their shape. I love this pillow."
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow (Small)
Fill: Tempur-MaterialFirmness: Extra-firmTrial period: None
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The Tempur-Neck Pillow isn't shaped like your everyday fluffy pillow. It's an ergonomic option with a supportive, contoured design that follows the natural curve of the neck and head. The firm Tempur-Material also maintains its shape for all-night support. The pillow comes in three sizes to suit most body types, and each pillow has a thick and thin side for even more personalization. However, it's best for side and back sleepers. The pillow is covered in a hypoallergenic polyester knit cover to appeal to those with allergies. Plus, the cover is removable and machine washable, which is a must-have to cut down on bacteria, allergies and dirt.
What the reviews say: "Many companies claim that their pillow is firm, but it is not," writes a customer. "The Tempur-Neck Pillow is pillow perfection. I love this pillow. It is the best, most comfortable pillow that I have found. It is indeed firm support as stated and maintains a comfortable temperature. My sleep quality has improved greatly."
Fill: Birch wool and natural latexFirmness: MediumTrial period: 100 nights
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The Birch Organic Pillow is made with natural and certified organic materials, from the shredded Talalay latex and wool filling to the organic cotton cover. Since natural latex provides a natural barrier to dust mites, it's a great pick for allergy sufferers. Latex isn't susceptible to molding or mildew either, which cuts down on other potential allergies. The proprietary Birch wool is not only plush, it enhances breathability and adds moisture-wicking properties for a cooler night's sleep. It's also flexible, allowing the pillow to maintain its shape night after night, and naturally flame retardant without the use of chemicals. The highly breathable cover is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton for a soft-to-the-touch feel.
What the reviews say: One 5-star review says, "What a pillow. We purchased it for our child, who has several allergies. It is hypoallergenic, keeps him cool and is plush enough to provide a good restful balance."
Fill: LatexFirmness: MediumTrial period: 30-night return policy
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Since Talalay latex is naturally resistant to dust mites and mildew, this 100% latex pillow is ideal for those with allergies. Natural latex is more breathable than other types of foam, but this design takes things a step further with small airways that help draw excess heat away from the body. The cover is also designed to be hypoallergenic—it's made with Tencel Lyocell fibers, which are sustainably sourced and produced. Tencel also regulates temperature while wicking away moisture. Another bonus? The pillow cover is machine washable for easy cleaning.
This hypoallergenic pillow comes in two loft heights. The 5-inch loft is best for side sleepers who require a higher profile, while the 4-inch loft is ideal for back and stomach sleepers. When it comes to the feel, this latex pillow has a slight bounce and rebounds night after night, no matter how much you scrunch it. That means no fluffing required.
What the reviews say: "I really like this pillow," writes a customer. "It is not anything like a regular pillow or memory foam pillow. I purchased [it] because of dust mite allergies, and they cannot live in latex. The plush pillow is perfect, very soft and bouncy. You could squish this pillow into a ball with your hands, and as soon as you let go, it springs back into its rectangle shape instantly. It also stays fairly cool compared to regular pillows."
Purple
Purple Harmony Pillow (Standard)
Fill: Talalay latexFirmness: MediumTrial period: 100 nights
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The Purple Harmony Pillow has an inner core made of Talalay latex, making this pillow naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold. It also aids in creating an airy, cooling feeling. With its honeycomb GelFlex Grid surrounding the latex, the feel of this pillow is unlike many of its competitors. The latex core provides a bouncy feel, and the GelFlex Grid adapts to your shape while offering refined pressure relief. What's more, every component is designed to draw away heat or add breathability for a cooling sleep experience. The entire pillow is wrapped in a machine-washable knit cover that stays dry and cool.
It comes in three loft heights and two sizes to suit a variety of sleepers. The low is 5.5 inches and recommended for stomach and back sleepers or those with a small body type. The medium has a loft height of 6.5 inches and is best for side and combination sleepers or people with a medium body frame. Those who sleep on their side or have a large body type tend to prefer the 7.5-inch height, which is the highest option.
What our editors say: "It's unlike any pillow I've ever tried, but I immediately bought into it," says Forbes Vetted sleep editor McKenzie Dillon. "The pillow manages to be supportive, light and airy at the same time. It's also a good pick for hot sleepers because it doesn't retain heat, as its breathable, perforated inner layers promote maximum airflow."
Fill: Gel-infused memory foam and microfiberFirmness: Medium-softTrial period: 100 nights
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With its gel-infused foam filling and breathable cover, the EdenCool Pillow means you don't have to sacrifice staying cool at night for allergy relief. Its materials are hypoallergenic and nontoxic. And while it's designed for temperature regulation, it doesn't overlook soft support, either. The pillow is filled with a proprietary blend of cross-cut, gel-infused memory foam and microfiber. Each pillow comes with an extra half pound of fill, so you can add or remove it to find the right balance for your body type and sleep style. Even if you prefer a ton of stuffing, the EdenCool is designed with a mesh tape gusset that keeps everything evenly distributed. This pillow has both Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certifications, which means it meets rigorous safety standards. And as a bonus for those with allergies, both the outer cover and inner pillow are machine washable.
What the reviews say: "I'm primarily a side and sometimes a back sleeper, so I have issues with dead ear on pillows that are too firm, but pillows that are too soft don't provide enough support," says a 5-star review. "Solid memory foam has never worked for me in the past because of the ear issue, but the Eden is awesome. [It's] soft enough for my ears but supportive enough for my neck. It acts similarly to the down pillows I'm used to, but it's much more versatile due to the adjustability."
Why Trust Forbes VettedAfter researching, testing, consulting medical experts and forging relationships with the top sleep brands, the Forbes Vetted team has compiled an extensive library of sleep and mattress stories.
Avocado May Help Lower Diabetes Risk In Women, Finds Study
In a cross-sectional study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers from Mexico investigated the potential association between avocado consumption and diabetes in Mexican adults.
Avocados, rich in nutrients and increasingly popular, have been associated with metabolic health benefits. Understanding how individual foods like avocados impact diabetes risk is essential, especially considering the influence of biological sex on diabetes pathogenesis. The study examined the link between avocado consumption and diabetes risk in both males and females, recognising the global rise in diabetes rates and the potential of dietary modifications to mitigate risk.
The study analysed data from 25,640 participants aged ≥20 years, with approximately 59% female. Most participants were overweight or obese, with over 60% having abdominal obesity. Diabetes was defined as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5% or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 126 mg/dL. Various covariates, including body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity, physical activity, healthy eating index score, energy intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, and acute myocardial infarction, were considered in the analysis. Additionally, a subset of participants underwent a sensitivity analysis using laboratory data.
The results showed that of the participants from the three surveys, about 45% were avocado consumers, with an average daily consumption of 34.7 grams for men and 29.8 grams for women. Avocado consumption was found to be associated with lower odds of diabetes among women but not among men.
These findings highlight the potential protective role of avocado consumption against diabetes. Furthermore, researchers also found that compared to those who did not consume avocados, avocado-consuming women showed a lower risk of diabetes, while no significant association was observed among men.
Reference: Association between avocado consumption and diabetes in Mexican adults: Results from the 2012, 2016, and 2018 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys. Cheng, F. W. Et al., Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2024), DOI: 10.1016/j.Jand.2024.04.012, https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/science/article/pii/S2212267224001928
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