WASHINGTON – Avocados are being called the world’s most perfect food.

Even though the green, creamy fruit is high in fat, people who eat it on a regular basis are slimmer than those who don’t, reports Yahoo! Health, citing a recent study as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The study found that avocado eaters were, on average, 7.5 pounds lighter with a waistline 1.6 inches smaller. Also, risk for metabolic syndrome — which can in turn increase the risk of heart attack and type 2 diabetes — were cut for those who ate avocados.

Yahoo! reports that carotenoids, which are found in avocados, may be helpful in protecting skin against the sun. Phytochemicals, also found in avocados, may be helpful in cancer prevention, according to the report.

Click here to listen to more about the avocado from Dr. Oz.

Hass Avocado, a cultivator of the food, compiled a list of popular avocado recipes including guacamole, burgers, soups and salads.

This story has been updated.

WTOP’s Lacey Mason and Veronica Robinson contributed to this report. Follow @LaceyWTOP, @VRobWTOP and @WTOP on Twitter.