How eating avocado could save your
life: Fruit 'lowers cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease' They are a great addition to a salad or smoothie.
But for many, the avocado has come to be seen as a guilty
pleasure.
Though classed as a fruit, it is not typical in the fact
that rather than being high in carbohydrate, avocados are high in fat. Fat has long been hailed the dietary enemy number one, but
as the tables turn and the scientific spotlight shines more acutely on sugar,
so the benefits of the humble avocado are being realised. A new study has revealed adding the green fruit to your diet
can aid weight loss.
Furthermore, the fruit reduces a person’s risk of heart
disease, according to scientists from the Avocado Board, in California.
Emiliano Escobedo, executive director, said: ‘This study supports the
body of research showing the many benefits that fresh avocados have to offer
when consumed in everyday healthy eating plans.’
The findings fall in line with recent recommendations from
the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.The guidelines stated that making small shifts in food
choices can make a difference – including shifting from solid fats to oils,
such as the oil in fresh avocados.
The new
study, published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, confirmed that swapping
solid fats for avocados can ‘significantly change lipid profiles'. Scientists
analyzed 10 unique avocado studies with 229 participants.
The researchers assessed the impact of avocado on
cholesterol levels. They found that consuming one to one-and-a-half avocados per
day ‘significantly reduced total cholesterol'. Additionally, it also limited the 'bad' low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides when substituted for sources of fat. Corresponding study author Dr Sachin Shah noted that the
results showed that even healthy study subjects showed significant reductions. Dr Nikki
Ford, director of nutrition for Hass Avocado Board, said: ‘Fresh avocado, as
part of a balanced diet, and as a cholesterol-free substitute for solid fats,
can help be part of the solution for maintaining normal cholesterol Beyond
their naturally good fats, avocados are also a delicious way to boost fiber…
and fruit intakes, both of which are under consumed in American diets.’
Having high levels of bad cholesterol is known to be a major
risk factor for heart disease, according to the study. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for one out of every
four deaths – and it is the number one killer of men and women. Heart disease is also one of the leading causes of
disability.
The study noted that additional research must be conducted
to look at the impact of avocados on major adverse cardiovascular events. Furthermore, the optimal amount of avocado and frequency of
use needs further evaluation, the scientists noted.
Mr Escobedo said: 'Clinical studies are currently underway
to investigate the relationship between avocado consumption and risk factors
for heart disease, diabetes, support of weight management and healthy living.'
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