We all know that diet plays a critical role in our health. However, how much do specific foods matter? Research is regularly conducted to learn which diets will help us improve our heart health. A recent study suggests that avocados are a great choice to prevent cardiovascular disease and improve overall heart health.
Avocados are known to contain healthy fats, oils, and other vitamins. This was the focus of a 30-year study that monitored over 110,00 people with no history of heart disease. In conclusion, roughly 11% went on to develop heart disease. However, the study showed that those participants that ate two servings of avocado a day or roughly one whole avocado were 21% less likely to have a heart attack.
The findings support the idea that replacing fatty foods with avocados can help reduce the risk of heart disease and even improve overall heart health over time instead of a regular diet that is high in fatty meats and cholesterol. People can identify which foods to eliminate from their diet, but they also understand which foods should be added in for even more benefits.
Diet Changes and Avocados
The study points to the benefits of eating avocados as part of a regular diet. Evidence shows that even adding one portion of avocado to your diet in place of other fatty foods will help reduce the risk of heart disease overall. In fact, when paired with a healthy Mediterranean diet, the study shows a drastic decrease for both women and men and the rates of heart disease.
Health Benefits of Avocados
The health benefits of avocado are apparent. Furthermore, the study identified that replacing half a serving a day of margarine or processed meats with avocado could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 16-22%. The data supports that avocado should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet that includes fruits, berries, essential oils, vegetables, and lean meats such as fish and poultry.
Consuming avocados offer a promising alternative to many fatty products and give doctors and physicians new recommendations for patients with existing heart disease or a likelihood of developing heart disease. Of course, it’s important to reach out to your doctor before making any dietary changes.