How Does Avocados Lower Heart Disease Risk

Avocados are the new kings of heart health. They’re rich in good fats, plant-based folate, and antioxidants that fight inflammation. Avocados are a better alternative to butter and heavy foods because they’re loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But what’s behind the avocado hype? How can one fruit pack such a powerful punch?

How does avocados lower heart disease risk

1. Avocados are rich in good fats

Avocados are a better alternative to butter and heavy foods because they’re loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The key is to make sure you’re adding avocado in the right way. If you’ve ever added a scoop of guacamole on your salad, this adds an extra 200-plus calories without sacrificing good fats.

Studies have also shown that the amount of calories doesn’t affect weight loss, so don’t worry about calories, fat content or even carbs. Just focus on healthy fat sources like avocados, olive oil, and nuts which will keep you full longer and provide nutrients for the body to burn more fat.

2. Avocados are loaded with plant-based folate

What does it mean for your heart? Plant-based folate helps reduce homocysteine, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher blood homocysteine levels were associated with a greater risk of heart disease and stroke, even after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, body mass index and other dietary habits such as intake of vitamins B6 and B12.

3. Avocados are rich in inflammation fighting antioxidants

Avocados are a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin which play an important role in protecting your eyes from macular degeneration. They’re also high in vitamin E, an important antioxidant. Vitamin E is associated with lower cholesterol, reduced risk of heart disease, and even fat loss.

4. Avocados contain more potassium

Potassium is a key nutrient for heart health and blood pressure management. It’s essential for muscle contraction and helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range.

One study published in the journal Hypertension found that people with either normal or high blood pressure who were at risk of developing hypertension could significantly reduce their chances of developing it by eating more potassium-rich foods. The results indicate that increasing dietary potassium may be an important part of an overall strategy to prevent hypertension and its consequences.