Rich in carbohydrates and fats, avocados are not considered a heart-friendly option and are often avoided. On the contrary, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, revealed that eating an avocado a day can keep your heart healthy. So replacing solid fats with avocado not only helps in controlling cholesterol level but also has a protective effect on the heart. Packed with monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), healthy fats, dietary fibre and antioxidants, here s how this humble fruit helps in controlling cholesterol and keeping your heart healthy.
Healthy fats: The major cause of coronary heart disease is the build-up of cholesterol in arteries, which ultimately leads to blockage of arteries. However, you can lower your risk of heart disease by maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. This can be achieved by increasing your intake of MUFAs (mono unsaturated fatty acids) and PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids). These healthy fats not only lower the total cholesterol and LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol but also slightly increase the HDL (high density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol [1].
Antioxidants: Avocado contains vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K, which are fat soluble vitamins and is potent antioxidants and hence, helps you to keep your cholesterol in control. The antioxidants inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol because if it is oxidised, it might lead to accumulation of plaque on the arterial wall, thereby further increasing your risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Also read about cholesterol control mega guide all you need to know to prevent heart disease.
Fibre: A diet rich in fibre not only improves digestion but also helps you keep your cholesterol under control. Avocado contains soluble fibre which hinders the absorption of bile, which are excreted through faeces. And to compensate the loss of bile acids, the liver starts bile synthesis, which requires cholesterol, lowering the level of LDL cholesterol present in blood. Here are 1o reasons why you should eat fibre-rich foods.
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