Maria Loreto
In partnership with The Fresh Toast
A new study found many heart health benefits associated with this popular fruit, which you likely have in your kitchen.
The food we eat is very important, influencing our bodies on several levels. A new study shows that eating fatty fruit like avocados reduces the risks of heart attacks in men and women. These benefits are even better when the avocado replaces a food like cheese or butter.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that consuming avocados reduced the odds of heart disease by 21% when compared to people who didn’t consume avocados.
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Researchers tracked 68,000 women and 41,000 men over a 30 year time span. They found that avocados had heart-healthy properties, producing better results than foods like eggs, yogurts, and butter. Per the study, consuming avocado in lieu of these foods decreased the risk of heart disease from 22% to 16%.
“The full benefit of routine avocado consumption observed here derives from swapping avocado into the diet, and less healthful foods out,” Dr. David Katz, a specialist in preventive and lifestyle medicine and nutrition, told CNN. Still, researchers explained that eating avocados won’t solely prevent a heart attack; the study simply shows that they have plenty of heart benefits.
Katz explained that while avocados were healthy, delicious, and filling, they were also expensive and, thus, not as easy to acquire as other foods. He suggested foods like walnuts, almonds, and olive oil, which could provide similar results. More accessible foods like lentils, chickpeas, and beans would also provide benefits in the same vein.
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Cardiovascular disease includes a variety of symptoms and diseases, from heart valve problems to heart attacks. The American Heart Association predicts that over 82 million people in America live with at least one form of cardiovascular disease. heal
People over the age of 40 and those who are overweight are at a higher risk for these diseases, which can be prevented by exercising regularly, cutting down on alcohol and tobacco, and maintaining a balanced diet.
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