NOTE: Researchers have found that avocados may protect the heart in a similar way as olive oil and nuts do in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.
Studies found an increase in HDL (protective cholesterol) in people who consumed an average of 1 to 3.7 avocados daily. While this might seem like a lot of avocados, remember that most guacamole recipes utilize about one avocado per person. Avocados are also high in mono-unsaturated fat, fiber (9 grams for a medium avocado), and potassium – all of which are associated with cardiovascular health.
In addition to improving heart health by impacting your levels of cholesterol, new research indicates that avocados may further improve your heart health by impacting the gut biome.
Try this heart-healthy recipe and send Nitasha Kearney your pics at ndkearney@ncat.edu.
