Daily Avocado Cut LDL by 49 nmol/L in 6-Month Study
Updated
Updated · AOL · Aug 23
Daily Avocado Cut LDL by 49 nmol/L in 6-Month Study
3 articles · Updated · AOL · Aug 23
Summary
A six-month trial of 786 adults found that adding one avocado a day lowered LDL cholesterol by 49 nanomoles per liter, with no associated weight change.
Researchers said the improvement was modest, but estimated it could translate into about a 4% lower heart-disease risk.
Cardiologists said avocados may help because they provide monounsaturated fats, phytosterols and fiber, especially when they replace foods high in saturated or trans fats.
Doctors cautioned that avocado is not a stand-alone fix for high cholesterol, which is also shaped by genetics, exercise, overall diet and prescribed medication.
The study was funded by the Avocado Nutrition Center, though researchers said the sponsor had no role in the design, analysis or interpretation.