Avocado is a fruit that has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits. It is a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. It contains elements that keep heart disease away including vitamin K, folate, potassium, vitamin C, and E. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics found that avocados can lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or what we call bad cholesterol.
How does avocado lower cholesterol
Cholesterol is an integral part of the human body which is made by the liver. Healthy levels of blood cholesterol are necessary for maintaining healthy cell membranes, producing hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and synthesizing vitamin D.
LDL is the main source of artery-clogging plaque while high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good cholesterol", absorbs LDL and carries it back to the liver for elimination from the body. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Animal products such as dairy, eggs, poultry, and meat are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Trans-fatty acids can also contribute to raising LDL cholesterol, which is mostly found in highly processed food items.
Consuming avocados can control HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels as they are naturally high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Since they contain vitamins like C and K, they are a good source of fiber. They are the richest fruit source of phytosterols or cholesterol-lowering nutrients. Specifically, the study found that avocados helped reduce LDL particles that had become oxidized. These particles start a chain reaction that can lead to atherosclerosis. In the same way that oxygen can damage food -- like turning a sliced apple brown -- the researchers said oxidation is also bad for the human body.
