Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. What’s more, a person suffers a heart attack every 40 seconds. This grim statistics attests to the importance of preserving cardiovascular health. A healthy diet and an exercise regimen can go a long way toward protecting this vital organ.
When discussing healthy diets, people usually focus on foods they should avoid. However, a recent study focused on a food you should definitely work into your diet – avocados.
Keep reading to learn more.
Health Benefits of Avocado
Avocados have always been lauded by dieticians for their many health benefits. Avocados should be a part of your diet, as they are:
- Nutrient-rich
- Beneficial for gut health
- Packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds
In addition, the healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber found in an avocado can help maintain cardiovascular health.
Eating Avocado Reduces Heart Attack Risk
The relation between an avocado-rich diet and cardiovascular health was a subject of a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
None of the participants had a history of heart attack before joining this 30-year-long research. In total, 41,701 men aged 40 to 75 and 68,786 women aged 30 to 55 took part in the study.
The study findings suggest that consuming two servings of avocado a week reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 16% and heart attack by 21%.
These results feel particularly promising due to how popular, desirable and accessible avocado is.
Make Healthier Choices
Replacing foods high in saturated fats with avocado can do wonders for your cardiovascular health. You should consult with a dietician to make this versatile ingredient a valuable part of a healthy and balanced diet.
