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Avocados: Whip up a Dip for the Heart

Research shows avocados reduce cholesterol

Avocados: Whip up a Dip for the Heart

It may not be long before your cardiologist recommends avocados to help combat high cholesterol.

One study showed that after seven days dining on diet that included avocados, patients with moderately high cholesterol levels saw a drop in both total and LDL cholesterol, as well as an 11% increase in heart-healthy HDL levels.

That’s because avocados contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fat that helps to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation – a factor involved with the development of heart disease. These “alligator pears” also contain magnesium and potassium, two minerals that help the heart to keep a steady beat.

So go ahead and indulge in one of these high-fat heart helpers; slice and serve with eggs for a heart-healthy breakfast, chop and top a crisp salad or try one of our simple and delicious avocado recipes.

Avocados: Whip up a Dip for the Heart – Healing Gourmet pin Save
References (2)
  1. Perez-Jimenez F, Lopez-Miranda J, Mata P. Protective effect of dietary monounsaturated fat on arteriosclerosis: beyond cholesterol.Atherosclerosis 2002 Aug;163(2):385-98. (PubMed)
  2. Lopez LLedesma R, Frati Munari AC, Hernandez Dominguez BC, et al. Monounsaturated fatty acid (avocado) rich diet for mild hypercholesterolemia. Arch Med Res 1996 Winter;27(4):519-23 (PubMed)

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Kelley Herring

About the author

Kelley Herring

Kelley Herring, founder of Healing Gourmet, is a natural nutrition enthusiast with a background in biochemistry. Her passion is educating on how foods promote health and protect against disease and creating simple and delicious recipes for vibrant health and enjoyment.

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Not medical advice. Talk with your prescriber before changing your diet. Not affiliated with any medication brand.

2 Comments

  1. JudiFeb 28, 2015

    I am curious about coconut oil and health. I have heart rhythm issues and had a pacemaker placed in October. I’m on warfarin so I need to watch the greens due to vitamin k. So avocado also needs to be limited. I have Hashimotos and many websites promote coconut oil if you have Hashimotos. I’m just curious what your take is on coconut oil and how to incorporate into a healthy diet.
    Thank you for your time.

    1. Kelley HerringFeb 28, 2015

      Hi Judi,
      Thanks for your question!

      I think coconut oil is great for overall health and especially for people with thyroid issues. I have low thyroid myself and definitely believe it is helpful in boosting function.

      Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Isabella Wentz, author of Hashimoto’s Root Cause. She is a real expert on the topic and has helped so many with this condition. Please check out her website here: http://www.thyroidpharmacist.com/

      Be Well!
      Kelley

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