Replacing saturated fats and added sugars with one avocado lowered triglycerides by 17.4% (p < 0.001).1
Study Evaluates Avocado-Containing Diets on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Research Summary
In a randomized, double-blind, crossover feeding trial, 42 adults with elevated triglycerides followed two 3-week diets: one where a daily Hass avocado replaced solid fats and added sugars, and a matched control diet.
- non-HDL cholesterol by 4.65% (p = 0.047)
- VLDL cholesterol by 9.30% (p = 0.007)
- and triglycerides by 17.4% (p < 0.001)
The avocado diet lowered:
Funded by the Avocado Nutrition Center, the study found replacing solid fats and added sugars with avocado in a typical American diet improved the lipoprotein lipid profile in adults with elevated triglycerides. However, the results cannot be generalized to larger, more diverse populations.
Download the fact sheet to learn more about the growing body of evidence exploring how avocado consumption fits into a heart-healthy eating pattern that supports cardiovascular health.
Updated with the latest research!
Heart Health Mini Cookbook
Avocado-Inspired Recipes
Help your clients enjoy the nutritional benefits of fresh avocados with this collection of heart-healthy recipes.
Quick Ways to Start the Conversation
Use these client-friendly resources to support your personalized recommendations focused on adopting simple, sustainable nutrition habits for cardiovascular health.
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Practical Nutrition Strategies for Hispanic and Latino Health
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More Ways to Enjoy Heart-Healthy Avocados
Beyond their nutrition benefits, avocados offer remarkable versatility as a heart-healthy fruit. The following recipes offer fresh inspiration you can share with clients – from a satisfying dinner option to a simple frozen dessert.
Additional Research to Inform Nutrition Counseling
Avocados deliver a powerful combination of fiber and naturally good fats that align with heart-healthy dietary recommendations. Share these key benefits with clients and recommend avocados as part of balanced, healthy eating patterns.
Recommend Heart-Healthy Avocados
Avocados deliver a powerful combination of fiber and naturally good fats that align with heart-healthy dietary recommendations. Share these key benefits with clients and recommend avocados as part of balanced, healthy eating patterns.
The American Heart Association recommends replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats for heart health. Avocados are low in saturated fat and provide 6 grams of unsaturated fat per serving (one-third of a medium avocado).
Fiber is emphasized in nutrition guidance for both cardiovascular health and type 2 diabetes. Avocados contain 3 grams of fiber per one-third of a medium avocado, making them a great fresh-fruit option to help clients boost fiber intake.
Encouraging a variety of nutrient-dense fruits supports overall cardiovascular health. Avocados are a nutrient-dense fruit that can help clients build heart-healthy habits.
