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!
Avocados and Cardiovascular Health:
Clinical Resource Guide
This guide highlights findings from a large prospective study linking regular avocado intake with lower cardiovascular disease risk, and translates the evidence into practical, heart-healthy counseling tips and recommendations for patients.
Quick Ways to Start the Conversation
Use these patient-friendly resources to guide meaningful conversations about improving cardiovascular health through simple, sustainable nutrition changes.
Heart Health Mini Cookbook
Avocado-Inspired Recipes
Help your patients enjoy the nutritional benefits of fresh avocados with this collection of heart-healthy recipes.
More Ways to Enjoy Heart-Healthy Avocados
Fresh avocados bring versatility to heart-healthy eating and can even be frozen for later use, making it easy to keep this nutrient-dense fruit on hand. Share these two delicious recipes with patients: a satisfying dinner option and a frozen dessert treat.
Additional Research to Support Your Practice
Explore three additional research studies to back your clinical nutrition recommendations for improving patients’ cardiovascular care.
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 patients and recommend avocados as part of a nutritious, balanced diet.
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 dietary guidance for both cardiovascular health and type 2 diabetes. Avocados provide 3 grams of fiber per serving and can help patients increase fiber intake.
Encouraging a variety of nutrient-dense fruits supports cardiovascular health. Heart-healthy avocados are a nutrient-dense option to help meet that goal.
