Avocados and Cholesterol Control (2024)

Research has found avocados may help lower your cholesterol, among other crucial health benefits.

They’re green, they’re creamy, and they provide several important nutrients. But how does the avocado fruit affect your cholesterol?

According to the California Avocado Commission, avocados can actually help your body absorb the other nutrients in your food. They’re also loaded with polyunsaturated and monosaturated fats, which deliver heart benefits among other things. And, when it comes to your cholesterol, avocados may actually help you lower your numbers.

Cholesterol is an integral part of the human body. It’s produced by the liver, but can also be found in animal products that you eat and drink. Elevated blood cholesterol levels can be a bad thing, putting you at a greater risk for events such as heart attack and stroke.

People who have been told they have high cholesterol are usually conscientious about the foods they eat, opting for choices that won’t further raise their risks. Fortunately, avocados are not off-limits.

10 Healthy Facts About the Avocado »

Animal products that are high in cholesterol are also high in saturated fats. Saturated and trans fats, mostly found in processed and fast foods, can raise bad cholesterol. But not all fats are saturated. Unsaturated fats, the type found in avocados, are considered healthy types of fat. And avocados have no cholesterol whatsoever.

Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats can help lower blood cholesterol levels, making avocados a heart-healthy food. But the cholesterol benefits of avocados extend even beyond this.

According to research published by the American Heart Association, consuming one avocado per day can lower your levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), otherwise known as “bad” cholesterol.

Good Fats vs. Bad Fats: What You Need to Know »

Lowered cholesterol isn’t the only potential benefit of including avocados in your diet. Another study found that eating an avocado at lunch was associated with increased satiety in the hours following, in overweight adults. The researchers also suggested that avocados might play a positive role in reducing blood sugar levels.

In addition to good fats and cholesterol-lowering properties, avocados contain vitamin C for tissue growth and repair, vitamin K for blood health, folate for cell and tissue function, vitamin B-6 for immune function, fiber, and more.

Introducing avocados into your meal times doesn’t have to be difficult. Though the flavor and texture can be an acquired taste for some, the fruit is versatile.

Consider making a fresh guacamole and serving it with whole grain crackers or vegetable crudités. You can use it to top salads or even pair it with fish, like in this blackened tilapia recipe. Finally, if you simply enjoy the taste of avocados, slice one in half, top with black pepper, and use a spoon to eat it right out of the skin.

Avocados and Cholesterol Control (2024)

FAQs

Avocados and Cholesterol Control? ›

Avocados are a good source of nutrients as well as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Research suggests that the fiber from avocados can improve HDL cholesterol levels and the quality of LDL cholesterol. Adding two servings of avocado per week to a heart-healthy diet can lower your risk of heart disease.

Is avocado good for lowering cholesterol? ›

Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), fiber, and plant sterols, which have cholesterol-lowering effects. Incorporating avocados into a low-fat diet can be beneficial.

What is the number one fruit to fight cholesterol? ›

Apples. Apples are the most nutritious, healthy, and tasty fruit. You must have heard the common saying 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away'. Apples can effectively help in lowering your blood cholesterol levels naturally, as it is rich in polyphenols.

What are the six super foods that lower cholesterol? ›

  • Legumes. Share on Pinterest. ...
  • Avocados. Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fats and fiber, two nutrients that help lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Fatty fish. ...
  • Whole grains. ...
  • Fruits and berries. ...
  • Dark chocolate and cocoa. ...
  • Garlic.
Dec 19, 2023

What are three best foods for lowering cholesterol? ›

Cholesterol-lowering foods
  • Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods. Foods high in soluble fiber help reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. ...
  • Fish and omega-3 fatty acids. ...
  • Walnuts, almonds and other nuts. ...
  • Olive oil. ...
  • Foods with added plant sterols and stanols.

Can you eat an avocado every day? ›

A daily dose of avocado is good for your heart. Research has shown that people who eat avocados every day have higher levels of HDL, the "good" cholesterol. Avocados also may be good for your gut biome. But they're high in calories, so stick to recommended serving sizes.

Are bananas good for cholesterol? ›

The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system. Grapes get into the bloodstream and carry all the bad cholesterol into the liver where it gets processed.

What is the golden drink that lowers cholesterol? ›

Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk, is a common Indian drink that has recently been gaining popularity in western cultures due to many health claims. It's beautiful bright yellow color is a result of adding turmeric, along with spices such as cinnamon and ginger, to milk.

What is the miracle fruit that lowers cholesterol? ›

The calabash miracle fruit, also known as Synsepalum dulcificum, has been found to have a cholesterol-lowering effect. Extracts from the leaves, seeds, and dry pulp of the miracle fruit have shown the ability to decrease plasma total cholesterol levels in hamsters .

What can I drink to flush out my cholesterol? ›

Cholesterol is often high due to excessive saturated and trans fat consumption. There are certain drinks that can help maintain an ideal cholesterol level. Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.

Are eggs bad for cholesterol? ›

Answer From Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D. Chicken eggs are an affordable source of protein and other nutrients. They're also naturally high in cholesterol. But the cholesterol in eggs doesn't seem to raise cholesterol levels the way some other foods, such as those high in trans fats and saturated fats, do.

What is the number one vegetable to lower cholesterol? ›

The No. 1 Vegetable for Lowering High Cholesterol. Although all vegetables bring an array of cholesterol-lowering benefits to the table, there is one veggie that claims our No. 1 spot: Brussels sprouts.

What are the 5 signs of high cholesterol? ›

You develop symptoms of heart disease, stroke, or atherosclerosis in other blood vessels, such as left-sided chest pain, pressure, or fullness; dizziness; unsteady gait; slurred speech; or pain in the lower legs. Any of these conditions may be linked to high cholesterol, and each requires medical help right away.

What drinks should you avoid if you have high cholesterol? ›

People who wish to improve their cholesterol levels or maintain moderate levels may wish to avoid drinks high in saturated fats, such as:
  • coffee or tea with cream, high fat milk, or creamer.
  • drinks or smoothies containing coconut or palm oils.
  • pressed coconut drinks.
  • ice-cream-based drinks.
  • high fat milk products.
Oct 27, 2023

What should I eat if my cholesterol is high? ›

plenty of vegetables, fruit and wholegrains. a variety of healthy protein-rich foods (especially fish and seafood), legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds. Smaller amounts of eggs and lean poultry can also be included in a heart-healthy eating pattern.

What foods should you avoid if you have high cholesterol? ›

Foods high in (unhealthy) saturated fats include:
  • processed or deli-style meats (such as ham, bacon and salami)
  • deep fried fast foods.
  • processed foods (such as biscuits and pastries)
  • takeaway foods (such as hamburgers and pizza)
  • fat on meat and skin on chicken.
  • ghee, lard and copha.
  • coconut oil.

Is peanut butter good for cholesterol? ›

Due to its high amount of unsaturated fats, peanut butter may help reduce a person's LDL cholesterol levels. Having optimal LDL levels is linked with a lower risk of heart disease. A 2015 study found that people who had a high intake of nuts may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

Is avocado good for high blood pressure? ›

Avocados are high in potassium and low in salt. Because of this they are recognized for their ability to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke. Avocados are also recommended by the DASH Diet.In this post we bring to you several delicious avocado rich recipes.

How to reduce cholesterol in 30 days? ›

5 Easy Steps to Reduce Cholesterol in 30 Days
  1. Switch to a Mediterranean Diet. ...
  2. Increase Exercise. ...
  3. Supplement Fiber. ...
  4. Lose Weight. ...
  5. Drink Alcohol in Moderation.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Van Hayes

Last Updated:

Views: 6045

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Van Hayes

Birthday: 1994-06-07

Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

Phone: +512425013758

Job: National Farming Director

Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.