Avocado decreases risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

An estimated 34 percent of U.S. adults have metabolic syndrome. Having this condition and its symptoms significantly increases the risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart health problems and other conditions. But, what does this have to do with eating avocado?

The symptoms of metabolic syndrome include high cholesterol, high blood sugar, elevated blood pressure and unhealthy BMI (body mass index). However, a study has found that eating avocado benefits and offsets many of the detrimental effects of metabolic syndrome.

Avocado helps to improve the health of the heart and overall wellbeing

Research has already established that eating avocados assists in many areas of health, including managing lipid profiles, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and total cholesterol levels.

Avocados also contain health-promoting carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, phenolics and fatty acids. These compounds make avocados antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antithrombotic, antiatherosclerotic, anti-obesity and cardioprotective. The inner flesh of avocados seems to bring the most health benefits. (As opposed to its seeds, peel and leaves).

The recent avocado research was conducted by scientists at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Their results show that avocados can actually work to prevent metabolic syndrome.

Avocados prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes by regulating cholesterol

The term “metabolic syndrome” refers to having at least three of the established risk factors for the disease, which include insulin resistance (when the body does not manage insulin efficiently), high cholesterol, high blood sugar, elevated blood pressure, and obesity/unhealthy BMI (body mass index).

Scientific researchers looked at 129 existing studies to assess the avocado benefits of specific parts of the plant. The flesh, seeds, leaves and peel were all tested in relation to various health conditions including type 2 diabetes, abnormal blood fat levels, obesity and high blood pressure.

It was discovered that eating avocados has the most significant impact on cholesterol levels, favorably affecting levels both HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides, phospholipids and total cholesterol numbers. Since cholesterol levels can in turn have a tremendous influence on blood pressure, heart health and obesity risk, avocado benefits numerous areas of health. Avocado has also been found to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Avocado is a true superfood that should be eaten more often

The study results seem to indicate that avocado is nothing short of a superfood. The researchers say that eating avocados daily could be of tremendous benefit, particularly to those at risk for metabolic syndrome. Its high unsaturated fat content contributes to a feeling of satiety that can help to reduce cravings, prevent obesity and maintain ideal weight.

Avocado is a versatile fruit that works well in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be blended with cilantro, garlic and lime to make guacamole dip. Serve with cucumber slices, cut celery and other raw veggies instead of tortilla chips for a healthier snack alternative.

And, finally, avocados can be sliced and served on salads, added to sandwiches and put into smoothies for a creamy texture. Try some today – you’ll love it!

yogaesoteric

November 14, 2018 

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