(NaturalHealth365)  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.  The symptoms of metabolic syndrome include high cholesterol, high blood sugar, elevated blood pressure, and unhealthy BMI (body mass index).

However, a new study has found that eating avocado benefits and offsets many of the detrimental effects of metabolic syndrome.  This discovery offers a ray of hope in combating the rising tide of metabolic syndrome-related illnesses, which pose a serious threat to public health.

Eliminate the threat of metabolic syndrome: Study reveals avocado’s heart-healthy benefits

Exciting new findings published in Nutrition Journal highlight the potential perks of enjoying avocados for heart health.  This study, based on data from the Australian Health Survey 2011-2013, dives into the link between avocado consumption and various markers of heart health.

In this analysis of 2,736 observations, researchers used day 1 24-hour recall data to explore avocado intake and cardiometabolic measures such as LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, HbA1c, plasma glucose, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure.  By comparing low (5.21 grams/day) and high (44.11 grams/day) avocado consumers, they aimed to uncover potential connections.

The results revealed that 14.7% of Australians were ‘avocado consumers’, with a mean intake of 24.63 grams per day.  What’s exciting is that these avocado fans had lower BMI and waist circumference, lower plasma glucose levels, and higher HDL cholesterol compared to non-consumers.  Moreover, high avocado consumers showed a promising trend towards lower plasma glucose and HbA1c, along with higher dietary fiber intake.

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)

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 avocado’s 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 both HDL and LDL 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.  Their fat content contributes to a feeling of satiety that can help 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.  (For a healthier snack alternative, serve with cucumber slices, cut celery, and other raw veggies instead of tortilla chips.)

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

Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to eliminate the threat of heart disease naturally, own the Cardiovascular Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
CDC.gov
Wiley.com