The avocado solution for the bad cholesterol problem
Heart attack is one of the leading causes of death in many parts of the world including Singapore. In fact, heart attack is the number 2 killer after cancer in Singapore. Every day, 15 people die from cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) in the city state. To give an even better idea of the scale of the problem, cardiovascular disease accounted for 29.9% of all deaths in 2014 – which means that close to one-third of all deaths here happen due to heart disease or stroke.
The risk of heart disease is closely related to level of cholesterol in the body. There is the good cholesterol, which the body needs, and the bad cholesterol which the body could do without. As what we eat eventually shows up on our body, our regular diet is one of the most important factors that determines the extent of bad cholesterol that is accumulated. A healthy diet, coupled with regular physical activity, is a great step forwards towards leading a healthy life.
In simple terms, a healthy diet is one that is rich in nutrients in the right proportions and includes a decent helping of fruits and vegetables. One such fruit is the avocado, which is increasingly being recognized the worldwide as a “superfood” or a “wonder fruit”, thanks to all the nutrients packed into this one fruit.One key benefit of an avocado is that it is great for the heart. What makes it so? Let’s look at a few of the main factors:
Rich in monounsaturated fats: Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, healthy fats that lower LDL cholesterol or the bad cholesterol associated with coronary atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Avocados are also rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, compounds that block cholesterol absorption in the body, and antioxidants that can play a role in preventing cancer and heart disease (polyphenols).
The benefits of oleic acid & Omega-3 fatty acids: The fat in avocados provides protection against heart diseases because oleic acid is the primary fat in avocados. Avocados are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids normally found mainly in non-vegetarian diet like fish. A high folate intake is also associated with a lower risk of heart attacks and heart disease.
A great source for potassium:Recent studies have shown that increasing potassium intake may help lower or normalize blood pressure.As avocados are a good source of potassium, they can help contribute to normalizing blood pressure and consequently reduce the risk of heart disease.
The key message we want to leave you with is this: heart disease is a serious problem in Singapore and you can help reduce the risk of suffering from its deadly effect by switching to a healthy diet. Add an avocado to your diet and you will help lower bad cholesterol.So remember: an avocado a day can help keep the heart specialist away!
Interested in introducing avocados to your diet? Check out our fabulous collection of avocado recipes that will surely excite your palate. And bring all the goodness of avocados into your cooking oil with ACADO® Avocado Oil for truly healthy cooking.You can now buy this healthy cooking oil in Singapore at numerous retail outlets island-wide as well as online from The Latin Shop.
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