Avocados have the most beneficial effects on lipid profiles, with changes to LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and phospholipids, according to a recent review.
The peel, seed, flesh, and leaves of avocados have differing effects on components of metabolic syndrome.
‘Different parts of avocado such as leaves, pulp, seeds, peels, roots, and plant derived products are proved to have significant health benefits in different components of metabolic syndrome because of their antioxidant activity, which can neutralize the oxidative stress, and cellular oxidation reaction.’
"Avocado is a well-known source of carotenoids, minerals, phenolics, vitamins, and fatty acids," wrote the authors of the Phytotherapy Research review.
The review investigates the effects of avocados on different components of metabolic syndrome, which is a clustering of risk factors including high blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index.
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and CVDs by approximately five and three folds, respectively.
"The lipid- lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antithrombotic, antiatherosclerotic, and cardioprotective effects of avocado have been demonstrated in several studies."
Goodness of Avocado
- Avocados boost the HDL or good cholesterol like olive oils do. Avocados can help you protect against free radicals and cell damage.
- Avocados are rich in beta-sitosterol. This compound has been shown to be effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels effectively. Study says that patients with mild hypercholesterolemia can decrease the levels of their blood cholesterol by 22 5% if they include avocados for a week in their diet.
- The fat content in the avocadoes, which is generally considered as unhealthy actually has the potential to provide protection against heart diseases. Oleic acid is the primary fatty acid generally present in avocados. Avocados are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are generally taken in the form of capsules for additional health supplementation.