A study review found that avocado has a great influence on lipid levels such as HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Metabolic syndrome is surrounded by risks factors including abdominal obesity, low levels of HDL (good cholesterol), high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), high triglycerides, hypertension, and high blood sugar.
The review study was conducted by Hossein Hosseinzadeh of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran. According to Medical News Today, Hosseinzadeh and colleagues referred to a study of 67 adults wherein 30 had a healthy lipid profile and 37 has mild hypercholesterolemia. All adults were subjected to a diet enriched with avocado and after one week, both groups showed significant reductions in total LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
The authors also identified some possible mechanisms of avocado in lowering levels of LDL and triglycerides. The first identified mechanism states that the fruit regulates the hydrolysis of certain lipoproteins including their selective uptake and metabolism by several body tissues and organs (liver and pancreas). The second mechanism is related to the proliferation of liver smooth endoplasmic reticulum associated with the induction of enzymes necessary for lipid biosynthesis.
It was recently reported by Science Times that metabolic syndrome is the today's newest silent killer comparable to hypertension in 1970. Expanding waistlines and increasing rates of obesity and overweight are the major contributors of metabolic syndrome. Meanwhile, according to The World's Healthiest Foods, the healthy contents of avocado includes; pantothenic acid, fiber, vitamin K, copper, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin E, potassium and vitamin C.
Furthermore, the study review also states that the fruit is beneficial for weight loss. The authors pointed out one study suggesting that overweight or obese adults who ate one avocado every day for six weeks experienced the significant decrease in body weight, BMI- body mass index, and percentage of body fat.
Many of the nutrients provided by avocado are essential in fighting metabolic syndrome. Researches and studies on this health benefit provided by the fruits suggest that the fruit is truly a preventive against cardiovascular diseases and other fatal disorders.
