6. Avocados: The Heart-Healthy Fat You Shouldn’t Miss
Avocados are one of the richest sources of monounsaturated fats, which are known to reduce bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol. They also contain potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of sodium.
Key Benefits:
- Reduces LDL cholesterol by up to 22% while maintaining healthy HDL levels.
- Provides more potassium than a banana, helping to control blood pressure.
- Improves absorption of heart-healthy nutrients like carotenoids from other vegetables.
How to Incorporate Avocados:
- Add sliced avocado to salads, sandwiches, or use it as a spread on whole-grain toast.
- Blend avocado into smoothies or use it to create heart-healthy guacamole.