"Can a single ingredient swap make an impact on health According to the recently released  Dietary Guidelines for Americans small shifts in food choices can make a big difference including a shift from solid fats to oils like the oil in fresh avocados. On the heels of this advice a new metaanalysis considered the best evidence and an unbiased overview of the body of knowledge on a specific topic published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology adds to the growing body of research that supports the use of avocados in lieu of solid fats and foods that have higher saturated fat content to significantly change lipid profiles.  The research Impact of avocadoenriched diets on plasma lipoproteins A metaanalysis conducted at the University of the Pacific and independently funded  looked at  unique avocado studies with  participants assessing the impact of avocados on cholesterol levels. Researchers found avocado consumption  to . per day significantly reduced total cholesterol TC bad low density lipoprotein cholesterol LDLC and triglycerides TG when they were substituted for sources of saturated fat. Additionally avocado consumption did not impact good high density lipoprotein cholesterol HDL. However the optimal amount of avocado and frequency of use needs further evaluation along with the nutritional similarities and differences between other different MUFA sources. Larger trials looking at the impact of avocados on major adverse cardiovascular events are warranted. See conclusion of study  Interestingly our results indicate that even healthy subjects with a relatively normal baseline TC  to  mgdL LDLC  to  mgdL and TG  to  mgdL had significant reductions says Sachin Shah PharmD corresponding author and expert in cardiovascular health.  As we head into American Heart Health Month February its important to remind people that they have the power to help control their risk factors for developing heart disease by exercising regularly knowing cholesterol levels and keeping them under control and maintaining a healthy weight. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for one out of every four deaths it is the number  killer of American women and men and it is a leading cause of disability.  Fresh avocado as part of a balanced diet and as a cholesterolfree substitute for solid fats can help be part of the solution for maintaining normal cholesterol levels says Nikki Ford PhD Director of Nutrition Hass Avocado Board. Beyond their naturally good fats avocados are also a delicious way to boost fiber  percent of DV and fruit intakes both of which are under consumed in American diets.  The Hass Avocado Board HAB continues to be a leader in educating health professionals and consumers on the benefits of avocados. HAB recently created a series of simple quick to prepare interactive meal makeovers https to show people how to make small shifts in their diets by substituting fresh avocados for other foods or ingredients higher in saturated fats.  This study supports the body of research showing the many benefits that fresh avocados have to offer when consumed in everyday healthy eating plans says Emiliano Escobedo Executive Director HAB. Through our nutrition research program established in  we are committed to increase awareness and improve understanding of the unique benefits of avocados to human health and nutrition. Clinical studies are currently underway to investigate the relationship between avocado consumption and risk factors for heart disease diabetes support of weight management and healthy living.   To view the abstract or the published article visit http  About the Hass Avocado Board The Hass Avocado Board HAB is an agriculture promotion group established in  to promote the consumption of Hass Avocados in the United States. A member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass Avocados directs HABs promotion research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Funding for HAB comes from Hass avocado producers and importers in the United States.  In  HAB established a nutrition research program to increase awareness and improve understanding of the unique benefits of avocados to human health. For a comprehensive collection of published nutrition and scientific literature authoritative reports and other articles on or related to avocados their nutrients and eating patterns that include them visit avocadonutritioncenter.com.  For tips and recipes visit LoveOneToday.com https_sourceloveoneredirectutm_mediumloveonetodayutm_campaignLOT or follow HAB on Facebook https Twitter httpstwitter.comHassAvocados Pinterest https and YouTube https"