YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health (Autumn 2015) | Page 8

LISA YATES, APD
Lisa is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian currently consulting to
Australian Avocados and their Avocado Nutrition program. For 10 years she has
been Program Manager at Nuts for Life – a health education initiative from the
Australian Tree Nut Industry, and she is a monthly contributor to Medical
Observer’s “Food Factor” column. Read more about Lisa at n4foodandhealth.com

AVOCADOS FOR
GOOD HEALTH

A new research report has become available, which explains the health benefits
of avocados. Report author Lisa Yates explains.
new US study, published in the
Journal of the American Heart
Association has shown that eating
an avocado a day, as part of a moderate fat
diet, is almost twice as effective as a lower
fat diet in reducing “bad” cholesterol.

A

Research has also identified that as part of a
healthy diet, this natural whole food may
play a role in helping to manage conditions
such as high blood cholesterol, which is a
risk factor for heart disease.
Recently, I authored a comprehensive report
for Australian Avocados, which summarise
the past 20 years of scientific evidence on
avocados, nutrition and health.
The key findings from this review highlight
that as part of a healthy diet, avocados may:
• lower LDL cholesterol and boost HDL
cholesterol, contributing to cardiovascular
health
• help with the absorption of colourful
caroteniod necessary for eye health
• assist in weight management, in fact
avocado eaters tend to weigh less, have a
lower BMI, and a smaller waist
• improve glucose tolerance for people with
diabetes.
Avocados are also rich in folate, which is
needed for tissue development during
pregnancy.
Of course, don’t fall prey to the “health halo”
effect we mentioned earlier. Avocados are
great for your health, so long as they are part
of a balanced diet.
You can read the full report for free at 
http://bit.ly/2015AvocadoReport

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YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2015