Health experts consider avocados to be a part of a heart healthy diet. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) website, avocados are a source of monounsaturated fat and have shown they can lower bad cholesterol levels. Atlanta dietitian Page Love agrees, recommending avocados for her clients' diets. "Unsaturated fats like avocados are known to decrease inflammatory conditions and assist in thinning the blood," she said, "as well as not contributing to a rise in cholesterol."

On the Other: Avocados Are High In Fat

As with any fat, too much is detrimental to a healthy diet, according to Love. "A whole avocado would alone be the minimum fat that most adults, who are dieting, should keep themselves to for the whole day without any other added fats," she said. Love said most dietitians consider one-fourth of an avocado a fat serving. She also recommends one to two avocados a week for her more weight conscious clients. According to the AHA website, monounsaturated fats "are beneficial when consumed in moderation." The website also states all fats have nine calories in every gram, and overeating any type of fat can lead to weight gain and heart issues.

Bottom Line

Fats are an important part of a healthy diet, and using a monounsaturated fat like avocado is recommended by the AHA for low cholesterol levels. However, limit avocado consumption to two a week maximum, and one-fourth of an avocado a serving, according to Love. Too much fat in the diet can lead to weight gain and health issues, according to the AHA website.

Source:

American Heart Association.org: Fats 101

Page Love, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, Nutrifit, Sport, Therapy, Inc.; Atlanta, Georgia

More Information:

Avocado.org: Nutrition