Research conducted by the American Heart Association suggests avocados can boost heart health. The organization conducted a study to examine how the introduction of one avocado per day helps overweight or obese adults decrease levels of bad cholesterol. Fifty-one adults between the ages of 21 and 70 took part in the research project to help caregivers understand the role avocados play in promoting cardiovascular health.
Understanding the Study
The 51 adult subjects were divided into three subgroups. Each of these subgroups was assigned a different diet to maintain over a five-week period. The first group was assigned a lower-fat diet without avocado. The second group of volunteers got a moderate-fat diet without avocado, and the third subgroup had to maintain a moderate-fat diet including one avocado daily.
Interpreting the Results
The results indicated a moderate diet without avocados reduced LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, by 7.4 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). The lower-fat diet without avocados reduced LDL levels by approximately 8.3 mg/dl. The highest-performing group was the one given a moderate-fat diet with one avocado daily. This group scored a 13.5 mg/dl decrease in LDL cholesterol levels.
Seniors who need help preparing healthy meals should consider professional in-home care. Homecare professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Why Lower LDL Levels Matter
Cholesterol causes arteries to become clogged. When this happens, it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and other serious cardiovascular issues. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is one way to promote heart health. Blood moves more freely through the system when these levels are lower, decreasing the likelihood of serious medical events.
Making sure your loved one eats nutritious meals can be a challenging task. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Portland, ME, Align Home Care is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Incorporating Avocado in Your Loved One’s Diet
The avocado has other benefits beyond heart health. Other studies suggest avocados can reduce inflammation related to arthritis, boost the immune system, and aid in digestion. This is why it’s so important for caregivers to encourage the seniors in their care to eat moderate-fat diets with at least one avocado each day.
Consider hiring a professional home caregiver if your loved one needs help with basic tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide at-home care, Portland, Maine, Align Home Care has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Align Home Care to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (207) 835-3490 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.