'I'm a nutritionist - make this Christmas swap to improve cholesterol'
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Potatoes, parsnips and a plump-looking turkey are likely among the various items on a typical Christmas shopping list. Yet, one nutritionist suggests that another little-known product is certainly worth adding - especially for those concerned about cholesterol.
Dr Kevin Huffman, bariatric physician and CEO of Ambari Nutrition, believes that avocado oil can make all the difference to the health of your festive feast. This is primarily thanks to 'monounsaturated fats', which may help to slash the 'bad cholesterol' in your blood.
"These oils are monounsaturated fats, which means they contain far more nutrients, and can improve your cholesterol levels," he told Patient, before adding: "Transforming mashed potatoes into cauliflower mash [also] offers a creative, nutritious swap for side dishes.".
Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Mirror. Dr Huffman certainly isn't alone in his views either, as various other experts have also lauded the benefits of avocado oil. This includes two scientists at China's Hunan Agricultural University who outlined its surprising benefits in a scientific review last month.
Fatty acids and a rich quantity of 'phytosterols' were among the numerous components they drew to, with the latter associated with potentially lower cholesterol levels. However, further research is required to better understand these relationships. "Avocado oil has a protective effect against hyperlipidaemia, lowering TC, TG, and LDL-C levels and protecting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a behaviour that can be attributed to high levels of MUFA, phytosterols, and tocopherols," the study experts wrote.
