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Penny Kris-EthertonAmerican researcher, specialist in dietetics and proper nutrition.
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Penny Kris-Etherton: A Pioneer in the Field of Nutrition
- The Versatility of Avocado
- Research and Results
- The Role of "Good" Fats
- Accessibility and Affordability
Penny Kris-Etherton: A Pioneer in the Field of Nutrition
The Health Benefits of AvocadoKnown for her groundbreaking research on the health benefits of avocados, American nutritionist and registered dietitian Penny Kris-Etherton has gained widespread recognition in the field. As the chair of the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee, she spearheaded a groundbreaking study that revealed the remarkable cholesterol-lowering effects of consuming one avocado per day.
According to Kris-Etherton, avocados offer a unique blend of nutrients that make them a heart-healthy choice. Unlike apples, which have been traditionally associated with good health, avocados are less common but equally beneficial. Their high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, along with other nutrients, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and lower cholesterol levels.
The Versatility of Avocado
While avocados may not be as widely consumed as other fruits, Kris-Etherton emphasizes their versatility and ease of incorporation into a healthy diet. Beyond the popular guacamole, avocados can be enjoyed in salads, sandwiches, with grilled chicken or fish, or simply on their own.
Research and Results
To demonstrate the impact of avocados on cholesterol levels, Kris-Etherton and her team conducted a study involving 45 healthy, overweight, and moderately obese individuals between the ages of 21 and 70. Participants were placed on three separate cholesterol-lowering diets for a period of three weeks. One group followed a low-fat diet without avocados, while another group followed a moderate-fat diet also without avocados. The third group adhered to a moderate-fat diet that included one whole avocado per day.
The results were significant. Compared to the low-fat and moderate-fat groups, the participants who consumed avocados had noticeably lower levels of "bad" cholesterol, with a reduction of approximately 10%. Additionally, they experienced improvements in cholesterol ratios and triglyceride levels.
The Role of "Good" Fats
Kris-Etherton emphasizes that a complete elimination of fats from the diet is not necessary for good health. Instead, she promotes the benefits of consuming foods rich in "good" fats, such as monounsaturated fatty acids. These fats, found in abundance in avocados, can provide significant health advantages without compromising overall well-being.
Accessibility and Affordability
While acknowledging that avocados may not be readily available or affordable for everyone, Kris-Etherton believes that promoting healthy eating habits is an important pursuit. She stresses that the list of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables extends beyond avocados, offering a wide range of affordable and beneficial options for achieving a balanced diet.
