Avocado and cholesterol levels
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Avocado Consumption and Cholesterol Levels: Key Findings
Avocado and Total Cholesterol Reduction
Multiple studies show that eating avocados or avocado-enriched diets can lower total cholesterol levels. In both healthy individuals and those with mild hypercholesterolemia, a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) from avocados led to a significant decrease in total cholesterol—up to 16% in healthy people and 17% in those with high cholesterol . Animal studies also confirm that avocado juice can reduce total cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rats, with higher doses leading to greater reductions 26. However, some human studies in obese students found only a small, non-significant decrease in total cholesterol after avocado juice consumption .
Effects on LDL (“Bad”) Cholesterol
Avocado intake is consistently linked to reductions in LDL cholesterol. In people with mild hypercholesterolemia, avocado-rich diets lowered LDL cholesterol by 22% . Controlled trials in overweight and obese adults found that including one avocado per day in a moderate-fat diet reduced LDL cholesterol more than similar diets without avocado . Other studies in both humans and animals support these findings, showing significant drops in LDL cholesterol after avocado consumption 410.
Effects on HDL (“Good”) Cholesterol
Some research indicates that avocados may increase HDL cholesterol. In hypercholesterolemic patients, an avocado-rich diet increased HDL cholesterol by 11% . A systematic review and meta-analysis found that avocado intake significantly increased HDL cholesterol, although results varied between studies . However, other studies found no significant change in HDL cholesterol after avocado consumption 35.
Effects on Triglycerides
Avocado consumption can also lower triglyceride levels. In hypercholesterolemic individuals, a high-MUFA avocado diet reduced triglycerides by 22% . Meta-analyses and animal studies confirm that avocados can significantly decrease triglyceride levels 310.
Mechanisms and Nutritional Components
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid (omega-9), as well as fiber, plant sterols (like beta-sitosterol), and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E. These components are believed to contribute to their cholesterol-lowering effects by improving lipid metabolism and reducing cholesterol absorption 2410.
Summary of Meta-Analyses and Reviews
Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials confirm that avocado-enriched diets significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, with a modest or non-significant effect on HDL cholesterol 39. Reviews also highlight that avocados can be a beneficial part of a heart-healthy diet, especially when used to replace saturated fats .
Conclusion
Overall, the evidence suggests that avocados can help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and may increase HDL cholesterol in some cases. These effects are most pronounced when avocados are used to replace less healthy fats in the diet. Avocados are a nutritious, natural option for improving cholesterol levels and supporting heart health 12345689+1 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic