The #1 Surprising Nutrient for Better Heart Health

Heart Health

When You Think of Heart-Healthy Foods, What Comes to Mind?

When you think of heart-healthy foods, what comes to mind? Is it omega-3-rich fish, or antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables? These nutrients are definitely important for a healthy heart—and for your overall health—but there are other factors that you should consider incorporating into your diet if you haven’t already.

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In fact, there’s a surprising nutrient you may have assumed you needed to steer away from for better heart health. But we talked to cardiologist David Sabgir, M.D., who is also the founder of Walk with a Doc and spokesperson for Avocados – Love One Today, and he shared his thoughts.

The Surprising Heart-Healthy Nutrient You Should Eat

Drum roll, please: the surprising nutrient that Sabgir couldn’t stop raving about? It’s unsaturated fats.

“Good unsaturated fats, like monounsaturated fat, can help lower our bad cholesterol (LDL), increase our good cholesterol (HDL), lower our triglycerides and lower our blood pressure,” the cardiologist tells EatingWell.

When you think of “fat,” negative connotations may come to mind. But trust the doc, as healthy fats can support your heart health, reduce your risk of cancer and help you feel more satisfied after eating.

Why Unsaturated Fats Matter

Sabgir explains that healthy fats are also important parts of our diets because they help our body absorb fat-soluble nutrients, like vitamins A, D, E and K. Because of this, if you don’t eat enough fat, you may experience symptoms like fatigue, dry skin and weakened immune health.Saturated Fats vs. Unsaturated Fats

Understanding the types of dietary fats is important. The difference between saturated and unsaturated fats is quite simple: saturated fats are solid at room temperature, whereas unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature due to their unalike chemical structures.

“I’ve seen a lot of this conversation around dietary fat specifically, and how that impacts the heart,” the doctor shares. “And many patients might not know that there are multiple types of dietary fats found in foods. But unsaturated fats, like monounsaturated fats, are an important part of a healthy diet.”

Best Heart-Healthy Sources of Unsaturated Fats

There are some easy, nutrient-packed sources of unsaturated fats, and Sabgir lists his favorite choices.

“Some common—and delicious—examples of foods with good fats include nuts, olive oil, seeds and eggs,” he says. “Avocado is also a standout here because not only is it virtually the only fruit with good fats, they are also low in saturated fat, sugar and sodium and are cholesterol-free.”

Not all fat is created equal, and unsaturated fats are a nutrient that your body needs and your heart will thank you for. Next time you need a midday pick-me-up, consider a handful of nuts or avocado for a satisfying snack.

In conclusion, unsaturated fats are an often-overlooked nutrient that can have a significant impact on your heart health. By incorporating more of these healthy fats into your diet, you can lower your risk of heart disease, reduce your blood pressure, and feel more satisfied after eating.

Q: What are the benefits of unsaturated fats for heart health?

A: Unsaturated fats can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), increase good cholesterol (HDL), lower triglycerides, and lower blood pressure.

Q: What are some examples of foods that are high in unsaturated fats?

A: Some examples of foods that are high in unsaturated fats include nuts, olive oil, seeds, eggs, and avocado.<|start_header_id|>assistant<|end_header_id|>

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