'Bad' Cholesterol Busters: Avocados

You may be  surprised that such a luscious rich green fruit  packed with fat is actually good for you. That's because the fat in avocados  is the heart-healthy, monounsaturated kind that can help lower both total cholesterol and 'bad' cholesterol.

In an article on WebMD, avocados are  listed as one of the surprisingly healthy foods despite its indulgent appeal. The others include: chocolate, tea, fatty fish and coffee.  Avocados are super foods for their  heart healthy qualities.

"Avocados are rich in beta-sitosterol, a natural substance that has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels," say Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN, and a  spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.   Avocados "also contains plant chemicals and antioxidants, all of which contribute to good health."

Experts warn that while avocados are a great way to add texture and flavor to a meal, they are still  loaded with calories.

"A medium avocado has 30 grams of fat and even though it is the healthy kind, it can add lots of extra calories if you don't watch your portion size and balance it with other wise food choices," Zeid says.

Instead they say to  use avocados sparingly.   Use slices of avocados in salads, in soups and instead of butter on bread. That way you are able to still get the cholesterol lowering advantage without sacrificing your waistline.

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