Latest news with #KristinaPetersen
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Say goodbye to sleepless nights with this fat-rich everyday snack
Say goodbye to sleepless nights with this fat-rich everyday snack Avocados are no longer just salad toppings or toast companions. A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association by Dr Kristina Petersen and her team at Penn State found that eating one Hass avocado daily may improve sleep quality. Originally focused on heart health in adults with abdominal obesity, the research involved 969 participants aged 25 and older with waistlines over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men. Those who added a large Hass avocado to their diet over 26 weeks did not see significant cardiovascular gains. What stood out instead was better sleep. That unexpected discovery has opened new questions about how nutrients in everyday foods, like avocados, might support rest. Dr Petersen highlights that while no single food works miracles, avocados hold promise within a balanced lifestyle. Avocados may help you sleep better, study finds by surprise Dr Petersen and her colleagues set out to explore how avocados affect heart health, but stumbled on sleep benefits instead. Their trial split participants into two groups. One added a Hass avocado to their meals daily. The other maintained usual habits without significant avocado intake. Over 26 weeks, the sleep quality reports stood out. Those eating avocados regularly slept better without changing their sleep routines. Though the study was not designed for sleep outcomes, knowledge of these new results adds context and invites further investigation. It highlights how a single dietary change can lead to unexpected benefits. Hass avocado What in avocados could promote sleep The powerhouse of nutrients in an avocado may explain the sleep connection. Hass avocados provide monounsaturated fatty acids known to support heart health and cellular recovery. They also offer dietary fibre, which supports digestion and metabolic balance, potassium that helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function, folate and vitamin K that support brain and bone health, copper involved in neurotransmitter production, and pantothenic acid that supports hormone regulation and stress response. Taken together, these nutrients may promote relaxation, better sleep cycles and overall restfulness. Dr Petersen highlighted the emerging role of nutrition in sleep and overall heart health in her report. Why avocados wont fix everything The researchers stress that one avocado cannot replace sleep hygiene or medical care. They recommend pairing it with regular exercise, reduced caffeine and alcohol use, less evening screen time, and quitting smoking. Experts point out that avocados are calorie-dense, so eating more than one per day may result in unintended weight gain. For most people, though, one avocado is a safe and nutrient-rich addition to a regular diet that supports multiple areas of health. What we already know about avocado benefits This new sleep finding builds on existing research. Studies from previous years link regular avocado intake to lower levels of bad cholesterol and reduced abdominal fat in women. A recent 2024 trial showed that daily avocado consumption may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. When viewed together, the data demonstrates that this beloved fruit could influence heart health, metabolic function and now potentially sleep. That makes avocados useful within a well-rounded diet rather than just a trendy food item. How to add avocados to your day Try starting simply with half or one full Hass avocado at breakfast on toast or oatmeal, add it to salads at lunch, or use it in smoothies or wraps for dinner. Balance it with vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Make sure you are practising good sleep habits such as sticking to a schedule and managing light exposure in the evening. Over time, you may notice changes in how easily you fall asleep or how refreshed you feel in the morning. Also read | Want to know how long you'll live? This 10-second sit-stand test might have the answer One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Eating this fatty snack every day can help you sleep better — scientists were surprised
Those delicious darlings on every brunch menu may be more than just a creamy topping. It turns out this popular green fruit — yes, it's a fruit — may just be the key to restful slumber, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers tracked 969 adults aged 25 and over who had abdominal obesity, which is characterized as a waistline that is 35 inches or more for women and 40 inches or more for men. For 26 weeks, half of the group ate one large Hass avocado per day while the other half continued their usual diet, which typically involved consuming less than two avocados per month. As expected, the avocado-eating group saw marked improvements in their blood lipids — fatty substances like triglycerides and cholesterol — and overall diet. But what caught researchers off guard was the fact that this trendy toast-topper also led to better sleep. The researchers noted that avocado's impact on sleep may be due to its powerhouse blend of nutrients, as it's 'rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin K, copper and pantothenic acid.' It also came as a surprise that avocado consumption was not associated with improved cardiovascular health, which was actually the original purpose of the study. The researchers noted that avocados could benefit slumber as part of a balanced, healthy diet and should not be treated as a solitary sleep aid. 'Sleep is emerging as a key lifestyle factor in heart health, and this study invites us to consider how nutrition — and foods like avocado — can play a role in improving it,' said Dr. Kristina Petersen, study author and associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University. 'Cardiovascular health is influenced by many factors, and while no single food is a silver bullet, some — like avocados — offer a range of nutrients that support multiple aspects of heart health. This is an encouraging step in expanding the science around avocados and the potential benefits of consumption.' Other factors that can improve your sleep include cutting down on caffeine, curbing alcohol intake, kicking a smoking habit, exercising and limiting screen time before bed. This isn't the first time the versatile superfood has made headlines for unexpected benefits. Previous research suggests avocados may reduce 'bad' cholesterol and help with belly fat in women, thanks to their healthy fats and high fiber content. A 2024 study suggests that eating a small amount of avocado every day may lower a woman's risk for Type 2 diabetes. Just make sure not to overdo it. Experts generally recommend eating no more than one avocado per day to avoid unwanted weight gain.
Economic Times
16-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
This fat-rich everyday snack can help you sleep like a baby. And it is not what you think
Researchers tracking adults with abdominal obesity found that daily avocado consumption led to better sleep, despite showing no significant cardiovascular benefits. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study highlights how nutrient-rich avocados — packed with monounsaturated fats and essential vitamins — may support restful sleep as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that eating one Hass avocado daily may improve sleep quality in adults. (Image: iStock) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Avocados and abdominal obesity While originally aimed at studying heart health, researchers were surprised to find sleep benefits, likely due to avocados' rich nutrient content including fiber, healthy fats, potassium, and folate. (Image: iStock) What's inside the avocado? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Not just a millennial fad A word of caution That humble, creamy fruit smashed on your toast may be doing far more than just trending on brunch menus. According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , eating one Hass avocado a day could help you sleep better — a finding that surprised even the scientists behind the study, led by Dr. Kristina Petersen, associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University, originally set out to examine the effects of daily avocado consumption on cardiovascular health . But while that outcome remained unchanged, researchers stumbled upon something unexpected: better researchers monitored 969 adults over 25 years of age, all of whom had abdominal obesity — defined as a waistline of 35 inches or more in women and 40 inches or more in men. Over a span of 26 weeks, half of the participants were asked to eat one large Hass avocado daily , while the rest stuck to their usual low-avocado improvements in heart health were not statistically significant, researchers were intrigued to find that those who ate avocados regularly reported improved sleep patterns. This prompted a deeper dive into what makes the fruit a potential sleep-supporting makes avocados a sleep-friendly snack? According to the study, the fruit is densely packed with nutrients — monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber , potassium, folate, vitamin K, copper, and pantothenic acid. This rich blend could be what helps promote better sleep quality Dr. Petersen emphasized, however, that avocados shouldn't be considered a standalone sleep remedy. 'Sleep is emerging as a key lifestyle factor in heart health, and this study invites us to consider how nutrition — and foods like avocado — can play a role in improving it,' she said in the added, 'Cardiovascular health is influenced by many factors, and while no single food is a silver bullet, some — like avocados — offer a range of nutrients that support multiple aspects of heart health. This is an encouraging step in expanding the science around avocados and the potential benefits of consumption.'This isn't the first time the beloved fruit has impressed researchers. Earlier studies have shown that avocados may help lower 'bad' cholesterol and reduce belly fat in women, thanks to their healthy fats and high fiber content. A 2024 study even indicated that daily avocado consumption might reduce a woman's risk of developing Type 2 the benefits are promising, experts caution against overindulgence. Eating more than one avocado per day can lead to unwanted weight gain due to its high calorie part of a balanced lifestyle — which includes exercise, limited caffeine and alcohol, reduced screen time, and quitting smoking — the addition of a single avocado to your daily diet could become a surprisingly simple way to support better sleep and long-term health.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
This fat-rich everyday snack can help you sleep like a baby. And it is not what you think
That humble, creamy fruit smashed on your toast may be doing far more than just trending on brunch menus. According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , eating one Hass avocado a day could help you sleep better — a finding that surprised even the scientists behind the research. The study, led by Dr. Kristina Petersen, associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University, originally set out to examine the effects of daily avocado consumption on cardiovascular health . But while that outcome remained unchanged, researchers stumbled upon something unexpected: better sleep. Avocados and abdominal obesity The researchers monitored 969 adults over 25 years of age, all of whom had abdominal obesity — defined as a waistline of 35 inches or more in women and 40 inches or more in men. Over a span of 26 weeks, half of the participants were asked to eat one large Hass avocado daily , while the rest stuck to their usual low-avocado diets. While improvements in heart health were not statistically significant, researchers were intrigued to find that those who ate avocados regularly reported improved sleep patterns. This prompted a deeper dive into what makes the fruit a potential sleep-supporting powerhouse. iStock While originally aimed at studying heart health, researchers were surprised to find sleep benefits, likely due to avocados' rich nutrient content including fiber, healthy fats, potassium, and folate. (Image: iStock) What's inside the avocado? What makes avocados a sleep-friendly snack? According to the study, the fruit is densely packed with nutrients — monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber , potassium, folate, vitamin K, copper, and pantothenic acid. This rich blend could be what helps promote better sleep quality . You Might Also Like: Longevity guru Bryan Johnson calls sleep the most powerful drug. Here is his night routine Dr. Petersen emphasized, however, that avocados shouldn't be considered a standalone sleep remedy. 'Sleep is emerging as a key lifestyle factor in heart health, and this study invites us to consider how nutrition — and foods like avocado — can play a role in improving it,' she said in the report. She added, 'Cardiovascular health is influenced by many factors, and while no single food is a silver bullet, some — like avocados — offer a range of nutrients that support multiple aspects of heart health. This is an encouraging step in expanding the science around avocados and the potential benefits of consumption.' Not just a millennial fad This isn't the first time the beloved fruit has impressed researchers. Earlier studies have shown that avocados may help lower 'bad' cholesterol and reduce belly fat in women, thanks to their healthy fats and high fiber content. A 2024 study even indicated that daily avocado consumption might reduce a woman's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A word of caution While the benefits are promising, experts caution against overindulgence. Eating more than one avocado per day can lead to unwanted weight gain due to its high calorie content. You Might Also Like: Is millennials' fancy favorite superfood 'avocado' toast destroying the planet? Here is what expert says As part of a balanced lifestyle — which includes exercise, limited caffeine and alcohol, reduced screen time, and quitting smoking — the addition of a single avocado to your daily diet could become a surprisingly simple way to support better sleep and long-term health.
Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Avocado's New Health Benefit Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In news that may have many a millennial lunging for a slice of toast, eating an avocado a day has been linked to better sleep and boosted heart health as a result. Analysis of the largest randomized controlled trial on avocado consumption to date found a link between eating the fruit daily and improved sleep duration, despite the study being designed really to explore the superfood's impact on general health. The study had been supported by the Avocado Nutrition Center and marks the first time avocado intake has been associated with better sleep. "Sleep is emerging as a key lifestyle factor in heart health, and this study invites us to consider how nutrition—and foods like avocado—can play a role in improving it," said paper author and nutritional sciences professor Kristina Petersen of Penn State University in a statement. "Cardiovascular health is influenced by many factors, and while no single food is a silver bullet, some—like avocados—offer a range of nutrients that support multiple aspects of heart health." A stock image of a plate containing avocado on brown bread. A stock image of a plate containing avocado on brown bread. Getty Images Lisa Moskovitz, a registered dietitian and CEO at The NY Nutrition Group, spoke with Newsweek about the findings, giving avocados her seal of approval too. "Avocados are a superfood offering an assortment of heart-healthy nutrients—from cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fats and fiber to blood pressure-regulating potassium and magnesium," she said. "There is a lot going on in a relatively small package. "I always recommend this Mediterranean staple to my clients as part of a wholesome, healthy and disease-fighting balanced diet." The study involved 969 racially and ethnically diverse American adults, all with elevated waist circumferences—a cardiovascular risk factor that affects nearly 60 percent of U.S. adults. Participants were randomized into two groups: one group consumed one avocado per day while the other had fewer than two avocados per month. Both groups otherwise maintained their usual diets over a six-month period. Although sleep was not the intended focus of the trial, the team's analysis revealed that those in the daily avocado group self-reported longer sleep durations. This finding adds to the growing scientific consensus around the fruit's health-promoting potential. Crucially, it also connects avocado intake to one of the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8™—a set of key health behaviors and clinical measures that promote optimal cardiovascular health. Alongside sleep, the Essential 8 includes diet quality, physical activity, nicotine exposure, body weight, blood pressure, blood lipids and blood glucose. While the study showed modest reductions in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels, and an increase in overall diet quality measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2015, there were no significant effects on the other Essential 8 components. However, the researchers note that this avenue—avocados and sleep—is ripe for future exploration. Why Do Avocados Improve Sleep? Avocados contain several nutrients that may play a role in sleep regulation. One-third of a medium avocado delivers 13 milligrams of tryptophan, an amino acid precursor to melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It also contains 45 micrograms of folate, essential for melatonin production, and 15 milligrams of magnesium, which contributes to muscle relaxation and, as a result, improves sleep quality. Then there is the fruit's signature nutrient profile: 3 grams of fiber—one-third of which is soluble fiber known to reduce cholesterol—and 5 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about heart health? Let us know via science@ Reference Damani, J. J., Kris‐Etherton, P. M., Lichtenstein, A. H., Matthan, N. R., Sabaté, J., Li, Z., Reboussin, D., & Petersen, K. S. (2025). Effect of Daily Avocado Intake on Cardiovascular Health Assessed by Life's Essential 8: An Ancillary Study of HAT, a Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Heart Association, 14(5).
