Tired of being tired? Here’s the one everyday food that could make all the difference
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Many of us are constantly on the lookout for simple ways to sleep better and stay healthy, especially as we get older.
One surprising everyday food may be doing more than just satisfying our taste buds.
A new study has uncovered unexpected health benefits that could help improve both your rest and your wellbeing.
Those creamy green slices topping your brunch toast might be doing more for you than you think—and we’re not just talking about cholesterol.
A recent study published in the *Journal of the American Heart Association* found a surprising link between avocado consumption and improved sleep—though that wasn’t what researchers set out to discover in the first place.
The study followed 969 adults aged 25 and up, all of whom had abdominal obesity. Women in the study had waistlines of at least 35 inches, while men’s waistlines were 40 inches or more.
Over 26 weeks, participants were split into two groups: one added a large Hass avocado to their daily diet, while the other stuck to their usual habits, typically consuming fewer than two avocados each month.
As expected, those who regularly ate avocados saw notable improvements in their blood lipids—such as cholesterol and triglycerides—as well as in their overall diet.
But that wasn’t what raised eyebrows.
The researchers found an unexpected outcome among the avocado group: they slept better.
It wasn’t clear at first why this was happening, but a closer look revealed a possible answer. Avocados are packed with nutrients known to support health across the board.
According to the researchers, the fruit is ‘rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibre, potassium, folate, vitamin K, copper and pantothenic acid’—a powerhouse combination that could be playing a role in better slumber.
Though the original aim of the study was to assess avocado’s effects on cardiovascular health, no improvement was observed in that area. Even so, researchers saw the findings as an important step forward in understanding the fruit’s broader benefits.
‘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, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University and one of the study’s authors.
‘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.’
While researchers emphasised that avocados should not be treated as a stand-alone solution for sleep troubles, they suggested the fruit could be a valuable addition to a balanced, healthy diet.
And for Australians, that’s good news. Aussies rank third in the world when it comes to avocado consumption per capita—behind only Mexico and Chile. In fact, according to Austrade, the average Australian eats about 4.5 kilograms of avocados each year.
This wasn’t the first time the fruit has made headlines for its health perks. Previous research suggested that regular avocado intake could help reduce belly fat in women and lower levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol. A 2024 study also indicated that eating even a small amount daily may help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in women.
Still, moderation is key. Health experts recommend limiting avocado intake to one per day to avoid unintended weight gain.
And if you’re looking to improve your sleep even further, avocado might be just one piece of the puzzle. Other lifestyle habits that can help include reducing caffeine, cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise and avoiding screens before bed.
A toast topper with benefits? It’s looking more and more like it.
If you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to enjoy more avocado in your diet, this easy salad might be just the trick.
Perfect for warm-weather meals or a light lunch, it’s a tasty option many seniors will find both satisfying and heart-healthy.
Watch the recipe come together here.
Source: Youtube/Natashas Kitchen
With so many of us already enjoying avocados on toast or in salads, could this simple habit be the secret to a better night’s sleep? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In a previous story, we looked into a curious new gadget making waves in the produce aisle—a viral avocado scanner designed to help shoppers pick the perfect fruit.
For older Australians who’ve ever felt frustrated slicing into an underripe or overripe avo, this innovation could be a game changer.
If you’ve ever wondered whether tech belongs in the fruit bowl, this one’s worth a look too.
Read more: Innovation in the produce aisle: Do Aussies need this viral avocado scanner?
One surprising everyday food may be doing more than just satisfying our taste buds.
A new study has uncovered unexpected health benefits that could help improve both your rest and your wellbeing.
Those creamy green slices topping your brunch toast might be doing more for you than you think—and we’re not just talking about cholesterol.
A recent study published in the *Journal of the American Heart Association* found a surprising link between avocado consumption and improved sleep—though that wasn’t what researchers set out to discover in the first place.
The study followed 969 adults aged 25 and up, all of whom had abdominal obesity. Women in the study had waistlines of at least 35 inches, while men’s waistlines were 40 inches or more.
Over 26 weeks, participants were split into two groups: one added a large Hass avocado to their daily diet, while the other stuck to their usual habits, typically consuming fewer than two avocados each month.
As expected, those who regularly ate avocados saw notable improvements in their blood lipids—such as cholesterol and triglycerides—as well as in their overall diet.
But that wasn’t what raised eyebrows.
The researchers found an unexpected outcome among the avocado group: they slept better.
It wasn’t clear at first why this was happening, but a closer look revealed a possible answer. Avocados are packed with nutrients known to support health across the board.
According to the researchers, the fruit is ‘rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibre, potassium, folate, vitamin K, copper and pantothenic acid’—a powerhouse combination that could be playing a role in better slumber.
Though the original aim of the study was to assess avocado’s effects on cardiovascular health, no improvement was observed in that area. Even so, researchers saw the findings as an important step forward in understanding the fruit’s broader benefits.
‘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, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University and one of the study’s authors.
‘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.’
While researchers emphasised that avocados should not be treated as a stand-alone solution for sleep troubles, they suggested the fruit could be a valuable addition to a balanced, healthy diet.
And for Australians, that’s good news. Aussies rank third in the world when it comes to avocado consumption per capita—behind only Mexico and Chile. In fact, according to Austrade, the average Australian eats about 4.5 kilograms of avocados each year.
This wasn’t the first time the fruit has made headlines for its health perks. Previous research suggested that regular avocado intake could help reduce belly fat in women and lower levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol. A 2024 study also indicated that eating even a small amount daily may help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in women.
Still, moderation is key. Health experts recommend limiting avocado intake to one per day to avoid unintended weight gain.
And if you’re looking to improve your sleep even further, avocado might be just one piece of the puzzle. Other lifestyle habits that can help include reducing caffeine, cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise and avoiding screens before bed.
A toast topper with benefits? It’s looking more and more like it.
Perfect for warm-weather meals or a light lunch, it’s a tasty option many seniors will find both satisfying and heart-healthy.
Watch the recipe come together here.
Source: Youtube/Natashas Kitchen
With so many of us already enjoying avocados on toast or in salads, could this simple habit be the secret to a better night’s sleep? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In a previous story, we looked into a curious new gadget making waves in the produce aisle—a viral avocado scanner designed to help shoppers pick the perfect fruit.
For older Australians who’ve ever felt frustrated slicing into an underripe or overripe avo, this innovation could be a game changer.
If you’ve ever wondered whether tech belongs in the fruit bowl, this one’s worth a look too.
Read more: Innovation in the produce aisle: Do Aussies need this viral avocado scanner?
