February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Its significance lies in educating the public to identify risks, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, and encouraging life-saving, preventative lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, to combat a top killer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is responsible for 1 out of every 5 deaths in the U.S. However, the World Heart Federation reports that up to 80% of cardiovascular disease cases are largely preventable through lifestyle changes. Poor diet, a leading cause of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, is a key area for improvement.
The Science Behind Avocados and Heart Health
For more than a decade, the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) has invested in nutrition science to better understand and document the role avocados play in health-forward diets. Recent research continues to strengthen this foundation, demonstrating that avocados are a trusted, heart-healthy choice.
A 2024 study conducted by the Midwest Center for Metabolic and Cardiovascular Research found that replacing solid fats and added sugars with avocado in a typical American diet improved the lipoprotein lipid profile in adults with elevated triglycerides. More broadly, studies show this replacement can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and total cholesterol in adults with elevated cardiometabolic risk.
Expanding the foundation of avocado science, three 2025 studies supported by the Avocado Nutrition Center advanced the understanding of how avocados contribute to healthy lifestyles by exploring benefits related to sleep, allergies, and snacking.
The studies found that:
- Avocado consumption was associated with improved diet quality and sleep health, and reductions in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and total cholesterol in adults with elevated waist circumference.
- Infants born to avocado-eating mothers had 44% lower odds of developing food allergies at 12 months.
- An avocado evening snack was associated with lower post-breakfast triglycerides the next morning in adults with prediabetes.
Alignment with Dietary Guidelines
The Scientific Foundation for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, supports the role of healthy fats, noting they are plentiful in many whole foods such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and omega-3–rich seafood. The Guidelines, released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reinforce principles long associated with avocados:
- A focus on whole, minimally processed foods
- Recognition of healthy fats as part of balanced dietary patterns
- A continued push to reduce added sugars and solid fats
Avocados stand out as a whole, nutrient-dense food that naturally fits into heart-healthy lifestyles, providing beneficial unsaturated fats and supporting healthy eating patterns rooted in real food—not trends.
Why Heart Health Month Matters
February’s Heart Month is more than a moment—it’s a reminder of the importance of prevention, education, and everyday food choices. As consumers increasingly prioritize wellness, heart health remains a top driver of purchasing decisions, particularly in fresh foods.
West Pak’s Heart-Check Commitment
While the science supports avocados as a category, West Pak Avocado brings that science directly to the shelf.
West Pak’s branded and organic bagged avocados are certified by the American Heart Association Heart-Check program, meaning they meet strict, science-based nutrition criteria aligned with heart-healthy dietary guidance.
Why The Heart-Check Program Matters
- Provides trusted, third-party validation
- Helps shoppers quickly identify heart-smart options
- Reinforces West Pak’s commitment to transparency, education, and health-forward choices
Heart health is more than a message: it’s a measurable standard built into West Pak packaging.
Looking to bring Heart Health Month to life in retail?
West Pak offers Heart-Check certified avocado programs, merchandising support, and category expertise to help retailers connect shoppers with heart-healthy choices.
Connect with your West Pak Avo Expert to learn more about Heart-Check certified avocado offerings and Heart Health Month opportunities.
