Nearly 60% of Americans worried their loved ones aren't taking care of themselves
Nearly 60% of Americans worried their loved ones aren't taking care of themselves

Three in five Americans (59%) worry that their loved ones are not taking care of themselves, according to new research.

A study of 2,000 census-balanced Americans revealed the most common loved ones respondents are fretting over are spouses/partners (45%), mothers (43%) and fathers (42%).In an attempt to help, 72 percent of Americans say they are encouraging their loved ones to practice better nutrition habits so they can be in their lives for as long as possible.

The double opt-in survey of 2,000 census balanced Americans was conducted online by OnePoll, and sponsored by Fresh Avocados - Love One Today, revealed respondents have embraced some smart and easy tactics to keep their health on track.Seven in ten (71%) have observed risk factors in their loved ones causing concern for their loved ones heart health.

Eating diets rich in healthy foods that contain fiber (50%) and doing more cardio exercise (48%) were the top practices respondents have attempted to be heart healthy with a loved one.

Forty-seven percent have swapped out foods with high saturated fats for unsaturated ones like those found in fresh avocados.

Respondents haven't stopped there to encourage nutritious choices for their loved ones.

Four in five (79%) confessed once they hear a loved one likes a particular fruit or vegetable they've incorporated that ingredient into as many meals as possible.

And if that fails, they'll sneak them healthier foods, as two in three respondents (65%) admit to having to sneak in healthy ingredients into snack options for their loved ones.

While the health of their loved ones was a priority for many, seven in ten (70%) admitted they need to take better care of their own heart health after quite a sedentary 2020.

When it comes to nutritious snacks that have been a hit at home, more than half of respondents highlighted; avocados, berries, apples and nuts.

"As a dietitian and busy mom, knowing that people are choosing heart-healthy, nutrient-dense foods like fresh avocados for snacks is music to my ears," says Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN and spokesperson for Fresh Avocados - Love One Today.

"Avocados are sodium, sugar, and cholesterol-free, and contribute nearly 20 nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber." Over half of the respondents (56%) consider fresh avocados a staple in their weekly diets but 56 percent, admitted they don't know enough about their nutritional benefits, suggesting more education is needed."If you're like me and love avocados and like the majority of Americans that once they hear a loved one likes a particular fruit or vegetable they incorporate that ingredient into as many meals as possible, there LoveOneToday.com, which is full of practical nutrition information, tasty tips and of course, plenty of delicious recipes to try at home," shares Patricia.

TOP THREE WAYS PEOPLE ARE APPROACHING HEART HEALTH WITH NUTRITION Eat diets rich in healthy foods containing fiber like fresh avocados - 50% Swapping foods high in saturated fats with more foods with unsaturated fats - 47% Decrease sugary foods in diet - 32% Avocados can help.

Avocados are sodium, sugar, and cholesterol-free, and contribute nearly 20 nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.One in two (54%) say they have already upped their purchases of fruits and vegetables in the last six months while 45% have cut back on sugary foods.

Another 45% have decreased buying foods with high cholesterol content too.TOP UPDATES TO THE GROCERY SHOPPING ROUTINE IN THE LAST SIX MONTHSIncrease purchase of fruits and vegetables - 54% Cutting back on sugary foods - 45% Looking for nutrient-dense foods like fresh avocados - 41% Only buying foods with good fats - 34% Trying new nutritious foods instead of sticking to the same ones - 30% Avocados can help.

Avocados are sodium, sugar, and cholesterol-free, and contribute nearly 20 nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.