In the following article we are going to give you many reasons why you should include more avocados in your diet. You can consume this delicious fruit as an ingredient in a morning shake, a salad or you can prepare homemade guacamole.
Most people throw away the avocado seed without knowing the many benefits it can provide. It is very healthy and has been used in conservative medicine for centuries.
Are avocado seeds toxic?
The seeds of many fruits including plums, cherries and apricot contain cyanide which can cause vomiting, nausea and even death if ingested in large quantities. However, the avocado contains tannins, which are slightly toxic but only if you consume a few of them. According to a research published in the Scientific World Journal in 2013, the avocado seed extract is not toxic and is safe to use.
Health benefits of eating avocado seeds
Avocados are rich in many nutrients such as folate, healthy fats and vitamin B. Avocado seed on the other hand is rich in bioactive phytochemicals, glucosides, triterpenes, soluble fiber, fatty acids and it contains 70% of the antioxidants of the entire fruit.
Avocado has many beneficial properties including antibiotic, insecticidal, larvicidal, amoebicidal, giardicidal, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, antifungal and antimicrobial. These are only some of the numerous health benefits of avocado seeds.
- Fight cancer
The Pharmaceutical Biology Journal published a study conducted by the University of Antioquia which revealed that avocado seed and fruit can trigger self-destruction in leukemia cells.
Another, more recent study published in the Cancer Research Journal discovered that vocation B, a compound found in avocado seeds, has strong ability to protect from acute myeloid leukemia. Avocado seeds have been more effective than 800 other health products that were included and tested in the study.
- Heart benefits
A study published in 2012 in the journal Plant Food For Human Nutrition proved that avocado seeds can prevent formation of arterial plaque. It was also tested on mice and it has shown the ability to reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels.
The ability of avocado seed to lower cholesterol comes from the dietary fibers it contains which bind with the cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and prevent its absorption. Other studies also reveal that hypertension, inflammation and diabetes can be treated with avocado seeds.
- Digestive benefits
Avocado seeds were used in South America to treat dysentery, acute diarrhea, gastric ulcers and other digestive issues. They can even promote digestion because of the fibers and beneficial antioxidants they contain,
- Immune system benefits
A strong immune system is essential for disease prevention. The avocado seed and skin is excellent for boosting the immunity because of the procyanids and catechins they contain as well as due to the anti-inflammatory properties. They can also reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness and prevent colds and flu by strengthening the immune system.
A 2009 study published in the journal Revista de Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical revealed that avocado seeds can also eliminate Candida and other fungi and dangerous pathogens due to the antifungal and antibiotic properties. These pathogens usually attack the body with weak immunity.
- Wrinkle reduction
Avocado seed oil can reduce wrinkle appearance because it can increase collagen in the skin. It is also efficient against acne break outs.
Extracting avocado seeds
Cut the avocado in half but slice around the pit to remove it cleanly. Insert the tip of the knife in the pit, twist it and pull it. Place the seed in a plastic bag and crush it with a hammer. You can add it to smoothies or mix it up with dates, spinach and banana. You can also crush the seed in a blender if it is strong enough.
Avocado seed smoothie
Ingredients:
- ½ avocado seed
- ½ avocado
- 1 cup of almond milk or water
- 1 ripe pear
- ½ apple
- 1 cup of organic spinach
- 1 small piece of ginger (grated)
Crush the avocado seed first and then add it with all the other ingredients in a blender and blend until it is combined well.
Other benefits of avocado seeds
Besides being a healthy addition to smoothies and shakes, there are also numerous other ways you can use avocado seeds.
You can store leftover guacamole in the fridge by adding avocado seed.
You can use avocado seeds to exfoliate or add it into face masks. Just dry and grind them and add them in your homemade mask.
You can also prepare avocado seed tea by boiling it for about half an hour and pour it in cup.
Grow your own avocado tree from the seed which can be an excellent decoration in your home.
A study published in the Journal for Agriculture and Food Chemistry revealed that avocado seeds are excellent natural food additive which can protect the food from spoiling due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.