While avocados have a pretty bad reputation for being fatty, the truth is that the fats are healthy and the flesh is loaded with phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and full-body benefits. From the scalp of your hair, all the way to the feet, avocados and avocado oil are beneficial, and even the seeds are edible!
Most people dispose of the avocado seeds, throw them in the compost, or add them to guacamole to keep it fresh. However, these seeds have a robust nutritional profile packed with more antioxidants that the flesh itself.
THE SEED OF HEALTH
Many people are unaware of the fact that avocado seed has more antioxidants than most fruits and veggies. As a matter of fact, it has even higher antioxidant content than most healing teas! Not only avocado seeds yield massive amounts of antioxidants, but they also give you more soluble fiber than any other food or beverage! Avocado seeds contain antioxidant-dense oil that lowers high cholesterol and helps prevent heart disease and stroke.
Regular consumption of avocado seeds helps reduce inflammatory diseases in the body, particularly when it comes to relieving swelling in the gastrointestinal tract. Apart from aiding the GI tract, these seeds also help alleviate constipation and diarrhea.
The phenolic compounds in avocado seeds are beneficial for soothing gastric ulcers, while their antiviral and antibacterial properties make them an effective preventative measure against ulcers along the lining of the digestive system.
HERE IS WHY YOU SHOULD EAT AVOCADO SEEDS :
1. KILLS CANCER CELLS
Up to 70 percent of the antioxidants in avocados are found in the seeds. The seeds contain a potent antioxidant called flavonol, which helps prevent and inhibit tumor growth. According to a 2013 study published in Pharmaceutical Biology, avocado extract from the flesh caused apoptosis of leukemia cancer cells.
Another study published in the journal Cancer Research found that Avocatin B, a compound found in avocado seed extract, protects against human acute myeloid leukemia cells.
2. STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Avocado seeds contain catechins and procyanidins, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and diseases.
Avocatin B, the flavonol as mentioned earlier, found in avocado boosts immunity and keeps cold and flu at bay.
3. HEALS DIGESTIVE ISSUES
Avocado seeds have been long used to treat GI-related issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, and gastric ulcers. As already discussed earlier, avocado seeds contain more soluble fiber than any other food.
4. PROTECTS HEART HEALTH
Avocados are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and due to their fiber and amino acid content the seeds help lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular issues.
“This soluble fiber binds to the fat and excess cholesterol. Then we can lower cholesterol and improve heart function naturally. Soluble fiber is tough to get in our diet. Oatmeal has some, but it cannot compare with the avocado seed,” Dr. Tom Wu says.
5. LIVE LONGER, FEEL BETTER
Components in the avocado seeds can reduce bone disease, aches, pains, and joint discomfort, which helps you feel younger.
Antioxidant content combats free radicals that cause premature aging and illness. What makes avocados effective in slowing down the aging process is their ability to synthesize collagen.
Ultimately, avocado seeds lower blood sugar levels and thus help you maintain your weight within the healthy range. Its high content of healthy fats will keep you full for longer, which means that you will not be indulging in snacks all day.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR AVOCADO SEEDS
Keep the seeds the next time you eat an avocado, wash them, pat dry, and then bake in the oven or dehydrator until the outer skin of the seed cracks – approx. 2 hours at 250°F (120°C).
Discard the outer skin.
The seeds will now be soft enough that you can use a knife to cut it into smaller pieces.
Cut the seeds into smaller pieces, put them in a blender, and blend until powdered.
HOW TO USE YOUR AVOCADO SEEDS POWDER
There are many ways you can use your avocado seeds powder. You just need to be creative.
Sprinkle the powder into your juices, smoothies, oatmeals, soups, salads and in just about any meals. Or simply put half a teaspoon of the powder into a cup, pour hot water and make a tea infusion. Let steep for about 10 minutes.
Avocado seed powder is like your own super-healthy supplement powder. So next time you eat avocados, remember to save the seeds!
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Sources: Spagnuolo Research, NHS choices, Juicing For Health, Real pharmacy
