Are You Throwing Away The Best Bit Of Avocado?
We already know that the flesh of an avocado is rich in healthy heart-protecting monounsaturated fatty acids. It is also rich in fibre and has been proven to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and lower triglyceride levels.
But what if I told you that you’ve been throwing away the bit that packs the biggest health-punch?
5 great reasons to eat avocado seeds
Avocado seeds usually end up in the bin or compost pile. Or if you have a pre-schooler at home, you’ve probably tried a few times to sprout one in an effort to create the beginnings of an avocado tree.
Whatever the case may be, chances are that you’ve probably never considered eating an avocado seed.
Yes, avocado seeds are edible and here’s why you should try to incorporate them into your diet:
1. Antioxidant powerhouse
Avocado seeds contain antioxidants called polyphenols, similar to the ones found in green tea, which help fight inflammation and diseases like diabetes and obesity. 70 per cent of the antioxidants found in avocados are found in their seeds.
2. Soothe digestive issues
Avocado seeds have been used for centuries in South America to treat gastro-intestinal problems. Avocado seeds can reduce inflammation, prevent gastric ulcers, and relieve constipation. They are great for diarrhoea as well and can help prevent bacterial and viral infections.
3. Cancer-fighting properties
A 2013 study, published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology, found that an extract from avocado fruit and seeds helped to cause leukaemia cells to self-destruct.
In a more recent study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research, researchers discovered that a compound found in avocado seed extract called avocatin B was effective against acute myeloid leukaemia cells.
4. Strengthen immune system
The seed can help you through cold and flu season by strengthening your immune system and keeping free radicals at bay.
5. Lower blood glucose and maintain a healthy weight
Avocado seed extract has been shown to help lower blood glucose and maintain a healthy weight. It helps curb the appetite and gives a full feeling over a longer period of time.
The tricky part is to find ways to incorporate the seed into your diet… because let’s face it, they are rather chunky.
The best way to use avocado seed is to grind them into a powder and then add the powder to sauces, dressings, curries, stews and smoothies.
First dry the seed by slowly roasting the ‘wet’ seeds under a medium-high heat in your oven for a few hours. Be careful not to burn them. Then leave them in a dry place (the kitchen window sill) until they are dried out completely.
Once dry, grind them into a powder in a blender or food processor.
You can also add a bit of the avocado seed powder to your facial mask or scrubs as an exfoliant or heap a couple of teaspoons into hot water for a detox avocado-pit tea.
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Disclaimer: Bear in mind the material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.
Sources:
Curr Pharm Des. 2013;19(34):6133-40
Cancer Res. 2015 Jun 15;75(12):2478-88. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-14-2676
STOP Throwing Away Those Avocado Seeds, published online, wisemindhealthybody.com