Avocados are one of the healthiest and tastiest superfoods out there, but its large lone pit in the center gets a bad rap due to its bitter taste. In fact, most people end up chucking it in the trash, often out of sheer indifference.

What’s in an avocado seed?

Studies suggest that there might be more to this seed than we thought. In fact, the seed holds most of the avocado’s nutritional potential.

Encased in a hard shell, the avocado seed makes up about 13–18 percent of the avocado’s entire size. Studies found that it contains a decent amount of good fats, fiber, calories and protein. It has also been found to be abundant in plant chemicals that protect it from pests and predators in the wild.

The avocado seed is also rich in starch. In fact, the seed itself is almost 75 percent starch, and the starch is made up of a long chain of sugars. For the most part, this explains the seed’s high calorie content.

Health benefits of avocado seeds

Avocado seeds are considered to be under-utilized, with most people just throwing them out. But experts and nutritionists maintain that there are certain health benefits to eating the seeds as well. Here are some of them:

Prevents oxidative stress

The seed’s plant chemicals also double as antioxidant compounds that protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage due to disease-causing free radicals. Antioxidants are also essential for overall immune health.

Reduces the risk of cancer

Avocado seeds contain a unique fat molecule called avocatin B that has been studied for its potential cancer-fighting properties. In particular, studies have found that avocatin B neutralized the cancer cells behind acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a condition that affects the bone marrow.

Supports gut health

Antioxidants in the seed utilize its high fiber content to protect the gut from common digestive problems like indigestion, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and even ulcers. Plant compounds in the seed also restore the beneficial bacterial communities in the gut that protect the gastrointestinal tract from pathogens.

Supports heart health

The fiber found in avocado seeds also work to inhibit the absorption of excess cholesterol in the gut. This helps reduce the risk of heart disease, heart failure and stroke due to cholesterol buildup in the arteries. The monounsaturated fats in omega-3s also help raise levels of good cholesterol that are essential for heart health.

Promotes digestion and metabolism

Eating enough fiber helps promote digestion and regulate bowel movement. This results in a faster metabolic rate that can aid in weight loss. Fiber also helps promote feelings of fullness for longer periods, thus reducing the risk of giving in to cravings and snacking in between meals.

Regulates blood sugar

Diabetics ought to eat more avocado seeds. The fiber in the seed inhibits the absorption of excess glucose in the gut, thus lowering blood sugar and minimizing the occurrence of blood sugar spikes in the future.

Fights inflammation

Avocado seeds contain plant compounds called catechins that help reduce inflammation and minimize the risk of developing chronic inflammation. If left unchecked, chronic inflammation can lead to chronic diseases like arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Supports skin health

Antioxidants in the seed protect our bodies from the outside as well. In particular, it helps protect the skin from sun damage that can lead to signs of aging. The oil in avocado seeds also help nourish the skin to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots.

Prevents fungal infections

Some test tube studies have found that avocado seed extract helps inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic fungi. Experts speculate that this effect might be due to the seed’s plant chemicals that double as antioxidants.

Detoxifies

Avocado seeds are also abundant in potassium, an essential mineral for heart health. Potassium also assists in the elimination of toxins, waste products and harmful substances that can damage the liver.

Don’t be so quick to throw out those avocado seeds. Grind them to make smoothies and pastries, or boil them to make tea. To maximize their health and medicinal benefits, consume avocado seeds as part of a balanced diet.

Sources:

Healthline.com

SurfGuardCR.com