Health Benefits of Avocado Seeds

Did You Know…that avocado seeds are the most nutritious part of an avocado?

These last few years, avocados have definitely been getting the love.  Studies have shown that the fruit of an avocado can help optimize heart health, calm chronic inflammation, and revitalize lackluster skin and hair.  But did you know that the most nutritious part of this fruit (yes, avocado is a fruit, not a vegetable!) gets discarded as waste?

An avocado seed actually makes up 18% of an avocado, and contains over 70% of the fruit’s total antioxidant power.  In fact, Food Chemistry published a study that showed that avocado seeds have a “much higher antioxidant activity and phenolic content than the edible portions.”

A recent Pennsylvania State University study confirmed the potent antioxidant capacity of avocado seeds.  Researchers found that antioxidant compounds in the seeds may help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and inflammation, and strengthen immune function. Research also shows that the seed are…

  Insecticidal
  Fungicidal
  Anti-microbial 

It’s time to stop throwing away the pit and start grinding it up into your diet!

Lower Disease-Instigating Inflammation 

Systemic inflammation is the cause of many chronic diseases, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer.  Avocado seeds contain high concentrations of catechin and procyandin antioxidants that help to lower inflammation and alleviate associated pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint mobility.  Catechins and procyandins have also been found to help boost heart health and blood circulation.

Optimize Digestion 

South Americans have used avocado seeds as a digestive aid for centuries.  They act as a palliative tonic for dysentery, gastric ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive complications.  Because an avocado seed has more soluble fiber per ounce than almost any other fruit or vegetable, it helps satiate hunger and keeps you fuller for longer.  So if you are trying to lose weight, don’t be put off by the high-fat content of avocados or avocado seeds—avocados support your weight loss goals wholeheartedly!

Digestive health also influences your overall wellness, including immune function.

  Here’s a fun fact: 70% of your immune system resides in your digestive tract. 

That means the healthier your gastrointestinal system, the stronger your immune system.

Kick Cancer to the Curb 

A 2013 study published in Pharmaceutical Biology from the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Columbia suggests that avocado seeds have some pretty powerful cancer-fighting properties.  Research showed that an extract of the seed and fruit of Hass avocados helped trigger apoptosis (cancer-cell death) in leukemia cells, while leaving healthy cells unaffected.

The secret weapon?  A phytochemical flavonol, which has also been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer tumors.

Keep That Heart Healthy 

Avocados are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and the seeds also contain amino acids and fiber that help lower cholesterol and prevent the accumulation of arterial plaque.

Dr. Tom Wu, recipient of the “World Famous Doctor” award from the United Nations for his breakthroughs with diabetes and cancer, says: “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.”