Before we delve into exactly why you should be eating this potential superfood, let’s see how to prepare an avocado seed for consumption.
This 60-second video explains the simple process:
6 Reasons Why You Should Eat Avocado Seeds
1. A Rich Source of Antioxidants
In 2003, researchers at the National University of Singapore tested the seeds of several common fruits including avocado, mango, tamarind and jackfruit.
They discovered that the seeds showed a much higher antioxidant activity and phenolic content than the edible portions. In fact, the seeds contain around 70% of the fruit’s total antioxidant content.
A 2013 report published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design indicates that the phenolic compounds and antioxidants in the fruit may be the reason that avocado seed has so many health benefits.
2. High in Dietary Fiber
The avocado seed is among the best sources of soluble fiber in the diet, according to many health experts.
Along with maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, soluble fiber balances blood sugar levels, meaning avocado seeds can help you avoid those peaks and dips in energy frequently experienced after eating a carbohydrate-rich meal. Controlling blood sugar is key to avoiding the development of type 2 diabetes.
Fiber-rich foods are also hugely important in improving your levels of satiety and staving off hunger pangs. Other sources of soluble fiber in the diet include oats, beans, apples, barley and psyllium.
3. Naturally Anti-Microbial
These seeds demonstrate fungicidal and anti-microbial activities meaning they can boost immune function and protect you from illness.
A 2009 test-tube study highlighted the ability of avocado seed extract to inhibit fungus such as Candida and the Aedes Aegypti – a mosquito that carries the tropical Yellow Fever disease.
4. Reduce Cholesterol Levels
4. Reduce Cholesterol Levels
The pulp of the avocado isn’t the only part of the fruit found to lower high cholesterol levels, 2012 research shows that the seed can too!
The animal study, published in the journal Plant Foods in Human Nutrition, found that mice with high cholesterol experienced a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels when given avocado seed flour. They were also protected somewhat against arterial plaque formation. The researchers believe that these benefits come from the seed’s antioxidant content and high percentage of fiber.
Dr. Tom Wu, who has earned awards from the United Nations for his work with diabetes and cancer, recommends heart disease patients eat avocado seed for their soluble fiber which binds to the fat and excess cholesterol.
5. Digestive Health
For many years, avocado seeds have held an important place in traditional American Indian medicine, particularly in terms of their impact on digestive health – the seeds been used to treat digestive problems like gastric ulcers, dysentery, constipation and diarrhea.
Although these aren’t proven benefits of avocado seeds, their high fiber content, antimicrobial powers and levels of antioxidants mean it can’t hurt to add some to your diet to see if your digestion improves. After all, our digestive system is essential to our overall health – especially as it houses around 80% of our immune system.
6. Anti-Inflammatory
While inflammation is a normal and healthy response to trauma or bodily invaders, sometimes this inflammation can get out of control and persist long after the threat is gone. If this occurs, it is termed chronic inflammation – something believed to be behind a huge number of health problems such as asthma, allergies, heart disease, cancer, premature aging and more.
Antioxidants, like those found in avocado seeds, are one of the body’s best weapons against inflammation. These help to quell the inflammatory response and reduce pain and swelling.
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