The Benefits Of Avocado Seeds You Must Know About

The avocado seed (which most people also call a pit) is a large round seed nestled in the center of every avocado. Generally measuring about 1-2 inches in diameter, these seeds are typically a deep brown in color and possess a hard and woody texture.

Moving deeper into this seed, it holds an impressive nutritional profile, as it serves as an excellent source of numerous nutritional and bioactive compounds such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, dietary fiber, several phytochemicals, and so on. For more have a look:

• Carbohydrate: 64.9 %
• Calcium: 0.82mg
• Potassium: 4.16mg
• Zinc: 0.18mg
• Sodium: 1.41mg
• Iron: 0.31mg
• Copper: 0.98mg
• Vitamin A: 10mg
• Vitamin E: 0.12mg
• Protein content: 23%

Now, you can easily guess the importance of avocado seeds based on all this nutritional information. For added convenience, below we have a breakdown and discussed some main properties held by this seed:

• Antioxidants: Like avocados, its seeds are also filled with antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds help eliminate all the harmful radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the chance of getting long-term health problems like chronic illnesses.
• Dietary Fiber: Some study suggests that avocado seeds hold a lot of fiber, which makes up about 30% of their dry weight. This fiber helps with good digestion and regular bowel movements. Plus, it can help you manage your weight, as it makes you feel full for a longer time.
• Healthy Fats: It holds some monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is good for heart health. These fats help with overall health and also can improve cholesterol levels.

Note: However, these are only overviews, avocado seeds contain many other compounds as well. According to the National Library of Medicine, they also hold some Hexose, Glucose, Fructose, Perseitol, and so on.

We can't suppress the benefits of avocado pits after seeing the above nutritional profile. The merits that are noted by research and studies are:

1. Powerful Antioxidant Properties

The avocado seed is fully rewarded with antioxidants, yet we have already outlined it. These powerful compounds help fight harmful free radicals in the body, which are responsible for cellular damage and aging. Let's see how antioxidants work:

Antioxidants balance harmful free radicals, potentially by:

• Reducing inflammation
• Protecting against chronic diseases
• Supporting overall cellular health
• Probably slowing down the aging process

2. Supports Heart Health

Avocado seeds can play an essential role in caring for your heart. It possesses monounsaturated fats, therefore these fats are useful in the reduction of an individual's LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as bad cholesterol but at the same time, it boost HDL (good) cholesterol. Upholding active and healthy cholesterol levels, these seeds can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Furthermore, the fiber and antioxidants present in the seeds prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. This improves the blood flow and also reduces the blood pressure.

3. Boosts Digestive Health

As we outlined above in the nutritional profile, these seeds hold a rich level of soluble fiber, which is crucial for a healthy digestive system. Fiber is useful in controlling bowel movements, preventing constipation, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Therefore, in the case of boosting digestive health, having avocado seeds can assist in:

• Improving nutrient absorption
• Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome
• Decreasing bloating and digestive distress

4. Aids in Weight Management

If you are aiming to drop some weight, avocado seeds can be a fantastic addition to your meals. Because the seeds are very rich in fiber, which helps to give the feeling of satisfaction and fullness. This helps to lessen the temptation of snacking frequently. Moreover, fibers slow the uptake of sugar into your bloodstream, obliging in the stabilization of blood sugar levels.

We suggest you pair this seed with your other balanced diet and consistent physical activity, rather than consuming it directly. This can effectively contribute to your weight management plan and help you to be fit and fine.

5. Strengthens the Immune System

Your immune system will be strong due to the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are held by the avocado seed, as they work together inside the human body. Vitamin C, in particular, boosts the production of white blood cells, which are vital for fighting off different infections and diseases.

Regular consumption of this seed can:

• Reduce the risk of infections
• Speed up recovery from different illnesses
• Improve overall immunity

6. Promotes Healthy Skin

Yes, you read it right, consuming or applying a paste of this seed helps to make your skin clear and healthy. The antioxidants in avocado seeds play a significant role in maintaining healthy and glowing skin. They help protect the skin from free radicals, which can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and skin damage.

Plus, avocado seed powder can be used as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. Its anti-inflammatory properties also soothe irritated skin and reduce acne breakouts.

7. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Avocado seeds are beneficial for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing it. The soluble fiber in the seeds slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.

By incorporating avocado seeds into your diet, you can improve insulin sensitivity and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

8. Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions. This seed contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body.

The phenolic compounds and antioxidants in the seeds help lower inflammatory features and protect tissues from damage. This makes avocado seeds a natural remedy for inflammatory conditions.

9. Improves Joint Health

Avocado seeds can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from joint pain or arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and discomfort in the joints, improving mobility and overall quality of life.

Keep In Mind

There are some potential benefits of avocado seeds as we've discussed, however, more in-depth research is required to prove these claims. Remember that avocado seeds are too hard to eat whole. By considering its hardness, some suggest you have it by chopping them into pieces and blending them, though, this should be done carefully.

Due to the lack of proven research and studies, we suggest you don't rely on avocado seeds for treating those problems that we have mentioned above. You have to consult the doctor. On the other hand, you can simply relish the nutritional and tasty flesh of avocado- it's delicious, versatile, and safe to eat as often as you like!

After learning the benefits of avocado seeds, you would probably like to include them in your diet. For your ease, here are a few simple tips about preparing and using this seed:

1. Avocado Seed Powder

Using avocado seeds is easiest, only if you blend them into a fine powder. For that, you just need to:

• Remove the seed from the avocado and wash it thoroughly
• Let the seed dry for a day or two
• Use a grater or a high-powered blender to grind the seed into a fine powder
• Lastly, store the powder in an airtight container

After preparing the fine powder, you can incorporate it into your smoothies, soups, salads, or any baked goods. But, don't add too much, only 2 or 3 pinches will do the job.

2. Avocado Seed Tea

Avocado seed tea is a soothing and nutritious drink:

• Boil a chopped avocado seed in water for 10-15 minutes, or you can boil powdered seed as well.
• Strain the tea and let it cool.
• Add a dash of honey, mint, or lemon for flavor

After following these simple steps, your soothing avocado pit tea will be ready. Loaded with antioxidants, this infusion can help improve digestion and immunity.

3. Skincare Scrub

You can use avocado pit powder as an exfoliating scrub for your skin:

• Mix avocado seed powder with coconut oil or yogurt.
• Gently massage it onto your face or body in a circular motion.
• Rinse with warm water for smooth, glowing skin.

How To Prepare Avocado Seeds

While preparing the avocado seeds, simply follow these steps:

• Remove the seed: After cutting and halving an avocado, carefully remove the seed. After removing the pit, you can enjoy the flesh.
• Clean: You have to clean the seed by washing it under running water because it helps to remove any flesh residue.
• Drying: Allow to dry completely before using it in any recipe or grinding it into powder.
• Grinding: Thereafter, use a high-powered blender or food processor to bring the dried seed into a fine powder.

Just don't run after those benefits, it's necessary to understand avocado seeds' other aspects as well, such as:

• Due to the lack of scientific evidence and limited testing, it is recommended to use avocado seeds cautiously.
• Overeating avocado is precisely forbidden in the case of seeds; instead, it is safer to consume avocado flesh.
• The safe dose of avocado seed extract for humans was estimated to be 1.4 mg per pound of body weight or 3 mg per kilogram of body weight in adult humans.
• It will be best if you consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.

Let's see the potential risks and considerations of avocado seeds:

• Bitter Taste: The taste of the seed can be quite bitter, that's why we highly advise you combine them with sweet ingredients because they can help to mix its flavor.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergies or sensitivities to the avocado seeds, so it is advisable to start with small amounts. Or, if you experience some reactions try to avoid it.
• Preparation: Don't show any laziness while preparing the seed, proper preparation is crucial as raw seeds can be tough on digestion; always ensure they are dried and blended before consumption.

There is opinionated information on whether avocado seeds are healthful and safe for human consumption. In the context of consuming it, the California Avocado Commission comments that avocado seeds contain compounds that may be harmful to ingest- for example, these seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors. These nutrients are antinutrients, which could hamper your body's ability to absorb essential minerals and vitamins. Therefore, we suggest you consume it but only in small amounts (never mess with your health).

Due to all these reasons, you have to be very careful while consuming this pit. Besides allergic reactions, in some cases, you may face some other side effects, such as:

• Gastrointestinal irritation: As we stated, the avocado seed has high tannins that when devoured in large amounts people may face some vomiting and nausea.
• Choking or intestinal blockages: Avocado seeds are hard plus slippery as well. This can make them difficult to chew and can cause some problems such as choking or blockage of the intestines (don't offer it to the children).
• Sensitivity: If this seed shows some reactions in your body this doesn't mean they are poisonous to the human body, this means you are sensitive to such things. Thus, try to avoid them thereafter.
• Antinutrients: These seeds contain compounds that can reduce the body's ability to absorb minerals and vitamins. These compounds are; cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors.
• Interaction with warfarin: It was also remarked that avocado seeds can reduce the impact of warfarin, which can actually increase the risk of clotting.