You’ve been throwing away avocado seeds because no one told you they could fight cancer
We all know how healthy avocados are and we should all eat at least one avocado every day. You can add this delicious fruit to almost anything, salads, and meals or make a sandwich with an avocado. Or, if you love nachos, just make a homemade guacamole.
I usually add avocado to my salads and it is super delicious. But, unfortunately, just like many people, I used to throw the avocado seed in the thrash. We all did a terrible mistake! Because, it turns out that the avocado seeds aren’t just healthy, but they are also extremely beneficial in the traditional medicine for decades.
Is it safe to eat avocado seeds?
So, now, the most important question is: Is it safe to eat avocado seeds? You may have heard that some fruits seeds are toxic, right? Seeds from fruits like cherries, plums and apricots contain the toxic chemical – cyanide. So, eating large amounts of these seeds can lead to vomiting, dizziness and even death. But, you shouldn’t be worried, because this is not the case with the avocado seed. The avocado seed contain tannins. These compounds are mildly toxic, so it means that you need to consume several before you notice any negative side effect. According to a study, published in the Scientific World Journal, in 2013, the researchers found that the avocado seed extract is completely safe and it didn’t show any toxicity.
Health Benefits of Eating Avocado Seeds
The green delicious fruit is loaded with folate, Vitamin B and contains high amount of healthy fats. But, did you know that the avocado seeds are also loaded with healthy nutrients as well. The seed is a good and beneficial source of bioactive phytochemicals. The avocado seeds contain almost 70% of the avocados antioxidants. As we mentioned, the avocado seed is loaded with healthy nutrients, such as: fatty acids, triterpenes, phytosterols, and glucosides from abscisic acid. The antioxidant phytochemicals in avocado seeds include proanthocyanids and Flavonoids. We can also say that the avocado seeds are considered to be one of the best sources of soluble fiber.
We can easily say that the avocado seeds have many healthy properties, such as: antifungal, antibiotic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, larvicidal, amoebicidal, giardicidal, hypolipidemic, and antihypertensive properties.
Helps Fight Cancer
As we mentioned, the avocado seeds are loaded with antioxidants. The flavonols antioxidant compound gives the anti-tumor properties to the avocado seeds. According to a recent study, published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology, researchers from the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia, researchers have found that the extract from avocado fruit and seeds caused leukemia cells to self destruct. According to a different, more recent study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research, the medical experts have found that a compound found in avocado seed extract called avocation B was effective against acute myeloid leukemia cells. In their study, the researchers tested almost 800 natural health products against the human acute myeloid leukemia cells.
Benefits for heart disease patients
According to a study, published in the journal Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, in 2012, the study researchers found that avocado seed flour reduced the total cholesterol and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol levels in mice. The study experts also said that the avocado seeds could offer protection against arterial plaque formation. The study researchers also found that the dietary fiber found in avocado seeds is linked with lower cholesterol. This is because the fiber will bind to the cholesterol in the intestinal tract and prevent it from being absorbed. Another scientific research shows that avocado seeds can lower the high cholesterol levels and hypertension. They also found that avocado seeds are extremely beneficial in preventing diabetes and fighting inflammation.
Digestive benefits
Did you know that eating avocado seeds can help you improve the digestion process as well? People in South America used the avocado seeds for treating gastric ulcers, severe diarrhea, acute diarrhea and other digestive problems. As we mentioned before, the avocado seeds are loaded with antioxidants and fiber, which are also extremely beneficial for proper digestion.
Strengthens the immune system
It’s extremely important for all of us to have strong immune system, because our immune system is our first line of defense against all kinds of diseases. The avocado seeds and skins contain high amounts of antioxidants, such as procyandins and catechins. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties as well. So, they are the perfect tool to reduce stiffness, swelling, joint pain and diseases. The anti-inflammatory effects also help strengthen the immune system and prevent colds and flues. According to a in-vitro study, published in the journal Revista de Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical, in 2009, the study researchers have found that the anti-fungal and antibiotic properties of avocado seed extract could inhibit harmful pathogens such as Candida and along with other fungi. These infections are usually related to a weakened immune system.
Helps reduce wrinkles
A scientific study has found that avocado seed oil can increase the collagen in the skin. So we can easily say that the avocado seed oil would be extremely useful and beneficial in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Avocado seed oil is also used to treat acne flare-ups.
How to Extract the Avocado Seed
Here’s how to safely remove the avocado seed from the avocado:
- First, cut the avocado by slicing around the pit in order to cleanly remove the seed.
- Then, you need to insert your knife into the pit. Now, twist and gently pull.
- And, finally, remove the avocado seed from the knife.
- Now, when it’s out, put the avocado seed into a plastic bag and then crush it with a hammer.
- You can combine the crushed seed with your favorite smoothie ingredients. Just add dates, banana or spinach and make a smoothie. If you have a high-powered blender in your home, you may not need to smash the seed first, but you will need to add water.
Recipe for the Perfect Avocado Smoothie:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 avocado seed
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 cup of almond milk or water
- 1 ripe pear
- 1/2 apple
- 1 cup of organic spinach
- 1 small piece of ginger (grated)
Directions: First, you need to smash the seed. Then, put all the ingredients into a blender blend together until smooth. Enjoy your avocado seed smoothie!
Here’s another green smoothie recipe just for you. This avocado seed recipe also contains flaxseed and red leaf lettuce:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 avocado seed
- 2 1/2 cups of water or almond milk
- 1 ripe pear
- 1/2 to 3/4 of a ripe mango
- 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed
- 3/4 of a head of red leaf lettuce
Directions: Same procedure you did with the first smoothie. Make sure you crush the avocado seed and blend all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Other uses for the Avocado Seed
The avocado seed has beneficial uses, and here are some of the best ones:
Guacamole saver – you can keep your guacamole from going bad in the refrigerator. All you have to do is place an avocado seed in your guacamole dip.
Homemade facial mask – you can use the avocado sees as a great facial mask exfoliator. You need to dry the seeds, then grind them nicely and add them to your favorite facial mask.
Avocado seed tea – you can also make a great tea from the avocado seeds. All you have to do is boil the seed for 30-40 minutes.
Grow an avocado plant – grow a decorative houseplant in your home. Just plant the avocado seed in your garden.
Natural food additive – according to a study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food chemistry, in 2011, the study researchers have found that the anti-microbial and antioxidant properties of the avocado seed may help with food spoilage prevention. This makes the avocado seeds a healthy food additive. Just add crush them and add them to your favorite meals.
Source: www.naturalhealingmagazine.com
