Ten Health and Beauty Benefits of Avocado Seeds
Avocados are known for their delicious flavor and high nutritional value. However, many people ignore the seed inside that also has incredible properties and benefits of avocado seeds for your body, inside and out.
Furthermore, their green pulp is loaded with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, and other substances that are highly beneficial to your health. The seeds doesn’t taste as good as the flesh. However, you can use it in multiple ways so you don’t leave any nutritional waste behind.
Although it may not seem like it, it’s a big source of fiber and essential amino acids that prevent and combat various diseases. Here are 10 good reasons why you should make more use of them before throwing them out!
1. Improve cardiovascular health
It’s estimated that at least 70% of the amino acids in avocados are in the seeds. The essential oils in avocado seeds can help control cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular conditions that increase a person’s risk of suffering from a heart attack.
However, according to this study conducted by Tufts University, researchers only observed an increase in good cholesterol (HDL), with no clear evidence linking avocado intake to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. Benefits of avocado seeds: Fight stomach infections
The fiber in avocado seeds stimulates good digestion and encourages healthy bowel movements.
Thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, they are great for combating diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms that develop along with bacterial and viral infections.
Although true, according to this study conducted by the University of São Paulo (Brazil), although it has anti-inflammatory properties, there’s no scientific evidence associating it with anti-diarrheal capacity. Only this investigation conducted by the University of Chile emphasizes its protective role against a couple of related intestinal pathogens.
3. Treat cancer
There’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. This is because studies have only been carried out in rodents and, moreover, they’re very limited. In 2019, a study was published in the International Journal of Food Science, which studied the activity of avocado seed extract against certain cancer cells.
That same study showed that the extract reduced the viability of human breast, lung, colon and prostate cancer cells. However, it’s necessary to remember that this was an in vitro study, so its effects on living organisms should be further investigated.
4. Prevent oxidative damage
The high content of antioxidants in avocado seeds is wonderful for repairing tissue and cells that have been damaged by oxidative damage. This is according to this study carried out by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Spain).
Essential oils and extracts are just one of the ways that you can use this seed for rejuvenating skin and hair. When incorporated into your diet, it can also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with aging.
5. Strengthen the immune system
The phenolic compounds in avocado seeds are great for treating viral infections and allergies.
According to this study conducted by the Federal University of Pelotas (Brazil), eating avocado seeds boosts the presence of antibodies and helps strengthen your immune system, thus preventing debilitating diseases.
6. Fight pain and inflammation
The anti-inflammatory agents in avocado seeds help reduce pain and stress in patients who have disorders like arthritis, gastritis, and colitis. However, you should consult a doctor if you’re dealing with any of these problems.
The anti-inflammatory potential of the avocado seed goes far beyond the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. According to a study published in 2022, the seed extract can slow the progression of liver cancer by increasing the organ’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
A publication in the journal Biometals states that diluted avocado seed extract protects against cadmium-induced inflammation and nephrotoxicity. However, you should note that both studies used animal subjects, so they need to do more research on their effect on humans.
7. Benefits of avocado seeds: Prevent wrinkles
One of the best cosmetic benefits of avocado seeds is their ability to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging, as stated in this study conducted by Nutrition Science Solutions (USA).
The flavonols and antioxidants they contain help stop damage caused by free radicals. They also aid in collagen production, resulting in firmer, more youthful skin.
8. Improve scalp health
People with problems like dry hair, dandruff, and split ends can improve their scalp health with this natural ingredient. The beneficial fats in avocado seeds increase your hair’s natural moisture content and prevent dryness.
9. Regulate the thyroid
One of the other awesome benefits of avocado seeds is that their nutrients are excellent for people with thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism. However, there’s not enough scientific evidence to back this.
10. Benefits of avocado seeds: Increase energy levels
Adding this food to your diet can help dramatically improve your physical and mental performance. This will inevitably allow you to be more productive during the day.
You might like: Healthy Habits That Boost Your Energy Levels Instantly
How to reap the benefits of avocado seeds
Instead of throwing away your avocado seeds, put them out in the sun to dry. Then, grate them into a fine powder. You can add this powder to soups, smoothies, salads, and countless other recipes. This makes it pretty easy to incorporate into your diet. Mix the powder into masks made with yogurt, egg, essential oils, etc. if you want to use it for cosmetic purposes.
So, have you been wasting your avocado seeds? Now that you know how to use them, don’t hesitate to take advantage of their incredible health and beauty benefits. However, you should be aware that studies that mention its benefits require further research. So, don’t go overboard!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Cabezas, C., & Hueso, J. J. (2003). Fenológicos-Tipo Del Aguacate ( Persea Americana Mill .). Actas V Congreso Mundial Del Aguacate.
- Salas López, L. (2015). Aguacate símbolo de juventud, belleza y salud. MARKETING AND COMMERCIAL STREAM.
- Pérez-Rosales, R., Villanueva-Rodriguez, S., & Cosío-Ramirez, R. (2005). El aceite de aguacate y sus propiedades nutricionales. E-Gnosis. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.54.6.473
