Avocados are, by far, my favorite food; in fact, I try to eat at least one avocado every day. The green, creamy fruit can pretty much go with anything. I add half an avocado to my morning smoothie and another half to my salad at dinnertime…and if I have a craving for nachos, I love making homemade guacamole!
Like most people, I used to toss the avocado seed in the garbage.But it turns out avocado seeds are not only healthy, but they have even been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Is It Safe to Eat Avocado Seeds?
“Wait a minute,” some may say. “Aren’t fruit seeds toxic?”Well, fruit seeds from cherries, plums, and apricots contain the toxic chemical cyanide, and large quantities of these seeds can lead to vomiting, dizziness, and even death. But that that doesn’t seem to be the case with avocado seeds.
Avocado seeds contain tannins, which are mildly toxic; however, you would have to consume several before you’d notice any negative health effects. In a 2013 study published in the
So far, no human research has been done to test the toxicity of avocado seeds, although in a 2013 study published in the Scientific World Journal, researchers concluded that avocado seed extract was safe and it did not show any toxicity. In fact, plenty of research has been done on the health benefits of the extract (see below), so if you see some in your local health store, it’s the best way to get all of those great nutrients!
5 Health Benefits of Avocado Seed Extract
We know avocados are loaded with folate, vitamin B, and healthy fats. But avocado seeds are nutrient-rich as well. The avocado seed is a beneficial source of bioactive phytochemicals.
It contains fatty acids, triterpenes, phytosterols, and glucosides from abscisic acid. The avocado seed also contains 70% of the avocado’s antioxidant content. The antioxidant phytochemicals in avocado seeds include proanthocyanidins and flavonols. The avocado seed is also considered one of the best sources of soluble fiber.
What are the health benefits of eating avocado seeds?
They contain antifungal, antibiotic, antimicrobial, insecticidal, larvicidal, amoebicidal, giardicidal, hypolipidemic, and antihypertensive properties. Eating avocado seeds also has other valuable health benefits.
1. Helps Fight Cancer
The avocado seed contains anti-tumor properties, especially the potent antioxidants called flavonols. In a 2013 study published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology, researchers from the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia found that extract from avocado fruit and seeds caused leukemia cells to self-destruct.
In a more recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research, researchers discovered that a compound found in avocado seed extract called avocatin B was effective against acute myeloid leukemia cells. In total, study researchers tested 800 natural health products against the human acute myeloid leukemia cells.
2. Benefits Heart Disease Patients
In a 2012 study published in the journal Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, avocado seed flour reduced the total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels in mice. Researchers also suggested that avocado seeds could offer protection against arterial plaque formation.
The dietary fiber found in avocado seeds is linked to lower cholesterol. The fiber will bind to the cholesterol in the intestinal tract and prevent it from being absorbed. Other research shows that avocado seeds can help improve high cholesterol and hypertension. It can also contribute to fight inflammation and diabetes.
3. Digestive Benefits
Eating avocado seeds can also help with digestion. South Americans once used avocado seeds for treating gastric ulcers, severe diarrhea (dysentery), acute diarrhea, and other digestive problems. The antioxidants and fiber found in the avocado seed are beneficial for digestion.
4. Strengthens the Immune System
A strong immune system is an excellent way to prevent disease. Avocado seeds and skins contain greater antioxidant levels, including procyandins and catehchins. They have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce stiffness, swelling, joint pain, and diseases. The anti-inflammatory effects also help strengthen the immune system, and prevent colds and flus.
In an in-vitro study, published in the journal Revista de Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical in 2009, researchers found that the antifungal and antibiotic effects of avocado seed extract could inhibit harmful pathogens such as candida, along with other fungi. Fungal and candida infections are related to a weakened immune system.
5. Helps Reduce Wrinkles
Evidence shows that avocado seed oil can increase collagen in the skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Avocado seed oil is also used to treat acne flare-ups.
Other Uses for the Avocado Seed
Since we can’t yet be sure of its safety, you won’t want to add an avocado seed to your smoothie, but luckily you don’t have to waste it either! Avocado seeds have a couple of other uses. Here are 2 of my favorites:
- Homemade Facemask: The avocado seed can make a great facemask exfoliator. All you need to do is dry the seeds, grind them up, and add them to a homemade facemask recipe. Be careful to avoid the area around your eyes.
- Grow an Avocado Plant: You can also grow an avocado seed into a decorative houseplant. Get the instructions here!