If you are a regular Daily Superfood Love reader by now, you know that we have something of a love affair with the benefits of avocados it’s one of the best way to protect your cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation from arthritis, and rejuvenate your skin and hair.
But, did you know… that the seed of the avocado is one of the most nutritious and often thrown out parts of this superfood?
Before you say it, I know what you are thinking. How do you add avocado seed to your diet short of smashing it with a hammer?
The secret benefits of avocado seeds will surprise you. Historically, extracts of avocado seeds were used as ink for writing and as a food dye. A single avocado seed represents around 18% of the fruit and a waste issue for avocado processors.
Benefits of Avocado Seeds
Over 70% of the total antioxidant capacity of avocados is found within the seed.
Pennsylvania State University recently launched a study on the benefits of avocado seeds and found that the phenolic antioxidant compounds in the seeds may lower high cholesterol, high blood pressure, reduce inflammatory conditions, diabetes, and boost your immunity. The seeds even have insecticidal, fungicidal, and anti-microbial properties.
Any heart disease patient must eat the avocado including the seed.” – Dr. Tom Wu Dr. Wu has earned the “Remarkable Contribution” award from the American Cancer Society and the “World Famous Doctor” award from the United Nations for his breakthroughs with diabetes and cancer.
Reduce Inflammation and Ease Joint Pain
Inflammation is the culprit behind numerous chronic diseases: arthritis, heart disease, stroke and even cancer all have been linked to excessive inflammation within the body.
Avocado seeds and skins contain higher levels of antioxidants such as catechins (also found in green tea) and procyandins that act as anti-inflammatories, reduce pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint function. These two antioxidants also improve heart health and blood circulation.
Optimal for Digestive Health
In ancient South America avocado seeds were used to treat dysentery, gastric ulcers, and other digestive issues.
Your digestive system is essential to your overall health. Much of your immunity comes directly from the bacteria that live inside of your digestive tract. If these beneficial gut flora are living in a healthy environment, then they can do easily combat pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
The antioxidants and fiber found in avocado seeds are great for your digestive system. An avocado seed contains more soluble fiber per ounce than almost any other vegetable; your GI tract will thank you for adding avocado seeds to your daily diet and perform at its prime.
Destroys Cancer Cells
The University of Antioquia, in Medellin, Colombia in November of 2013 found that extract of avocado seed and the fruit (Hass variety) had a pro-apoptotic effect on leukemia cells. The extract caused the leukemia cells to self-destruct and left the normal cells healthy and stable.
The seeds also contain a phytochemical known as flavonol, which is a potent antioxidant that can reduce tumor growth.
Banish Cravings and Shed Fat
Avocado seeds are packed with fiber, which can keep you full and satiated. Plus, avocado seeds can help control your blood sugar levels. When your overall blood glucose levels are steady throughout the day – you’re less likely to give in to junk food cravings.
Get Radiant Glowing Skin
Avocado seeds are the perfect food for your skin. Their potent antioxidants can rebuild collagen, repair cell damage caused by free radicals, and actually improve the look and feel of your skin.
Getting to the Good Stuff – How to Crack the Seed
The easiest way to get the benefits of avocado seeds is to add them to a smoothie. It won’t affect the taste and makes it a little bit richer and thicker.
First things first, be careful when using a knife to remove the seed from the fruit. Don’t try to pry the seed away from the fruit and let your knife slip along the seeds smooth edges!
Our recommendation: Once you have cut your avocado in half, whack the knife into the avocado seed, twist it, and then pull it from the remaining flesh.
Remove the knife from the seed and using a heavy chef’s knife whack the seed hard and it should split apart. Then chop it up into smaller pieces.
Avocado Seed Green Goddess Smoothie
1 cup nut milk or water
1 ripe pear
2 handfuls of fresh spinach
½ Hass avocado
½ Hass avocado seed
Small piece ginger grated
½ apple
Blend well and enjoy!
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