What Happens if You Eat Avocado Seeds
How many times have you cut open an avocado, scooped out the flesh, and just threw the seed in the trash or compost bin? While most people don’t realize it, avocado seeds are much more than just a waste product. This often discarded part of the avocado is actually rich in health-boosting compounds and can be utilized in numerous ways.
With food costs rising around the world, reducing how much food goes to waste is one simple way to stretch your budget. So, instead of tossing those avocado pits the next time you’re making guacamole, rinse them off and set them aside. After learning more about how to eat and use avocado seeds, you won’t want to throw another one out!
Health Benefits of Avocado Seeds
Scientific research has demonstrated that avocado seeds contain various constituents that have a positive effect on human health. Because of this, there are several potential benefits to eating avocado seeds.
Rich in Nutrients
Avocado seeds are a source of many important nutrients that are beneficial for improving overall health. They are rich in various minerals and vitamins, including phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, zinc, copper, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), and niacin (B3).
Sounds like a lot, right? Thankfully, it’s simple to give your body the nutrients it needs when you have a clear guide to follow. I rely on The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies II, the sequel to the well-known bestseller, to help me learn about the plants and foods that can support my health and well-being.
Rich in Polyphenols
Research has found that avocado seeds are very high in polyphenols, compounds that occur naturally in plants. They have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Because of this, these compounds can play an important role in helping to prevent many chronic diseases that are caused by the damaging effects of free radicals.
Antimicrobial Properties
Several studies have confirmed that avocado seeds possess antibacterial and antifungal effects. They have been shown to be effective against pathogenic bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis, or what is more commonly known as food poisoning. Avocado seeds have also been shown to help inhibit Candida, a yeast that is part of our natural microflora but can cause various types of health issues when an overgrowth occurs.
When I learned about the antibacterial and antifungal properties of avocado seeds, I started looking deeper into ways to support my gut health. I realized that occasional issues like Candida overgrowth or harmful bacteria can really throw your whole system off balance.
That’s when I came across the Balanced Gut Blend. It’s a tincture that combines some incredible natural ingredients like Reishi, Turkey Tail, Plantain, Slippery Elm, Marshmallow, and Lion’s Mane. I gave it a try, and I’ve noticed such a difference—it feels like my gut is finally getting the care it needs to stay balanced and resilient. If you’re looking for something to support your gut, this blend might be just what you need.
Beneficial for Heart Health
Avocado seed extracts may relax blood vessels, which helps to reduce blood pressure. Research has also found that avocado seed powder may help to reduce total cholesterol and LDL (known as “bad” cholesterol) cholesterol levels. Since high blood pressure and high cholesterol are considered two of the most important risk factors when it comes to heart disease, getting them within a healthy range can be a great way to help improve overall heart health.
Pain Relief
Extracts of avocado seed have demonstrated an analgesic effect in animal studies. Because many pain-causing conditions are associated with inflammation, avocado seed’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can also help to swollen tissues that may be contributing to discomfort.
This salve I’m using is perfect for easing discomfort with natural, anti-inflammatory properties that soothe sore muscles and achy joints, especially during the cold winter ahead.
How to Eat Avocado Seeds
There are a few different ways that avocado seeds are typically prepared before eating. One common way is to powder them, and then add that powder to foods. To make avocado seed powder, the seeds first need to be dried thoroughly, in an oven or dehydrator.
Once they are completely dry, they can be chopped up into smaller pieces and powdered in a blender. This powder can then be added to various foods, like smoothies, sauces, dips, and other beverages. Because the taste is somewhat bitter, you’ll want to make sure that you’re balancing it out with complimentary flavors.
Avocado Seed Tea
Another common way to enjoy avocado seed is by making it into a tea. This is a really simple preparation that doesn’t require as much time and effort as drying and powdering the seed.
Ingredients:
- 1 avocado seed, with the pulp, washed off
- Digestive Herbal Blend (40 drops/cup)
- 2 cups water
Steps:
- Chop the avocado pit into small pieces.
- Add the chopped avocado pieces to a small pot with the cold water.
- Cover the pot tightly with a lid, as this will prevent the loss of important nutrients.
- Bring the water gently to a boil.
- Simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Do not bring to a rolling boil.
- Remove from heat, strain out the avocado seed pieces, and enjoy.
Avocado seed tea can be enjoyed with honey to help balance its bitter flavor. Don’t drink more than one cup per day. Individuals who have avocado allergies, or are pregnant or breastfeeding should not drink avocado seed tea.
There are some concerns as to whether certain constituents in avocado seeds are safe for humans to consume regularly. There have been studies on the safety of eating avocado seeds, but the data is still limited and not entirely conclusive. In one animal study, rats were given very high doses of avocado seed extract without any apparent negative effects. Currently, however, it is not known whether it is completely safe to eat avocado seeds. More studies are needed to know for sure.
Other Ways to Use Avocado Seeds
If you want to start making use of your avocado seeds but aren’t so sure you want to eat them, there are still plenty of ways that you can utilize them. Here are a few ideas.
Natural Body Care
Avocado seeds are wonderful for boosting the health of hair and skin and can be used in numerous cosmetic applications. The seed powder makes a lovely exfoliant and can be combined with other natural ingredients to make a DIY skin scrub.
Avocado seed tea can be used as a hair rinse or incorporated into DIY hair masks to rejuvenate your scalp and locks. It also doubles as a revitalizing homemade facial toner. Simply dip a cloth or cotton pad into a bit of avocado seed tea and then apply it to the face to nourish the skin.
When your skin needs some extra care, the All-Purpose Salve is a lifesaver. With herbs like yarrow, calendula, and plantain, it’s great for soothing cuts, scrapes, rashes, or even sunburns. I’ve even used it for chapped lips and insect bites—it’s one of those things that just works for so many skin issues while helping it heal naturally.
Natural Fabric Dye
Conventional fabric dyes can contain a variety of chemicals that are harmful to human health. Avocado seeds, however, produce a pretty pink-colored dye that is non-toxic and much safer.
Grow an Avocado Tree
While it takes a while to grow an avocado from seed, it can be a fun experience to grow your very own tree. And when your tree does eventually produce fruit, you’ll have your own supply of tasty, healthy avocados!
Though largely considered a waste product, avocado seeds have a lot to offer. Instead of throwing them out, try eating them! Whether you make your own avocado seed powder or brew up a cup of avocado seed tea, consuming avocado seeds has many possible health benefits.
It’s amazing how something as simple as an avocado seed can offer so many health benefits. But there’s a whole world of natural remedies out there waiting for you to discover them. The Forgotten Home Apothecary is my go-to guide for over 250 remedies that are easy to make and use.
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It also helps with infertility and regulating the menstrual cycle
Is it true that while humans benefit from eating Avocado seeds, dogs should not eat them?
As I find these articles interesting, they need better proof reading. Also they seem to be turning into product advertising. I enjoy reading articles that are not also making a sales pitch. I also am enjoying the books I have acquired so far.
Happy Holidays
I have been eating my avocado seeds for several months now. It is probably beneficial, but I have not noticed any measurable or noticeable effects. I will continue as I do with all of Nicole’s suggestions. I agree with Amy; the articles are becoming too “wordy” and e-market oriented. Get straight to the point with solid information.
Hello Nicole,I want to share my recipe for a avocado rub I made for my back, hip, legs and other external parts of the body.Ingredients: 2-3 avocado seed, 70% rubbing alcohol, turmeric, black pepper, glass jarTake 2-3 avocado, peel the skin off (you may need to place in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to dry them and remove the skin.Now, cut in to small cubes, place in the jar, add 1 tsp. turmeric, 1/4th tsp. black pepper to activate the turmeric. Cover the ingredients with 70% rubbing alcohol, cover with a tight fitting lid and store in a dark place for 24 hours.After 24 hours it is ready to be used. Take a cotton ball dip into the liquid and rub it on the painful area on your external body. It will dry quickly.This worked for me. When I received this recipe it was just avocado and alcohol which works also but I want to reduce swelling, so i added the other ingredients…Try it you will be surprised!Blessings,Prethicia W.Is there instructions on how to use the stone for this in my book the lost book of herbal remedies i can’t find it.
“have you…threw”