Danielle KerendianBy Danielle Kerendian – Integrative Nutrition
Unless you are living under a rock, by now you know the superfood superpowers of avocados.
After cutting open a perfectly ripe avocado and scooping out the delicious flesh, what do you typically do with the seed?
Most people do not know that avocado seeds are edible as well. According to a study published in Food Chemistry, the seeds showed a “much higher antioxidant activity and phenolic content than the edible portions.”
Here are 5 benefits of eating avocado seeds that’ll make you think twice the next time you move to throw them away:
- CONQUER CANCER CELLS
Did you know that 70% of the antioxidants in avocados are found in the seeds? The seeds contain flavonol, a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent and reduce tumor growth. A 2013 study published in Pharmaceutical Biology found avocado extract from the flesh caused leukemia cells to self-destruct.
Move over berries, there’s a new superfruit in town!
- DIMINISH DIGESTIVE ISSUES
For centuries, avocado seeds have been used in South America to treat GI tract issues, including gastric ulcers, constipation, and diarrhea. These anti-inflammatory seeds contain more soluble fibers than most other foods on our planet! This superfruit is also sure to keep you full and help control blood sugar levels, so you are not reaching for a Kit Kat amidst a 3 pm slump!
- HEAL YOUR HEART
Avocados are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and thanks to their amino acid and dietary fiber content, the seeds can help lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular issues such as the formation of plaque, which can lead to strokes and heart attack
Dr. Tom Wu, who has earned the “World Famous Doctor” award from the United Nations for his breakthroughs with diabetes and cancer, says he always eats the seed and recommends heart disease patients do the same. “This soluble fiber binds to the fat and excess cholesterol. Then we can lower cholesterol and improve heart function naturally. Soluble fiber is tough to get in our diet. Oatmeal has some, but it cannot compare with the avocado seed.”
We heart avocados!
- IMPROVE THE IMMUNE STRENGTH
With flu season fast approaching, it is important to know that avocado seeds are the perfect immune boosters, helping keep free radicals at bay and preventing bacterial, viral and fungal infections!
- ALLEVIATE AGING
The potent antioxidants in avocado seeds have been shown to slow down the aging process by rebuilding collagen, repairing cell damage and improving the look and feel of your skin. In fact, you can even add avocado seed extract to your facial scrubs as a natural exfoliant!
Some Videos To Get You Started
https://youtu.be/uxrk-xWdoqY
At Integrative Nutrition, we love us some avocados! The simplest way to incorporate avocado seeds into your daily diet is to grind them into a powder and add to sauces, dressings, or smoothies. To avoid damaging your blender or food processor (and for a great workout!), place the dry seed in a bag and crush it with a hammer first. Who said healthy food can’t be fun?
If you are passionate about health and wellness, the Health Coach Training Program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition can help you improve eating habits and live a healthier life, as well as launch an exciting new career as a Health Coach. Our teachers are world-class educators and nutrition experts, including Deepak Chopra, Mark Hyman, Dr. Oz, Geneen Roth and more!
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