The avocado fruit is well-known for its high nutritional value. However, the popularity of the avocado pit (or the avocado seed) is a recent phenomenon. It may seem useless, but most of its health advantages come from the flavonoid and mineral content contained in the pit. Keep reading to learn more about the amazing health benefits of the avocado pit.
Being rich in healthy fats, avocado has been one of the most recommended foods over the last few years. However, what is truly amazing is that avocado pit appears to be even more nutritious than the fruit itself. The seed holds about 70 percent of all the nutrients.
The antioxidants and polyphenols that are found in the avocado pit are responsible for its amazing health benefits. Antioxidants are natural substances found in many foods, and fruits and vegetables are particularly rich in them. Their healing properties revolve around their ability to prevent cell damage.
Polyphenols are micronutrients that are most abundant in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. They are an essential natural remedy in the fight against diabetes, cancer, and many neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders. They also promote friendly gut bacteria.
Although their natural sources are fruits and vegetables, both antioxidants and polyphenols are also available as supplements. If you take too much of them, then the excess will be excreted via your urine.
However, taking very high doses of antioxidant supplements is linked to certain health risks. For example, too much beta-carotene may increase the risk of lung cancer. Too much vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Equally, extremely high levels of polyphenol supplements could interfere with iron absorption and may cause iron deficiency.
Therefore, it's always best to obtain the nutrients from a natural source instead of supplementation, so try out an avocado pit!
The avocado seed seems to have no side effects. Still, to be on the safe side, you should use it in small quantities and only occasionally. From what we know, if you use too much, the worst thing that can happen is an upset stomach. Since it contains natural laxatives, it may cause mild diarrhea or similar digestive problems.
However, the avocado pit contains certain compounds (like trypsin inhibitors and cyanogenic glycosides), that may be harmful. Studies are in the early stages and although there's a lot of information about its benefits, there is very little about possible side effects.
We know that avocado pit can be harmful to mice and rats if given in very high doses. However, we still don't know what a "very high dose" for an average adult would be.
Avocado seed can be used in many ways. Start by cutting the fruit in the middle and taking the seed out. Cut it into quarters. To remove the bitterness, peel off the fine layer of brown skin that covers it. To prolong its shelf life, dry it before storing it.
You can dry the avocado pit in a dehydrator, in the oven or by keeping it in a sunny spot for a week. Once dried, the pit should be ground, grated or chopped.
Numerous studies suggest that flavonoids can prevent the onset and development of inflammatory conditions. A few examples of such conditions are cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and diabetes.
Some types of flavonoids appear to be very effective against depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Although the number of people affected by these conditions is steadily increasing, the good news is that diet is an effective natural remedy for these disorders. Research shows that flavonoids, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, and legumes have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The easiest way to get these nutrients is through a plant-based diet.
Our bodies can successfully heal itself, provided we eat healing foods. Therefore, foods rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, such as avocado pit, should become an essential ingredient of a balanced diet.
Our organs and systems are interconnected and affect each other in many ways. The NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) stress response model describes this interdependence and how your body's systems react to stress. One of the six circuits in the NEM stress model is the Inflammation Circuit.
Inflammation is your body's response to stress of some kind. Therefore, an inflammatory process is nothing more than a sign your body is in the process of self-repair. This applies to acute inflammatory processes, such as scabbing, pus, swelling, sore throat, tonsillitis, and sinusitis.
However, when inflammation remains ongoing in the body, this makes it potentially more dangerous and harms the body instead of helping it. This kind of inflammation, because it is mild and the discomfort is bearable (at least in the beginning), is usually left untreated for months and years. As a result, it often leads to serious illness and chronic pain, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic peptic ulcer, asthma, and adrenal fatigue.
Many different stressors can trigger an inflammatory response. The most common ones are inflammatory foods, chronic stress, and leaky gut syndrome.
Preventing and fighting inflammation-related conditions in this stressful world is not easy. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of avocado pit combined with its antioxidant and flavonoid content may be a solution.
Adding avocado pit powder to your diet may not only prevent many degenerative diseases, it may also help in other ways. Avocado seed can strengthen your body's self-healing mechanism by boosting your immune system. Since it is a rich source of magnesium, avocado pit has a soothing effect on your nerves and can help you manage stress better.
With a strong immune system and healthy nerves, you will easily tackle anything life throws at you.
© Copyright 2021 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.
When synthetic drugs don't work, one often turns to traditional health treatments. Avocado pit has been successfully used to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, calm shattered nerves, and improve digestion. It's also used to prevent premature aging of the skin and to strengthen bones and the immune system.
