This extremely health beneficial fruit is also quite versatile. Apart from the delicious taste, avocados are abundant in healthy fats, lutein, vitamin K, and folate, along with many other vitamins and nutrients.
However, most people don’t know that they may be disposing of the healthiest part of the avocado every time they eat one – and, it’s not the peel, it’s the pit.
Surprisingly, avocado seeds actually account for approximately 70% of avocado’s nutritional value. If you include avocado seeds or avocado seed oil into your diet, you will boost your antioxidant and nutrient intake.
Other Benefits of the Avocado Seed
As stated in the Encyclopedia of Common Naturals Used in Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics, laboratory trials on mice have proved that avocado seeds have anti-cancer properties, owing to a condensed flavonol found only in the seeds.
Moreover, avocado seeds are abundant in soluble fiber. In fact, they are one of the richest natural sources of soluble fiber, which is highly beneficial for your digestive system. With regular consumption, you can significantly lower your risk of developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome or other intestinal diseases.
Avocado seeds are a powerful tool for reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease or stroke due to their high antioxidant content.
Ways to Eat an Avocado Seed
Using a high-powered blender, you can blend the avocado pit and add it to your smoothie. As the pit has a strong flavor, you can mix it with something that can stand up to its intensity, for example, a green smoothie or juice.
Another way to use the pit is to dry it and then grate it into your favorite sauce or use as a seasoning on your food. Drying the pit before use will extend its shelf life. For this, you can use a dehydrator or simply leave it in a sunny place for a few days.
Many Other Uses
In addition to adding them to meals, avocado seeds can also be used in the following ways:
- Crush the dried pit in a blender or food processor and mix with either a mashed banana or half a mashed avocado for an all-natural facial scrub.
- You can try and grow an avocado tree from a seed, although this may be difficult to achieve.
- Make some tea of the avocado pit to treat different aches and pains. You can either boil half of the seed in water for 10 minutes, or you can dry it, blend it to powder, and add 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of boiled water. This tea is excellent for stomach ache. Plus, it can be cooled and applied topically to soothe itchy skin.
- If you have a crafty hand, you can use the seeds for various arts and crafts projects. You can also make jewelry and decorations.
Source: HealthyLifeStory
