Six Health Benefits Of Avocado Seeds

Avocados are fruits that have numerous nutritional benefits. They are packed with vitamins, fibre, and other bioactive compounds that can be used in different ways to promote one’s health. It is no wonder why they are a staple in many people’s kitchens, popularly used as a breakfast option in avocado toast. But what many people aren’t aware of are the benefits of the often discarded avocado seeds. Those big brown seeds have been found to have remarkable health benefits as well. A study by PubMed Central showed the numerous health discoveries of avocado seeds. In this article, we shall explore six different proven health benefits of avocado seeds.

1. Fighting cancer

Studies have shown that avocado seeds can help fight cancer-causing cells. This is because they trigger apoptosis, a process where cancer cells are programmed to die. Additionally, these compounds can stop the development of these cells, stopping their spread. This discovery makes avocado seeds a promising natural food that can help in the process of treating cancer.

2. Managing diabetes

The extract from avocado seeds can help with managing diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels. In addition, it improves how the liver converts glucose into glycogen. Therefore, it acts as an energy storage form and eventually regulates blood sugar levels. This can act as a potential aid in the management and treatment of diabetes.

3. Antimicrobial agents

The hydrophobic components that are found in avocado seeds can disrupt the cell membrane of harmful microbes. This will cause them to leak and eventually die. Also, the antimicrobial properties of avocado seeds make them a natural source of fighting harmful pathogens and treating infections.

4. Shielding cells

Rich in antioxidants, these seeds contain procyanidins and phenolic compounds that get rid of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are atoms that bring damage to the cells and cause illnesses. They can be linked to different diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. Furthermore, antioxidants are chemicals that fight or lessen the effects of these free radicals. Since avocado seeds contain antioxidants such as catechin and epicatechin, they help to neutralise the harmful effects of free radicals, lowering the risk of developing diseases.

5. Brain protection

These seeds have neuroprotective properties. They target two enzymes called acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. These enzymes break down a chemical in our bodies called acetylcholine, which is important as it helps with things like memory, learning, and attention. By inhibiting or blocking these enzymes, avocado seeds give our brains a boost of acetylcholine. Overall, they help with improving memory and focus and lower the risk of neurological disorders such as migraines, dementia, and the like.

6. Anti-inflammatory effects

Finally, these seeds can reduce inflammation by decreasing the production of inflammatory compounds like interleukins and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. These are the causes of inflammation. This makes it a potential remedy for inflammatory conditions such as lupus, psoriasis, and others.

This Guardian Life content is intended for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the Guardian Life website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 112.