What Could the Research Mean?
The study has identified a compound that may lead to a new drug for treating AML, and while there is still a long way to go, it’s incredible to think that this one part of the avocado—a part often tossed in the trash without a second thought by many avocado-loving, health-conscious people—could hold the key to treating AML without harsh side effects, open the door to better quality of life and better survival outcomes for AML patients.
Dr. Paul Spagnuolo, who spearheaded the research project, has applied for a patent in the hopes of using avocatin B in a forthcoming cancer-fighting drug that could change the face of AML treatment forever, if effective in vivo.
Other Surprising Health Benefits of Avocado Seeds
Being a major combatant against an often-deadly form of cancer is impressive enough, but did you know that avocado seeds can help your health in other ways too?
Antioxidant properties
The antioxidants contained within the avocado seed can help lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure, keep diabetes at bay, and boost the body’s natural immune response.
A stUdy by the National University of Singapore published in Food Chemistry on December 2004 concluded that avocado seed has an even greater level of antioxidant activity than the more commonly eaten parts of the fruit, and the seeds may contain more than 70% of the antioxidants found in the entire fruit.
Anti-inflammatory properties
The antioxidants in avocado pits can help reduce inflammation, which can help to heal joint pain and keep other inflammatory conditions in check.
A research done by Pennsylvania State University and published in Current Pharmaceutical Design on 2013 the phenolic antioxidant compounds in the seeds may lower high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and reduce inflammatory conditions. The research also found that the seeds have insecticidal, fungicidal, and anti-microbial properties.
High fiber content
Avocado seed has a very high content of soluble fiber which is important for digestive health as well as to heart disease patients as it helps lower cholesterol levels. High fiber diet is one of the best ways to prevent constipation.
High potassium level
Avocado seed is very high in potassium which has a great importance for our body (read more about this mineral in my article about potassium deficiency – causes, symptoms and what to do). The level of potassium declines as the fruit matures and is higher when the avocado is not yet ripe.
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Using good fat to do away with body fat
Because of the high “good fat” content of the avocado and its pit (as well as he high fiber content mentioned above), consuming avocado seeds can help you feel more full, paving the way to lose body fat without having to sacrifice the feeling of satiety as with so many diets. Adding an avocado—seed included—per day can help keep the cravings away.
How to Get the Benefits of the Hard Avocado Pit Into Your Body
It’s no wonder many people look at the avocado pit and balk about eating it: it’s large, and it’s hard. But splitting it open with a good butcher knife and chopping it into smaller chunks, you can get your avocado seed ready to be blended into any smoothie of your choice.
It is virtually tasteless when blended with stronger-flavored fruits and veggies, but packed with nutrients that offer healing for your whole body. Make sure to use a super strong and heavy duty food processor for blending the avocado seed.
Some people dry out the seed by leaving it in the sunlight on the windowsill and make a powder, while others grate the seed so they can add to sauces or as a seasoning over food. You can also purchase avocado seed powder (like this one) at your local health food store or online.
Eating avocado and using the seed is also one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health. You’ve got nothing to lose, so grind up an avocado seed as part of your healthy and natural diet!
