An Exciting Discovery: The Anti-Cancer Benefits Of Avocado Seeds!
If you like avocados, you probably just eat the flesh of the fruit and toss the seed away. However, one study discovered that there’s a substance in avocado seeds that will change your mind about disposing of them. It’s not a secret that avocados are extremely healthy, but this compound makes the entire fruit even healthier. The seed is said to hold the key for dealing with an uncommon yet fatal type of leukemia called acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
AML is an aggressive type of cancer that attacks the white blood cells. With avocados, especially their seeds, you can benefit from the compound called avocatin B. The compound was studied by the University of Waterloo and Mount Sinai Hospital (both in Canada) as well as the University of Perugia, Italy and it appeared that it can be reliable in battling the cells that cause the blood cancer.
The research was performed involving about 800 compounds and they were all tested against leukemia cells. The most effective was avocatin B, which caused the cancerous cells to die. Even better news is that the substance did not affect the healthy blood cells of the body.
Avocatin B – Amazing Discovery
Lots of researchers have become interested in avocatin B and there are now plans to benefit from it to develop a drug for leukemia. Obviously, this will take a long time, however it does look promising.
For now, the present treatments for this deadly blood cancer are:
- Stem cell transplants
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Biological therapy
So next time you eat avocados, don’t toss away the seeds just yet. While the fruit contains B vitamins, including folate in addition to healthy fats, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K, the seed has a lot of nutrients to boast as well. It is packed with bioactive phytochemicals andantioxidants. In fact, 70% of the anti-oxidants in the fruit are found in the seed itself.
How To Consume Avocado Seeds
It might come as a surprise to many, but avocado seeds are indeed edible. With the nutrients discovered in them, together with the anti-cancer benefits, it is time you stop throwing the seed to the garbage bin. Eating it is simple. After extracting the seed from the fruit, put it in a plastic bag. Then, you can safely crush it using a hammer. Once crushed, add it to your favorite smoothie, much like you would with other superfoods, such as chia seeds. You can also process it in a blender after crushing it with a hammer.
Benefits of Avocado Seeds
Avocado seeds are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They may have potential health benefits such as helping to lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and aiding in weight loss.
Avocado seeds may also have antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help to improve skin health. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
The seeds should be consumed in moderation, as they contain a compound called persin which can be toxic in large amounts. It is generally recommended to consume no more than one avocado seed per day.
Other avocado benefits
Avocado got high in healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients. Here are some potential health benefits of avocado:
- Heart health: Avocado is high in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Weight management: Avocado is high in fiber and healthy fats, which can help you feel full and satisfied, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
- Nutrient-dense: Avocado is a good source of nutrients including vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Eye health: Avocado is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are important for eye health and may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- Anti-inflammatory: Avocado contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and arthritis.
Fruit for adults and kids with no contraindications
Avocado is generally considered to be a healthy food for adults and children. It is a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C. However, avocado should be consumed in moderation as it is also high in calories and fat. There are no known contraindications to consuming avocado in moderation.
However, if you have an allergy to avocados or any of the components in avocados, you should avoid consuming them. If you are uncertain whether you are allergic to avocados, you should consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional.