Why should you never throw avocado seeds? 5 Reasons to eat avocado seeds

With an increasing inclination towards health and fitness, people are gradually moving towards healthier choices, and one such fruit that paved its way to the Indian plates is an avocado. The creamy texture, tangy taste, and high protein and antioxidant content make this fruit a superfood. While the flesh of an avocado is easily extracted and tweaked into so many interesting delicacies, the seed is mostly discarded, but you will be amazed to know that the seed of an avocado also has potent nutrients that are as nutritious as avocado.Here’s all you need to know about avocado seeds and reasons why you should never throw these seeds.

Nutrients in avocado seeds?
Avocado seeds are often discarded due to their tough exterior and bitter taste, but surprisingly, these seeds are packed with nutrients and are worth trying.
Antioxidants: Avocado seeds contain high levels of antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, which can contribute to aging and various diseases.
Fiber: Just like the flesh of the avocado, the seed is rich in dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health, promotes regular bowel movements, and can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. Avocado seeds contain a significant amount of dietary fiber. A single avocado seed has been reported to contain around 30% of its dry weight in fiber. This includes both soluble and insoluble fibers, which are beneficial for digestive health. However, avocado seeds are not typically consumed directly due to their hardness and potential toxicity. It's recommended to enjoy the flesh of the avocado for its fiber content and other health benefits.
Healthy Fats: Avocado seeds contain beneficial fats, including monounsaturated fats like oleic acid, which is also found in olive oil. These fats are known for their heart-healthy properties and may contribute to overall well-being.
Vitamins and Minerals: Avocado seeds are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients support immune function, skin health, and proper muscle function.
Reduce Cholesterol: Some studies suggest that the compounds in avocado seeds may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, promoting heart health.

Reasons to eat Avocado seeds
Enhanced Nutrition Incorporating avocado seeds into your diet can significantly boost your nutrient intake. Including them in smoothies, salads, or soups is a great way to benefit from their nutritional profile.
Reduced Waste: By utilizing avocado seeds, you contribute to reducing food waste. This aligns with sustainable practices and supports environmental conservation efforts.
Health Benefits: Studies suggest that avocado seeds may have potential health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation, and exhibiting antimicrobial properties. These benefits contribute to better overall health and well-being.
Versatility in Cooking: While avocado seeds are hard and bitter when raw, they can be dried, grated, or ground into a powder. This powder can be added to various dishes, providing a nutty flavor and nutritional boost without overpowering bitterness.
Supports skin health: The antioxidants and other beneficial compounds in avocado seeds can promote healthy skin, potentially reducing signs of aging and improving skin texture.
How to use Avocado seeds
Dry and Grind
Remove the seed from the avocado, wash thoroughly, dry it, and then grind it into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. This powder can be added to smoothies, baked goods, or sprinkled over salads.
Infusion
Alternatively, you can infuse the seeds in hot water to make a nutritious tea or use them as a base for a broth or soup.
Curd mixed with avocado seed powder
Curd is rich in probiotics that support gut health and digestion. Avocado seeds contain antioxidants and fiber, potentially aiding in reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels. Combining curd with powdered avocado seed may offer a synergistic blend of probiotics and nutrients for overall health benefits.
Avocado Dip
Avocado seed dip is made by thoroughly washing and drying the avocado seed, then finely grating or grinding it using a blender or food processor. Combine the powdered seed with ingredients like garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste, creating a creamy and flavorful dip. Adjust the consistency with water or additional olive oil as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature with chips, crackers, or as a spread for sandwiches.
Avocado powder with milk
Avocado powder mixed with milk creates a creamy and nutritious beverage rich in essential nutrients. Avocado is packed with healthy fats, vitamins like C, E, and B-complex, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium, all of which lead to strong bones, muscles, heart health, skin vitality, and overall well-being. When blended with milk, whether dairy or plant-based, the combination has a smooth texture and a delightful taste, when mixed with a sweetner.
Avocado seed powder for soups and stews
When added to soups and stews, avocado seed powder can enhance their nutritional profile without significantly altering the flavor. It blends well with other ingredients, providing a subtle nutty taste and thickening texture. However, it's essential to use avocado seed powder in moderation and ensure it's finely ground to avoid any gritty texture. As with any new ingredient, start with small amounts and adjust according to taste preferences and nutritional goals.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may have allergic reactions to avocado seeds, especially if they are sensitive to the compounds present in the seeds.
Avocado recipe
For an avocado boat recipe with seed powder, halve an avocado, sprinkle the powdered seeds like chia or pumpkin, and add toppings such as diced tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy this nutritious and filling snack or light meal.
Foods to avoid with avocado
Avocado is delicious and nutritious, but it can sometimes create flavor mismatches or interfere with the taste and texture of certain foods. Avoid pairing avocados with high-sugar fruits like mangoes and pineapples, as the contrasting flavors and digestion times can cause stomach discomfort. Also, steer clear of consuming avocados with heavy, starchy foods like potatoes and corn, as this combination can be too dense and hard to digest. Additionally, avoid combining avocados with dairy products like milk or cheese, which can lead to digestive issues. One should also make sure to avoid consuming avocados with citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, or lemons can clash in flavor. The acidity of citrus fruits can sometimes overpower the creamy and mild taste of avocado, creating an odd taste combination.
Bananas
Avocado and bananas are both rich in potassium. Eating them together in large quantities could lead to an excess of this nutrient.
What happens when you avocado seeds in excess?
Avocado seeds, despite some claims about their benefits, can potentially pose health risks due to their high tannin content, which may cause gastrointestinal irritation, including nausea and vomiting, when consumed in large quantities. Additionally, the seed's tough, slippery texture can lead to choking or intestinal blockages if not prepared or consumed carefully. Therefore, it's generally recommended to avoid eating avocado seeds and focus on the nutrient-rich flesh of the fruit instead.
Conclusion
Avocado seeds, often overlooked, hold significant nutritional value and potential health benefits. By exploring creative ways to incorporate them into your meals, you not only enhance your diet with essential nutrients but also contribute to sustainable living practices by reducing food waste. Whether ground into powder, infused into beverages, or used in cooking, avocado seeds can be a valuable addition to a health-conscious lifestyle. Embrace the versatility and nutritional benefits of avocado seeds today, and never underestimate the power of what might otherwise be considered kitchen waste.