Avocados are always worth the extra dollar when add them to your meal at a restaurant. It is never something you regret because they are that delicious, and they are that healthy. They have become one of the most popular superfoods out there, being rich in magnesium, omega-3s, folate, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and K. What a lot of people don’t know, however, is that they have been throwing away one of the most nutritious parts of the avocado.
Did you know that avocado pits are incredibly rich in antioxidants? These antioxidants are important for heart health and improved circulation. Some of the best benefits of avocado pits are detailed below.
Improves Digestive Health
Because the pit is high in soluble fiber, it is beneficial for healthy digestion. An avocado pit contains more soluble fiber than almost every other vegetable. In South America, ancient civilizations used avocado pits to help treat gastric ulcers, dysentery, and other digestive complications. The fiber also helps to keep you feeling full, which decreases cravings.
Glowing Skin
The pit is full of antioxidants, which help to build collagen and repair cell damage that is caused by free radicals.
May Reduce Cancer Risk
A study that was conducted at the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia, found that the extract from avocado pits helps leukemia cells self-destruct. At the same time, it doesn’t harm normal cells. The pit contains a phytochemical known as flavonol, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce tumor growth.
Great For Your Heart
There was a study conducted by Pennsylvania State University that found that avocado pits may help to naturally lower cholesterol levels. Additional findings indicated that consuming avocado pits may even help in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes.
Fun Avocado Hack: When you make guacamole, place the avocado pit in the guac to prevent it from browning.
Best Way To Use The Pits
The best way to use avocado pits is by blending them in smoothies. You could grate them on top of your salads, but you probably won’t taste them when they are in smoothies. The pit does taste bitter, so make sure you pair it with strong flavors. You can also use half the pit to start off until you get used to the flavor. A great smoothie recipe is listed below.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup blueberries, frozen overnight
- 5 medium bananas
- 1 avocado pit
- 1 scoop Dherbs CocoHemp protein powder (optional)
- 5 drops essential orange oil (optional)
Preparation:
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend on a medium-high setting for a minute. Enjoy!
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.