For many of us, the only part of the avocado (or “pear,” as we call it here) that we find useful is the creamy green flesh, which we slice and add to various meals. The dense, round pit (seed) is often discarded without a second thought. However, interest in the avocado pit is growing. As the world increasingly seeks to maximise the potential of every food resource and minimise food waste, this humble seed is finally getting its moment in the spotlight.
This article is in commemoration of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, observed on September 29th. By focusing on creative uses for avocado pits, we join a global effort to reduce food waste and promote better use of natural resources for health, nutrition, and the environment.
For many of us, the only part of the avocado (or “pear,” as we call it here) that we find useful is the creamy green flesh, which we slice and add to various meals. The dense, round pit (seed) is often discarded without a second thought. However, interest in the avocado pit is growing. As the world increasingly seeks to maximise the potential of every food resource and minimise food waste, this humble seed is finally getting its moment in the spotlight.
This article is in commemoration of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, observed on September 29th. By focusing on creative uses for avocado pits, we join a global effort to reduce food waste and promote better use of natural resources for health, nutrition, and the environment.
The Science Behind the Seed
Emerging scientific evidence suggests that often-discarded avocado pits are packed with powerful compounds, particularly those that possess anti-inflammatory properties. Avocado seeds are remarkably rich in various bioactive compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. Researchers are increasingly focusing on these compounds to explore the potential health benefits of the seed.
Chronic inflammation is a silent epidemic that underlies many serious health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. The compounds found in avocado seeds are being studied for their ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators in the body, which could help calm the cellular processes that lead to inflammation.
Several key studies have shown promising results, primarily in laboratory (in vitro) and animal models. A notable study from Penn State University found that avocado seed extract inhibited pro-inflammatory pathways, suggesting its potential to combat inflammation. Other research has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in animal models. For instance, in an experiment where mice were induced with paw edema (a common model for studying inflammation), those treated with avocado seed extract experienced a reduction in swelling.
It is important to note that these studies primarily utilised highly concentrated extracts of avocado seeds rather than the whole seed itself. This distinction is crucial for understanding the current state of research and for safety considerations.
Avocado Seed Tea
As awareness of the potential benefits of avocado seeds increases, so does the popularity of “avocado seed tea.” This simple preparation involves slicing the seed, boiling it in water for an extended period, and then straining the resulting liquid. The tea has a subtle, earthy flavour and a reddish-brown colour that develops during boiling, due to the release of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds into the water.
Supporters of avocado seed tea often highlight its rich antioxidant content and the anti-inflammatory effects observed in preliminary studies. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may aid in digestion, reduce inflammation, promote heart health, and even help with weight management. This trend perfectly illustrates the current interest in avocado seeds, being explored by both home wellness enthusiasts and professional researchers.
Although no definitive health claims can be substantiated at this time due to a lack of rigorous research, the traditional use of avocado seed tea suggests potential benefits that warrant further scientific investigation.
The Sustainability Angle: Turning Waste into a Resource
Beyond its potential health applications, the avocado seed offers significant environmental advantages. Globally, staggering amounts of avocado pits are generated as organic waste each year. When these pits end up in landfills, they contribute to methane gas emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that drives climate change. Thankfully, the avocado seed is rapidly shifting from being a waste product to a valuable resource that supports the circular economy by reducing waste and promoting reuse. Its innovative applications include serving as a source of natural food colourants, providing raw material for biodegradable plastics, and acting as a “green” catalyst in industrial processes, all of which contribute to sustainability and environmental protection.
Conclusion
In summary, the avocado seed is increasingly recognised for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and its contribution to sustainability. Although further research is needed to confirm its health benefits, particularly in humans, the rising interest in avocado seed tea and other innovative applications emphasises its potential value.
By exploring new ways to utilise what was once deemed waste, we can promote both personal well-being and environmental protection. The evolution of the avocado seed from a discarded pit to a valuable resource serves as a reminder of the advantages of rethinking how we use our natural resources.
Source: Laurene Boateng (PhD, RD)
