Avocado Seed Benefits for Weight Loss: Myth or Science?

Avocados are the go to food for many when it comes to healthy eating and weight loss. This creamy, nutritious fruit recently became quite popular due to its heart healthy, digestive friendly and healthy fat containing properties, among others. But what about an avocado seed? While the fruit itself is widely praised the seed is often regarded as useless and discarded. However, several recent studies have sparked interest in its potential benefits particularly for weight loss. In this blog, we look at the science which supports the avocado seed and pumpkin seeds if this actually helps in losing weight or if it is a myth.

What is an avocado seed?

But before delving deep into its benefits, it would be important to understand just what an avocado seed is; basically, it is the large pit inside the avocado that most people toss away after eating the fruit. The seed happens to be full of antioxidants, fiber and other nutrients which makes it quite a fascinating prospect for those who want to ramp up their diets. But can it really help with weight loss? Well, let's take a closer look at its potential.

Nutrients Found in Avocado Seeds

Ordinarily, an avocado seed is discarded yet it contains a number of nutrients which might provide immense health benefits. Some of the major nutrients to be found in avocado seeds are as follows:

• Fiber: The seeds contain a great amount of fiber which supports digestion and makes one feel fuller for a longer period. Fiber also plays an important role in the regulation of sugar levels within the blood and promoting good bacteria in the gut.
• Antioxidants: The flavonoids and polyphenol antioxidants in the seed reduce inflammation and protect the cells against oxidative stress.
• Healthy Fats: Although they may not be as rich as the avocado flesh, yet they do contain healthy fats that are good for general health.

The health promoting properties of avocado seeds are ascribed to these nutrients. Still, how is it possible for them to contribute to weight loss?

Avocado Seeds for Weight Loss: Science Behind It

There is however, some scientific basis for avocado seeds promoting weight loss, although more research in this area is required. Here is a look at how the nutrients contained in avocado seeds may have a function in weight loss:

1. High Fiber Content Assists in Controlling Appetite

One of the known appetite suppressors is fiber. The level of fiber within the avocado seeds will keep you full for quite a period reducing your urge to eat more than your body requires. Besides, it helps prevent unnecessary snacking between meals hence reducing instances of weight gain caused by excess food intake.

2. Rich in antioxidants which help reduce fat

Antioxidants within avocado seeds prevent the inflammation of the human body thereby indirectly contributing to weight loss. Obesity is actually a result of chronic metabolic inflammatory conditions in human beings. Bringing down the metabolic inflammatory conditions within the body allows for easier fat loss through good metabolism rates. The antioxidants, mostly flavonoids may also play an important role in fat storage activities.

3. Regulation of Blood Sugar

Of course, another critical factor in weight control is the regulation of blood sugar levels. The avocado seed chemicals may act to regularize blood sugar levels by preventing spikes and valleys that cause cravings and overeating. Stable blood sugar levels are key in keeping weight within a healthy range.

4. It helps with digestion

Good digestion is important for weight loss. A seed of avocado contains a great amount of fiber; it contributes to good digestion and prevents bloating and constipation. In this way, digestion, when working right, enhances nutrient absorption and the removal of waste products for overall health.

How to include Avocado Seed in your diet

You may be wondering how you can add them into your diet if you are wondering how avocado seeds could benefit weight loss. Well here are some easy ways to add them into your diet:

1. Avocado seed powder

Among the easiest ways of utilizing avocado seeds is by making them into powder. Extract the seeds from the avocado, clean them and air dry them. Once they are completely dried, you can then grind them in a food processor or grinder until it is finely ground. Then you may sprinkle it in your smoothie salads or even mix it into your favorite food.

2. Avocado Seed Tea

Another fantastic way people are able to reap the benefits of avocado seeds is by using them to make tea. This is performed by peeling the seeds and then cutting them into small pieces, which will boil in water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, one strains the liquid out and enjoys it. Avocado seed tea is very mild in flavor, albeit earthy making it a quite nice and healthy drink over which to sip during the day.

3. Add to smoothies

You can also easily incorporate avocado seed powder into your smoothie if you are making one. Mix this with other foods like ripe avocado, banana and spinach for enhanced nutrient absorption or even to promote weight loss.

4. Avocado Salsa

Avocado seeds can also be used to make nutritious salsa. Ripe avocado with chopped vegetables, garlic and a little powder from the seeds of the avocado will make a delicious healthy salsa which one can use with tacos, salads or just to dip things in.

Avocado Seeds: A Supplement to Other Weight Loss Foods

While avocado seeds by themselves may not present dramatic weight loss results, they can definitely support diets and weight loss regimes. They can be ingested with other healthy foods like Hass avocado, avocado oil and avocado salsa to supplement the meal. Following are some of the other ways through which you may use avocado in your diet.

• Hass avocado: This variety of avocado is creamy in texture and filled with flavor. It can be used in salads, sandwiches or just eaten alone with salt and pepper.
• Avocado Oil vs Olive Oil: Avocado oil and olive oil are considered good fats that help in weight loss. In any case avocado oil is more useful for you since you consume a big dose of oleic acid from it, which makes you feel fuller for longer. Avocado oil should be used instead of olive oil for cooking as it has a higher smoke point and makes dishes taste milder.
• Ripe avocado: Avocado should be utilized when it reaches its point of ripeness since this is when it has the most healthy fats and fiber. These can be mashed, chopped or blended into smoothies to add into your meals.

Avocado seeds do they really help with weight loss?

Avocado seeds sound interesting for weight loss, but does the idea behind it work? While avocado seeds do contain a few nutrients that can help with weight loss, on the whole, no single diet alone is going to help create miracles. The actual cycle of weight loss includes bringing about a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise maintaining a balance in one's lifestyle.

Yet, with that said, avocado seeds added to a healthy diet may also have a few merits of their own. Its high fiber content will contribute to controlling appetites and the antioxidants can indeed help reduce fat. Avocado seeds are, however, to be taken in as part of an overall weight loss program with other nutritious foods included and regular physical activity.

Avocado Seeds and Weight Loss: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Avocado Oil a Seed Oil?

Avocado oil is not a seed oil; it is extracted from the pulp of the avocado fruit not from the seed. The point however, is that both avocado oil and seed oil do contain healthy fats that support heart health.

2. How to grow an avocado seed?

Growing an avocado seed is simple. Pull the seed out from the fruit, clean it and insert a toothpick into the seed. Place it in a glass with water up to the bottom of the seed and wait for it to sprout. When the roots develop, transplant it into a pot.

3. Avocado Seeds: Do They Support Weight Loss?

Yes, avocado seeds help in weight loss because the fiber content, rich antioxidants, and some other compounds collectively help regulate blood sugar and enhance digestion. Avocados should be consumed as part of a healthy diet.

4. How to make avocado seed tea?

Avocado seeds, as used in avocado seed tea, can be chopped up and boiled in water for 10 to 15 minutes before straining into a drink. This makes one simple, nutritious way of consuming avocado seeds.

5. Can I Eat Avocado Seeds Raw?

While they are edible raw it is generally recommended that they be dried and then ground into powder form for easier use. Raw seeds can be a bit hard to digest, while powdered seeds can be used almost anywhere in a recipe. 

Conclusion

Avocado seeds have gained popularity due to their potential health benefits, which include weight loss. Though science is still evolving, with their high fiber content, antioxidants and blood sugar controlling properties they certainly do have promise as an addition to a healthy diet. You can add them to your smoothie or salad or make avocado seed tea for different ways of reaping its benefits. Remember, weight loss is quite a complex process and it is not about adding just one food to your diet. Combine it with a proper diet and a routine of exercise for the best results. MyHomeDoc Telehealth believes in the power of natural health solutions. If you seek more tips on keeping the weight off or managing your diet, reach out to our team today! We look forward to showing you how we can help on your path to wellness.