The avocado pit (seed) contains bioactive compounds that may help reduce pain and inflammation, manage diarrhea, support heart health, and lower the risk of diabetes.

The avocado pit is rich in omega-6, gallic acid, catechins, tannins, quercetin, and other nutrients and bioactive compounds. These compounds are associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity.

The avocado pit can be consumed dried and ground into a flour that may be added to soups, cakes, salads, or yogurt. It is also used in traditional preparations such as teas and tinctures.

Health benefits

The main benefits of the avocado pit are:

1. Preventing cardiovascular disease

The avocado pit contains flavonoids, gallic acid, fiber, and other nutrients and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering activity. This may help lower blood cholesterol levels and support the prevention of cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, atherosclerosis, and stroke, based on information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

The avocado pit also contains omega-6, a polyunsaturated fatty acid with anti-inflammatory activity that may help support circulation and reduce fatty plaque buildup in blood vessels. This may help support the prevention of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

2. Relieving pain and inflammation

The avocado pit contains flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which are bioactive compounds linked to anti-inflammatory activity. When applied to the skin, it may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain from conditions like heel spurs and arthritis.

3. Treating diarrhea

Because it may have antimicrobial and astringent activity, avocado pit is sometimes used as a home remedy for diarrhea. This is described mainly in cases linked to bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Staphylococcus aureus, according to the CDC.

4. Maintaining skin health

Avocado pit extract contains polyphenols with antioxidant activity that may help reduce tissue and cell damage caused by free radicals. This may help support skin health and help prevent wrinkles and premature aging.

5. Helping prevent cancer

Because it contains antioxidant compounds, avocado pit could help limit the growth and spread of some cancer cells. This could potentially affect the development and progression of breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancer.

However, more scientific studies in humans are needed to confirm avocado pit benefits in cancer prevention and treatment.

6. Preventing diabetes

The flavonoids, saponins, and tannins found in avocado pit may support pancreatic function by helping regulate insulin release. This may help balance blood sugar levels and help prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.

However, more research in humans is still needed to confirm the possible benefits of avocado pit in diabetes prevention and treatment.

Does avocado pit help with weight loss?

So far, there are no studies showing that avocado pit helps with weight loss. In other words, this seed has not been proven to promote body fat loss.

How to use

Avocado pit can be consumed dried. To do this, bake the seed in the oven for 2 hours at 130°C (266°F), then chop it and blend it until it becomes a flour that may be added to preparations such as soups, salads, cakes, cookies, smoothies, and yogurt.

The avocado pit may also be used raw to prepare teas and tinctures.

1. Avocado pit tea

Avocado pit tea is a home remedy that may be used to help manage diarrhea or help prevent heart disease, for example.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon grated avocado pit;
1 liter of water.

Directions:

Wash the avocado pit well. Place the avocado pit and water in a pot and boil for 10 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes, strain, and drink up to 2 cups per day for up to 2 weeks.

It is important to remember that avocado pit tea should preferably be used with guidance from a doctor or another healthcare professional specialized in medicinal plants.

2. Avocado pit tincture

Avocado pit tincture may be used to help reduce pain and inflammation in cases of heel spurs and arthritis, for example.

Ingredients:

1 avocado pit;
500 mL food-grade ethanol (such as vodka or diluted grain alcohol).

Directions:

Wash and thoroughly dry the avocado pit, then grate it. Place the avocado pit and alcohol in a dark bottle, close the bottle, and let it rest in a place protected from light for about 7 days, stirring the contents once a day with a spoon.

Strain the mixture and discard the avocado seed solids. Soak a cloth or gauze in the tincture and apply it to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes.

Side effects

Eating avocado pit may cause abdominal pain, excess gas, or constipation in some people.

When to avoid

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, and people who take medications regularly should only use avocado pit under a doctor’s supervision, as there are no studies confirming its safety in these populations.

Avocado Pit: Benefits, How to Use & When to Avoid