Avocado pits are said to have anti-inflammatory properties

We have already heard about avocado pits, and it does not seem about to stop. A new study has been carried out on the properties of these nuclei, and the first results have just been published. They are researchers from Penn State who extracted and developed a compound from avocado seeds. After laboratory analysis, they discovered that it inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory proteins by these immune cells. This compound could therefore help treat certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases, both of which share the same key characteristic: abnormal inflammation. “Avocado seeds are rich in polyphenols and contain a large number of classes of substances phytochemicals“, explain the authors of the study in Medical News Today, adding that “the seed has a higher polyphenol content and greater antioxidant activity than the pulp”.

New research to confirm this discovery

The research team nevertheless states that while these results are promising, this research is only the first stage to confirm the anti-inflammatory potential of avocado seeds. “The next step, before we can draw any new conclusions about the anti-inflammatory activity of this avocado seed extract, will be to conduct animal studies,” says study author Joshua Lambert

However, the avocado kernel cannot be eaten!

Does it mean that we should include avocado pits in our dishes? No ! If the researchers discovered this property in the avocado stone, it does not does not mean it is edible ! In addition, the research is far from over. There has already been controversy on this subject: some articles advised to put grated avocado pits in your smoothies to take advantage of all the antioxidant properties of avocado. However, the avocado kernel contains a natural toxin, the glycoside cyanogen. During digestion, it turns into … cyanide ! Certainly, an avocado does not contain the lethal amount, but it is highly inadvisable to consume it.