The avocado tree is also known as the “testicle tree,” which is the true meaning of avocado in the native language. The Aztecs and the Mayans have used it as a meat substitute since ancient times. The widespread wisdom of these people led them to discover the many health benefits of avocados.
According to scientific knowledge, avocado is better than meat for dietetic qualities. Avocados contain from 160 to 200 calories per 100 g, close to 230 calories per 100g of a beefsteak. However, they lack any cholesterol content.
- ➕ Packed with Essential Nutrients: Step up your daily wellness routine with our Avocado Oil softgels! Our Avocado Oil 1000mg softgels are packed with plenty of essential nutrients including lutein, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and vitamins A, D & E.* Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants for all-day wellness!
- ❤️ Natural Support for your Heart: Perfect for people on the go who want an extra boost of heart health.* Easy-to-swallow, our Avocado Oil 1000mg softgels, or Avocado Oil capsules let you keep up an active and healthy life without having to sacrifice your body’s well-being.*
Highly digestible avocado fats are chemically similar to those of olive oils. Though less than meat, its protein content does not produce waste like uric acid, which acidifies and overloads the body. The avocado tree has other medicinal applications besides those of the fruit.
Avocado Tree Scientific Facts
- Other names: Persea gratissima Gaertn, avocado tree, alligator pear
- French: Avocatier
- Spanish: Aguacate
- Environment: Native to Central America, its cultivation has spread to other tropical and subtropical areas of the Earth.
- Description: The tree of the Lauraceae family grows from four to eight meters high, with large leaves. It renders pear-shaped, green fruits, which contain yellow-green flesh and an egg-shaped seed, quite large compared to the fruit size.
- Parts used for medicinal purposes: The fruits (flesh and seeds) and the leaves.
Preparation and Use
- An infusion prepared with four or five large leaves per liter of water. Drink several cups daily.
- Decoction with 8-10 mashed seeds. Boil until it becomes a light paste, strain, and drink half a cup thrice daily.
- Avocado oil: Let the fruit ripen until it seems rotten. Then boil in a bowl with water and gather the surfacing oil with a spoon. After this, strain through a cloth to eliminate impurities. This oil is applied by massaging on the affected area or the scalp.
- Poultices with the paste obtained in the seed decoction prepared for internal use.
Properties and Indications
The flesh of the avocado fruit contains 15 to 25% fats formed by oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and other sugars, proteins, mineral salts, and vitamins. Its high iron content is especially remarkable, as well as that of vitamin B6. Avocados reduce cholesterol in the blood, very likely due to their high portion of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids and digestive properties. Eating this fruit benefits people with anemia, exhaustion, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gastritis, and gastro-duodenal ulcers.
Also, the use of avocado oil is an excellent remedy for the following ailments:
- Skin afflictions: eczema, chemically or mechanically caused irritations, dry or cracked skin, etc. When directly applied to the abdominal skin, it prevents pregnancy stretch marks. It also hydrates and makes facial skin more beautiful; thus, it is part of many beauty and cosmetic preparations.
- It eliminates dandruff, stops hair loss, and adds strength and smoothness to the hair.
- When applied with a massage, it alleviates rheumatic, articular, and muscular aches.
The avocado tree leaves are rich in tannin-related substances. Mexico and Central American countries use them as an infusion because of their digestive and antiflatulent properties. They are also used for headaches, directly applied on the forehead, though this habit has not been scientifically proven correct.
The large avocado seeds are applied after being mashed as poultices for abscesses and furuncles. The water of the same decoction is used for dysentery and intestinal parasites.
Frequently Asked Question
I know avocado fruit is healthy, but what about other parts like the leaves and seed? Are they beneficial as well?
Yes! Interestingly, avocado tree leaves and seeds can also offer potential benefits.
Avocado tree leaves might possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They’ve been traditionally used in teas to support issues like high blood pressure and respiratory ailments.
Avocado seeds contain concentrated nutrients and fiber. While more human research is needed to confirm their advantages, studies hint at the potential for reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
How can I safely incorporate avocado tree leaves and seeds into my diet?
It’s essential to proceed with caution:
Leaves: Dried avocado leaves are typically steeped to create tea. Avoid using fresh leaves as they can potentially contain a compound called persin, which may be toxic to certain animals.
Seeds: Avocado seeds are tough. Grating or powdering dried seeds may make them easier to add to smoothies or other dishes in small amounts.
Should I know any interactions or side effects from avocado fruit, leaves, or seeds?
Yes, there are a few considerations:
Allergies: Certain individuals can have allergic responses to avocado or items that are connected to it.
Medications: Avocado could interact with blood thinners, so always consult your doctor if you’re on medication.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There’s not enough information about the safety of consuming a significant amount of avocado tree leaves or seeds for those pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s best to err on the side of caution.
I want to use avocado oil in cooking. Does it lose its healthy properties if heated?
Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for moderate-heat cooking. While some nutrient degradation is expected at high temperatures, avocado oil can retain benefits when used responsibly.
Are there any topical benefits from using avocado products on my skin and hair?
Absolutely! Avocado oil is prized for its moisturizing and nourishing properties.
Skin: It may soothe dry skin or conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Hair: It is a natural conditioner promoting shine and a healthy appearance.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
References
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 719, 720. Print.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- https://scholar.google.com/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
