The flesh of avocado is packed with fibre, potassium, vitamins C and E, amongst other healthy nutrients. However, a new study suggests that the seed husk of an avocado could contain a chemical compound that might help to kill viruses, fight heart disease and even cancer.
The results of the research, which were presented at the 254th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society in Washington DC, revealed that there are 116 compounds in avocado seed husk oil, a lot of which have health benefits that aren't found in the flesh.
According to Medical News Today, some of the compounds of interest were behenyl alcohol (used in antiviral medication), dodecanoic acid (known to boost 'good' cholesterol), and heptacosane, which, according to the website, has shown promise for killing tumours.
The researchers ground down 300 dried avocado seed husks – the skin that coats the seeds – to get 21oz of avocado seed husk powder, which was processed in to three teaspoons of seed husk oil and just over one teaspoon of seed husk wax. Within this wax, the team identified compounds that are used as food additives and cosmetic products.
Study co-author Debasish Bandyopadhyay from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley said:
'It could very well be that avocado seed husks, which most people consider as the waste of wastes, are actually the gem of gems because the medicinal compounds within them could eventually be used to treat cancer, heart disease, and other conditions.'
Dr Bandyopadhyay added:
'Our results also suggest that the seed husks are a potential source of chemicals used in plastics and other industrial products.'
The team are now planning to modify chemical compounds from the avocado seed husk oil to develop medications with fewer side effects.
While the research is interesting, further research is needed. So perhaps best to stick to the flesh/pulp of the avocado for now!