Are avocado seeds edible?
I've seen article about great benefits of eating avocado seeds. And another here.
Does it mean avocado seeds are edible? How do you eat it then?
On Wikipedia page we can read:
Avocado leaves, bark, skin, or pit are documented to be harmful to animals; cats, dogs, cattle, goats, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, birds, fish, and horses can be severely harmed or even killed when they consume them.
How about humans?
Somebody from here suggested that the avocado pit is mildly toxic.
Best Answer
Persin is a fungicidal toxin present in the avocado which is generally harmless to humans. However when consumed by domestic animals in large quantities it is dangerous.
It is an oil-soluble compound structurally similar to a fatty acid, and it leaches into the body of the fruit from the pits. Negative effects in humans seem to be primarily in allergic individuals.
Pictures about "Are avocado seeds edible?"
Is it safe to eat avocado seeds?
Note that the seed is bitter. If you are going to add it to your smoothie, make sure to balance it with some sweetness by including fruit, such as a banana or some strawberries. Importantly, there is no evidence to show that avocado seed is safe to eat.What are the benefits of avocado seeds?
Avocado seeds are a storehouse of antioxidants. The seeds contain more than 70 % of the antioxidants found in the whole fruit. The antioxidants in avocado seed trigger the immune system, keep diseases at bay, reduces premature ageing of the skin, and prevent cancer.Is eating avocado pits healthy?
Apparently not only are avocado pits actually edible, but they could also be good for you. Avocado pits are loaded with antioxidents, vitamin E, fiber, and monosaturated fats.Don't Eat AVOCADO SEEDS, Do This Instead | DiscoveringNatural
More answers regarding are avocado seeds edible?
Answer 2
I can't advise on any of these, so I'd normally put this in a comment, but it's a bit long.
Searching on 'how to cook avocado seeds' found a few articles on the topic:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/31737-eat-avocado-seeds-nutrition/ : calls for grinding it in a 'powerful food processor' and warns that it might damage lesser ones.
http://www.wisegeek.com/can-i-eat-avocado-pits.htm : calls for drying it for several days, smashing it with a hammer, and then putting it in a food processor or blender (against warning that it might damage them)
http://eattheweeds.com/forum/index.php?topic=973.0 : mention roasting then grinding (and has links to the various reports on toxicity in animals)
http://www.veggieboards.com/forum/188-raw-food-support-forum/138169-eating-avocado-seeds.html : mentions drying then grating it (but they were making a facial scrub, not food).
http://www.ehow.com/how_8171238_boil-avocado-pit.html : calls for grating it (without drying) then boiling it (but this one also seems to be for facials, not eating)
The only common thing between all of these is that they call for getting it smaller before eating. Most make it into a powder first if they're planning for consumption. I don't know if grating it first might make it safe to go through a food processor without damage. (or if you could grate + boil then process)
Answer 3
Just because something is harmful for animals, you can't conclude that it is harmful to humans. Some examples:
- Grapes and raisins can kill a dog or cat, they cause renal failure.
- Sugar alcohols which are used as artificial sweeteners in a number of foods can also kill animals, they cause a sudden drop in blood sugar which can be deadly.
So avocado seeds may or may not be toxic to humans.
Answer 4
Well, the truth is avocado seeds are toxic. But that doesn't mean you can't have them. At the same time, they are helpful with lowering blood pressure and losing weight. Avocado seeds contain this toxic compound in a minuscule amount and whatever little that is present in it can be detoxified by our body easily. The only thing to note here is that moderation is key.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Daria Shevtsova, Laker, Laker, Laker