Revealed: How Avocado Seed Husk Shields You from Cancer, Heart Disease

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Several studies have validated the various health benefits of eating Avocado, but a recent study has just introduced a new dimension into the health merits of the wonder fruit, claiming the seed husk of Avocado offers a lot more benefits than the flesh.

Described as an untapped ‘gold mine’ which is usually discarded along with the seed, the husk is said to be rich in medicinal compounds that could prevent the growth of malignant tumours and the build-up of fat inside our arteries. These could be used to improve treatments for cancer, heart disease and a host of debilitating diseases.

The study presented at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington, DC, and reported on DailyMailOnline, noted that the least appreciated part of the fruit, would soon undergo a trash-to-treasure process, and could be used in cosmetics, perfumes and other consumer goods.

To arrive at the findings, the researchers ground about 300 dried avocado seed husks into 21 ounces of powder. After additional processing, the powder yielded around three teaspoons of seed husk oil and slightly more than an ounce of seed husk wax.

After conducting some experiments in the lab, the research team found 116 compounds in the oil and 16 in the wax. Interestingly, many of the compounds don't appear to be found in the seeds themselves.

Among the constituents in the oil was heptacosane, which might inhibit the growth of tumour cells, according to the team. It also contains dodecanoic acid, which increases high density lipoprotein (known as HDL) and, as a result, could reduce the risk of atherosclerosis – the build-up of fatty material inside your arteries that can eventually cause life-threatening problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Additionally, the team found behenyl alcohol – also known as docosanol – an important ingredient used in antiviral medications and treatments to cold sores/fever blisters.