By using ThoughtCo, you accept our. To make avocado seed powder, remove the pit from the fruit, place it on a baking sheet, and cook it in a preheated oven at 250 F for 1.5 to 2 hours. In a 2013 study published in the Scientific World Journal , researchers concluded that avocado seed extract was safe and it did not show any toxicity. Right along with the question of eating avocado skin is whether it’s safe to eat an avocado pit or seed. 9. Eating the seed has potential risks and no evidence of health benefits. Consuming the seeds in excess amounts may be harmful. Avocado pits (and other parts of the tree, like leaves and bark) can be poisonous to pets, but generally not to humans unless they are allergic. The pit has to be discarded. Read on to find it out yourself: Avocado seed contains persin, which is a toxic compound present in small quantities in avocado seeds. Due to the specific taste, easiness to use, and health benefits, the avocado is a commonly used fruit in many households. That is a myth, and the truth is that avocado seeds are edible and highly nutritious, although slightly bitter tasting. Apricot Seeds: Nutrition, Benefits & Role in Cancer Treatment, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23448442, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3835709/, Figs: Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits, and How to Eat Them, Healthy Christmas Cookies: 5 Christmas Cookie Recipes, What Is Cherimoya? So avoid eating them daily if you are on a diet. You can dry out and pulverize the avocado seeds in a food processor. There is a slight amount of persin, a fungicidal toxin similar to a fatty acid, in avocado pits, and the skin, bark, and leaves of the avocado tree. So, are avocado seeds poisonous? Avocado Seeds Are Edible and Good for You – Fact or Fiction? Avocados are a good source of healthy fats. Drugs We haven’t found any mention of avocado seeds for cancer in folk medicine literature, but a 2013 study found that ethanol extracts of the avocado fruit and seed could induce death (apoptosis) in cells affected by leukemia or blood cancer. 5 (9): 2300–9.Roberts CG, Gurisik E, Biden TJ, Sutherland RL, Butt AJ (October 2007). The myth may be related to the fact that avocado flesh and many parts of the avocado tree, such as the bark and leaves, are toxic to some … The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in many pets. There are also concerns that avocado seed oil may cause harm, as it has been shown to increase enzymes and fat build-up in the livers of rats ( 17, 18 ). The answer is, once again, yes, it’s safe. In a study conducted by researchers from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, it was found that avocado seeds contain 218% more overall antioxidant than the meat. In addition to persin and tannin, avocado seeds also contain small quantities of hydrocyanic acid and cyanogenic glycosides, which can produce toxic hydrogen cyanide. The avocado fruit is poisonous to some birds, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists it as toxic to horses. Like many seeds, avocado pits contain a small amount of cyanide complexed to larger molecules. The seeds contain high levels of tannins, trypsin inhibitors, and polyphenols that act as anti-nutrients, which means they reduce your ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals. “Avocado (Persea americana) seed as a source of bioactive phytochemicals.,” NCBI web site; 10. Avocado seeds are not poisonous unless consumed in large quantities. A recent report described […] Avocado seeds contain a toxic compound called persin. The levels of persin vary between the different types of avocados other external factors. Avocado seeds aren’t recommended for people with latex allergy. The pits are considered toxic to birds, cattle, horses, rabbits, and goats. Cyanide Poisoning from Apples, Peaches, Cherries, Plums, etc. They can help slow down the oxidation of body cells and protect the cells from free radical damage. While dogs and cats are rarely affected by persin, avocado poisoning can be deadly to birds and large animals (such as cows, goats, sheep). "Synergistic cytotoxicity between tamoxifen and the plant toxin persin in human breast cancer cells is dependent on Bim expression and mediated by modulation of ceramide metabolism". Within the pit lies the softer part. So, are avocado seeds poisonous? So, are avocado pits poisonous? Its seeds can poison livestock and other animals. Persin may cause apoptosis (programmed cell death) of breast cancer cells. However, real scientific research around this topic is still amiss. All rights reserved. The seeds also contain some amounts of hydrocyanic acid and cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion of fruit, leaves, stems, and seeds of avocado has been associated with toxicosis in animals; leaves are the most toxic part. Avocado is a high calorie food and it will increase your weight. All rights reserved. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23448442, last accessed May 29, 2017. While the amount of persin in an avocado pit isn't enough to harm a human, avocado plants and pits can harm pets and livestock. By now, you know they are not poisonous for humans if consumed in small quantities. Avocados are a good source of antioxidants that help fight free radical damage. A study published in Current Pharmaceutical Design states that avocado seeds may help treat hypertension, inflammatory conditions, and diabetes. Stop grinding the avocado seed into smoothies, regardless of what social media says. The amount of persin present in avocado seeds doesn’t make it harmful to humans. Persin is a fungicidal toxin present in the avocado. The seed is strong and heavy, so this is not a task for a blender. The human body can detoxify small quantities of these compounds. Even the California Avocado Commission writes on its website that it does not recommend the consumption of the avocado pit: "The seed of an avocado contains elements that … Consuming the seeds in excess amounts may be harmful. You can put the powder into an empty capsule shell and take it as a supplement. Although the fruit is so delicious for humans to eat, it’s best to stay on the safer side and keep avocados away from your furry animals. The softened seeds can be pureed in a blender. Making any seed a part of our diet is beneficial if it has medicinal properties. FoodsForBetterHealth. Other types of seeds containing cyanogenic compounds include apple seeds, cherry pits, and citrus fruit seeds. It is present in the leaves, skin, seeds and fruit of the avocado. Persin is an oil-soluble compound structurally similar to a fatty acid, and it leaches into the body of the fruit from the seeds.. The one known poison in avocados is something called “persin.” Persin is a natural antifungal compound that can be produced within the avocado plant. That may be why research shows avocado seeds can lower cholesterol . https://www.foodsforbetterhealth.com/are-avocado-seeds-poisonous-35086, https://www.foodsforbetterhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/AreAVOCADO-150x90.png. Both the compounds from the avocado pit can produce hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic. Also, even if these seeds are touted to help in cancer treatment, they should be consumed along with a proper cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, and upon consultation with your doctor. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. 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