The Amazing Avocado

Today we are going to venture into the garden of Eden straight to the avocado tree. Whilst the fruit itself is very refreshing to taste, this article will focus on the avocado seed.

Geographic research suggests that the avocado fruit first originated in Africa. They say it could have then made it to North America, and traveled down to Central America. Conditions for avocado cultivation may have existed as far back as 16,000 B.C.E.

Humanity was commanded by God to "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. - Genesis 1:38-39

From the abundance of God’s vast garden hails the avocado 🥑, also called the butter pear or alligator pear. It has popular varieties including 'Hass' (knobbly skin) and 'Fuerte' (smooth skin). Avocados also come in various shapes and sizes, just like other species. Whatever name you prefer , avocados are a permanent features on most breakfast tables.

Some like it as a substitute for butter on bread , or in tomato salad, others in guacamole but l love my avocado in its original state.

Did you know that the avocado seed has amazing benefits. After reading this article today, you may never throw away avocado seeds again.

The seed of the avocado contains a dense concentration of polyphenols, flavonoids, soluble fiber, and other plant-based compounds. These are the same types of antioxidants found in green tea and red wine—known for their ability to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. It contains more than 75% the benefits derived from eating the flesh alone.

A very sweet avocado variety was handed down to us by our grandma. Each time they were in season, she would make sure her grandchildren enjoyed the harvest by all means possible. We planted the seed right by the gate and we are now enjoying the fruit of granny’s labor, God rest her generous soul.

The ‘oh so heavenly’ taste of this avocado variety motivated grandma to plant gladly pass it down from her generation to ours. This variety is sweet, creamy and delicious . We even left a branch to encroach over our neighbours fence in the spirit of sharing this wonderful product from the garden of Eden.

The Economic Benefits of Avocado Farming

The global avocado market value exceeds US$20 billion and continues to grow. Countries like the United States and those in the European Union (Netherlands, France, Spain, Germany) are major importers, creating substantial export opportunities.

Zimbabwe shines in the top 20 avocado producing countries, exporting over 90 tonnes. In order to enhance value, an avocado oil processing plant was established in Manicaland employing over 1600 people in 2023. This is a strategic move which needs to be upscaled for maximum benefit.

It’s critical for Government to put in place specialized structures that invest more research in the economic value of our farming produce including avocados to subdue the market. Idle land in the conducive regions should be utilized for massive hass avocado plantations targeting foreign markets. Some countries have avocado commissions which support avocado farming eg California , Chile, New Zealand to name a few.

It is my hope to that we will continue with the same spirit of passing down the health and economic goodness found in nature for generations to come.

Health benefits of the avocado seed

The whole avocado has many health benefits. However the avocado seed has the following benefits :

1. The avocado seed is a rich source of anti-oxidants. Antioxidants are certain nutrients, such as vitamins C or E, or carotenoids, which help protect cells against daily damage. As cells do their job, the way they process oxygen results in a molecule called a free radical. These molecules are unstable. As they regain stability, free radicals damage cells and DNA.

2. The seed of an avocado is known for reducing inflammation. Inflammation refers to our body’s defence against to illness, injury or uninvited visitors like germs or toxic chemicals. It’s a normal and important mechanism which promotes healing. For instance, fever is an indicator that our body’s inflammatory system is working actively against infections. However, inflammation becomes harmful when it occurs in healthy tissues or goes on for too long.

3. Fair skin is desirable and admirable, ladies take note. The avocado seed oil improves the appearance of our skin due to moisturising natural oils. Hydrated skin means reduced wrinkles and blemishes. The antioxidants and essential fatty acids in avocados may ease inflammation, such as sunburns, and promote collagen production.

4. It’s an excellent source of potassium. Potassium helps reduce blood pressure and water retention, prevents osteoporosis, and protects against stroke.

5. The avocado seed is also said to reduce cholesterol and it may prevent heart disease. Cholesterol is a type of lipid that our bodies require to function. It forms part of our cell membranes, helps your liver make bile and serves as a building block for hormones. But high levels of LDL cholesterol increase heart disease risk. Healthy levels of HDL cholesterol may help protect arteries and lower the risk.

6. Good news for the food lovers. The avocado seed may help prevent food cravings thereby reducing fat. However a balanced low-carb diet, healthy lifestyle, coupled with regular exercise are key to maintaining a healthy body.

7. It’s also said the avocado seed may cure indigestion. Ancient remedies suggest that avocado seeds may help alleviate constipation, gas, and bloating, due to their high fiber and antioxidant content. However, there is limited scientific research on the safety and efficacy of consuming avocado seeds for this purpose, and they should be used with caution. 

8. Avocado peel and seed extracts have shown effectiveness in laboratory settings against various fungi. Fungal infections are any disease or condition you get from a fungus. They usually affect our skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes but they can also infect your lungs or other parts of your body. You’re at higher risk for fungal infections if you have a weakened immune system. Antifungal medications are usually used to treat fungal infections.

9. Cancer has been a second cause of death to heart disease globally. The avocado seed may prevent cancer according to a study by Yuni Widiyastuti , a researcher at Universitas Gadjah Maja. By utilizing avocado seed, Yuni studied its potential to be utilized as anti-cancer agent and the result shows it can be used to overcome the development of breast cancer cells. With around 24 universities in Zimbabwe, it is my dream that further resources will be dedicated to unpacking the avocado and its potential health benefits.

10. Avocado seeds may also regulate Blood Sugar and anemia by proving iron for red blood cell formation. The seed is said to increase hemoglobin due to its high content of folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These components help the body form red blood cells optimally.

11. Sleep does not come cheap nowadays with the stressful world we live in . If you suffer from insomnia, then the avocado seed is worth trying. It is said to release body tension subsequently aiding sleep.

12. The Chief in command of our bodies is the immune system. Being our main line of défense, a compromised immunity makes us vulnerable to many diseases and infections. The avocado seed helps to strengthen our immune system .

How to prepare Avocado Seed Tea at Home

1. Rinse your avocado seed thoroughly.

2. Cut it into smaller pieces (or dry and grate it for easier steeping). The grated seed takes about 3 days to dry.

3. Add it to a small pot of water and boil for 15–20 minutes. It has beautiful and appetising reddish colour.

4. Strain and sip—hot or chilled.

5. I usually add cardamon, cinnamon, ginger,lemon, or honey to balance the earthy flavour. If honey is out of reach, drink it naturally.

The tea has a mild, slightly bitter taste, similar to some herbal root teas like dandelion or chicory—perfect for a calming, caffeine-free brew.

What are the Side Effects of Avocado Seed Tea?


Too much of anything is not good so always consume herbs is in moderation. For those on prescription medication, consulting your doctor is encouraged prior to transitioning to natural medicine.

According to the California Avocado Commission, avocado seeds have compounds that may be unsafe.These include cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors, which are anti-nutrients. Antinutrients can lower your ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. Consultation medical professionals is critical so as the guided accordingly.

The seed also contains tannins, substances that can contribute to a bitter taste and may cause an upset stomach in some individuals. Most experts recommend sticking with eating the flesh of the avocado, which is well-known for its health benefits .

The avocado is such a miraculous fruit whose pit and flesh have immense health benefits. An avocado a day may actually keep the doctor away!.

Disclaimer

As l sign off, I want to encourage us all to explore and interrogate alternative medicines as they have limited side effects. Expectant mothers should always consult their Doctor before venturing into unprescribed medicine.

Those battling chronic disease and on prescription medication must never take herbs without consulting their doctors.

This article intends to share with readers research backed benefits of plant medicines. The information shared is not for meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Dr Precious Sibiya , is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor and advocate for natural healing and lifestyle. Contact her for more Wellness insights on

Email : precioussibiya2014@gmail.com

+263775369467