Avocado is a well-known fruit that is loved for its creamy texture and rich flavor. However, many people are unaware that avocado peels also have health benefits. Avocado peels are the outermost layer of the fruit that is typically removed and discarded before consumption. They are thick and tough, with a greenish-brown color.
In this article, we will explore the health benefits of avocado peels in more detail, discussing the specific nutrients they contain and how they can improve health.
Is avocado peel safe to eat?
While avocado peels are safe to eat and use, they are not commonly consumed due to their tough texture and bitter taste. Additionally, the peels may contain pesticides or other contaminants, so it is important to wash them thoroughly before use.
Avocado peels can be eaten, applied on the face, or blended with other fruits to make healthy drinks. In this article, we will look at the health benefits of avocado peel.
However, avocado peel contains persin, a toxic compound for animals, especially livestock. Therefore, it is not recommended to feed it to horses, dogs, chickens, or pigs.
Potential Health Benefits of Avocado Peel
Below are some of the potential health benefits of avocado peels:
1. Rich in antioxidants
Avocado peels are rich in antioxidants that slow down aging and prevent wrinkles.
In fact, according to studies, avocado peels had the most antioxidant activities compared to the seed or the pulp.
The peels contain phenolic compounds and flavonoids.
Also, scientific research conducted in 2006 showed that avocado peels are rich in persin, a compound that might help to kill breast cancer cells.
2. Excellent source of fiber
Avocado peels are rich in dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
In a 2008 medical study that investigated the dietary fiber in avocado, the skin of peels was said to have a significantly high amount of dietary fiber.
3. Enhances skin’s elasticity
Avocado peels are rich in vitamin C and Vitamin E, which help moisturize your skin and improve its elasticity.
In addition, avocado peels contain biotin, a part of the B complex vitamins. Biotin is known to prevent dry skin while also aiding in the prevention of brittle hair and nails. Therefore, avocado peels can be an excellent source of biotin to promote healthy skin, hair, and nails.
4. Excellent source of vitamins and minerals
Avocado peels contain minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, which are essential for various bodily functions.
They contain vitamins such as vitamins C and E.
Also, the avocado peel is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which help enhance vision and protect your eyes from muscular degeneration.
5. Possesses anti-inflammatory properties
Avocado peels are rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling in muscles and joints after physical activity.
A 2021 study found that avocado peels contained bioactive compounds, which ensured that they possessed anti-inflammatory properties.
What is the best way to use avocado peel?
There is no best way to use the avocado peel. It all depends on what you want and the result you are looking for. You can chew the peel raw, make smoothies, make avocado skin tea, and make a peel face mask or toss flakes of it into salads.
Additionally, you can mix avocado peel with other fruits and vegetables. You can add avocado peels in stews and soups during colder months to boost your nutrition.
If you are cooking the peels, ensure it is half-cooked. Do not cook it for a long time – because doing so kills the nutrients. Go for peels of edible avocado fruits, as they are very healthy.
Conclusion
From this article, it is clear that the potential health benefits of avocado peels are impressive, and it is healthy for the body and skin. Nonetheless, there is limited scientific research on the medicinal benefits of avocado peels, and you should consult your doctor before using them.
Despite its usefulness, ensure you consume the peels in the right proportion. You can use the peel to make skin lotions that enhance skin beauty.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.