The benefits of avocado have been known for some time, but a new study has found that the peels that cover the seed are even more valuable to our health. They contain a number of chemicals that are useful against some debilitating diseases
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousThe benefits of avocado have been known for some time but a new study has found that the peels that cover the seed they would be even more valuable to our health. They contain, in fact, a series of chemicals useful against some debilitating diseases.
This was revealed by research conducted by the American Chemical Society, according to which what was previously considered the least valuable part, the waste avocado, is actually worth gold for human health and could soon pass from the waste status to that of treasure.
Thanks to research, scientists have discovered that the coating of avocado seeds, usually thrown away, contains anticancer and substances useful to counteract theatherosclerosis.
The researchers looked at around 300 dried avocado seeds. After additional processing, the resulting powder produced about three teaspoons of oil and wax. From subsequent analyzes of these products, the research team found 116 compounds in the oil and 16 in the wax, many of which are not present in seeds.
Docosanol or behenyl alcohol was found in the oil, an important ingredient used in anti-viral drugs, Heptacosane, which could inhibit the growth of cancer cells, dodecanoic acid useful for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
In the wax, the researchers found benzyl butyl phthalate, a plasticizer used in numerous synthetic products from shower curtains to medical devices, and two other compounds, used in cosmetics and as a food additive.
"The shells of avocado seeds, which most people consider waste, are actually a gem because the medicinal compounds within them can be used to treat cancer, heart disease and other conditions," he said. Debasish Bandyopadhyay, head of the studio. "Our findings also suggest that seed shells are a potential source of chemicals used in plastics and other industrial products."
On avocado you may also be interested in:
- AVOCADO: THE DARK SIDE OF GREEN GOLD
- AVOCADO: CALORIES, NUTRITIONAL VALUES AND ALL THE BENEFITS
- HOW TO GROW AVOCADO
The results of the research were recently presented at the 254th meeting of the American Chemical Society and the scientists hope to translate their discovery into the creation of better drugs.
Unfortunately, it should be remembered that avocado and its cultivation also hide a dark side, linked to exploitation in Central America and also not very sustainable. A few years ago it emerged that in Michoacan, a region of western Mexico, the cultivation generates a turnover higher than that of many other agricultural products, including marijuana and this has attracted drug traffickers, known as Caballeros Templarios. who have infiltrated the sector by controlling local trade.
But not only. In Chile it has recently been discovered that avocado crops are becoming a threat to humans because they are far from sustainable: plants in fact require a lot, too much water, subtracted from the consumption of the population: it takes 2 liters of water to obtain 1 kg of avocado.
Francesca Mancuso
