Avocado plant is not only popular due to its fleshy and delicious fruit. Its leaves are also known to be a very useful part mainly due to its healing effects on our body.
The Nutritional Information of Avocado Leaves
Avocado leaf, which tastes like licorice with a little bitter flavor, has excellent nutrition as it contains the following:
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Protein
- Phenols
- Sodium
- Zinc
- Fiber
- Selenium
- Phosphorus
- Flavonoids
- Potassium
- Zinc
Also, high amounts of phenols and flavonoid are present in avocado leaves as compared to that of its fruits and seeds.
Curious about why we need avocado leaves every day? Check out the benefits it can give to our body.
Cancer Prevention And Medication
Here are some of the benefits of avocado leaves for cancer-related issues.
Cancer preventing agent – Avocado leaves contain lemonade and pinene, compounds that were discovered to be able to slow down the development of cancer cells and can act as a chemo-protective.
Prevent blood clotting – There were cases wherein the cancer is related to the process of blood clotting. Avocado leaves are one of the best sources of vitamin K, which plays an important role in the prevention of blood clotting.
Diuretic property – These leaves contain quercetin matter, which means it has diuretic properties. With regular consumption, avocado leaves can help improve metabolism and get rid of toxins from our body through urine. With proper waste excretion, our body will be able to remove those harmful substances and chemicals obtained from eating unhealthy foods. This will lower our risk of developing chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory property – Inflammation process is involved in cancer growth. Avocado leaves have anti-inflammatory effects that are beneficial for cancer patients.
Inhibit the growth of tumor – High amounts of antioxidants are present in avocado leaves. One of them is phytochemicals which were found to be excellent at inhibiting tumor growth.
Helps Reduce Pain
Pain-relieving properties are present in avocado leaves. A cup of avocado leaf tea can help provide relief from headaches, migraines, toothache back pain, and menstrual cramps.
Helps Treat Epilepsy
According to studies, avocado leaves contain an anticonvulsant agent that is also known as antiepileptic or as anti-seizure drugs.
Africans have been using various parts of avocado, including its leaves, as a traditional medicine in treating various ailments like childhood convulsions and epilepsy.
Good For Diabetes
The leaves are useful in treating diabetes. They contain glycoside that eliminates the body’s need for sugar and prevents us from consuming sugar. Just drink a tea made from avocado leaves.
Helps Treat Asthma
Due to its substance known as pinene, avocado leaves provide a beneficial effect for those suffering from breathing allergies like asthma. It works by directly affecting the air passage in the lung and healing the asthma attack.
For this purpose, we need to boil 7 avocado leaves in three cups of water and add a tablespoon of salt. Boil until half of the water evaporates. Strain and drink before going to bed.
Supports Skin Health
Avocado leaves contain antioxidant properties that can support skin health by cleaning the skin and pores. Simply mash avocado leaves and apply on the skin. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Wash them with water.
How To Consume Avocado Leaves
- Add raw or freshly toasted avocado leaves to salads.
- Include avocado leaves to soups or stews.
- Spice up the flavor of your cooking by adding avocado leaves or powder, licorice, and anise.
- Drink it as tea. Just boil some avocado leaves in a pot of water. Make sure the leaves are clean and free from fungicide or pesticide. Sweetened the tea with some honey. Consume it every day but make sure that your consumption doesn’t exceed 1 or 2 glasses a day
