Avocado Leaves Benefits | Fact or Fiction?

Wait, what… avocado leaves benefits? Is that a real thing? I mean, we’ve all read about the great health benefits of the avocado fruit, but the leaves? Read on. It’s pretty interesting.

Avocado leaves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. There has been a growing interest in recent years in the potential health benefits of avocado leaves. And scientific research is now beginning to support some of these traditional uses.

The Science Behind the Food

Well, avocado leaves aren’t exactly food. More like a tea. But I always like to explain why the foods I recommend are good for you and should be consumed. (Like this Anti-Inflammatory Salad or this Healthy Guacamole!)

My autoimmune disease diagnosis (Crohn’s Disease) forced me to pay attention to how foods affect the body. I’ve learned that a high nutrient-density diet is critical to overall good health. Get my free Top 10 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Eat and Avoid. This guide will get you on the right path to reducing chronic inflammation.

Avocado leaves are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain a number of other beneficial compounds, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and quercetin.

These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which may explain some of the health benefits of avocado leaves.

Here Are Some Of The Avocado Leaves Benefits

• Lower blood pressure. Avocado leaves contain compounds that can help to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Animal studies found that avocado leaf extract was effective in reducing blood pressure.
• Reduce cholesterol. They can help to reduce cholesterol levels. Another animal study found that avocado leaf extract was effective in lowering cholesterol levels in animals with high cholesterol.
• Improve heart health. Avocado leaves are effective in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the heart.
• Boost immunity. Certain compounds in avocado leaves can help to boost the immune system. A study in mice found that avocado leaf extract was effective in increasing the production of white blood cells, which are important for fighting infection.
• Fight cancer. A laboratory found that avocado leaf extract was effective in killing cancer cells.
• Reduce inflammation. Avocado leaves benefits include having anti-inflammatory properties. A study in rats found that avocado leaf extract was effective in reducing inflammation in the colon.
• Improve skin health. Finally, avocado leaves contain compounds that can help to improve skin health. A study in humans found that avocado leaf extract was effective in reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.

Animal studies show the avocado leaves benefits are real. But because there are not many studies in humans, it is wise to be a bit cautious. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking avocado leaves if you have significant health issues or are taking any medications.

What Are Avocado Leaves Used For?

There are lots of ways to consume avocado leaves. They are typically dried and can be brewed into tea (my favorite way), added to smoothies, or simmered in broths like you would a bay leaf.

Please note that there is no standard dosage for avocado leaves, so it is best to start with a small amount and increase the dosage gradually. The avocado leaves benefits are continuing to emerge as more studies are performed.

Avocado leaves are a promising new health food with a wide range of potential benefits. More research is needed to confirm these benefits, but the available evidence suggests that avocado leaves may be a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Adding avocado leaves in the form of tea (I like the one pictured above) or blended into drinks or smoothies certainly may have some powerful health benefits. Consider adding it to your regular routine and see how you feel. The studies are promising and I look forward to seeing more.

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