Get In Touch
Info@fitfaysal.com
It’s no secret by now that avocados are packed with nutrients that offer a plethora of health benefits.
They have stamped their name on the superfood list, but their leaves are commonly overlooked parts of avocados.
It turns out avocado leaves aren’t lagging in the healthy nutrients department; they offer various health benefits, like:
Avocado leaves contain a key antioxidant known as quercetin and various health-improving nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium that can help improve digestive health, lower blood glucose levels, be used in the treatment of hypertension, and many more.
So, from ancient traditions to modern discoveries, let’s explore the amazing world of healing, culinary uses, and the therapeutic potential found within avocado leaves.
But first, let’s check out the nutrients that make avocado leaves so good.
Avocado Leaves Nutrients
What gives avocado leaves their health benefits? Avocado leaves, while less known than the fruit, hold a rich nutritional profile that contributes to their health benefits.
These nutrients include:
Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid known for its powerful antioxidant properties.
It plays a vital role in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Polyphenols: Avocado leaves are abundant in another set of antioxidants known as polyphenols, which include flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Vitamins: The leaves of the avocado tree contain vitamins like vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health, and vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties.
Minerals: They are a source of minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and zinc, which play great roles in overall physiological processes within the body.
As you can see, avocado leaves are rich in various antioxidants that all tie together to provide us with numerous health benefits.
Speaking of health benefits, let’s jump right into it, shall we?
The Health Benefits of Avocado Leaves
The spotlight has been on just the avocado fruit for too long, and I’m not saying the leaves are more beneficial for health, but they can be more affordable and used in versatile ways.
Let’s check out the potential health benefits of avocado leaves:
1. Aids in Improving Digestive Health
Avocado leaves contain decent amounts of dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and promote a healthy gut.
Fiber helps with regular bowel movements and supports gut health by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria.
They also fill you with antioxidants like saponins, tannins, and flavonoids that may help balance stomach acidity, leading to fewer chances of ulcers.
2. Avocado leaves can be used to treat hypertension
Avocado leaves have long been used in Indonesian communities as a treatment for hypertension. And for a long time, it yielded some results that caught the eye of scientists.
A study was carried out using avocado leaf extract, which revealed that avocado leaves contain antihypertensive properties due to the leaves’ level of quercetin content.
Now it is confirmed that avocado leaves can help reduce blood pressure, thus treating hypertension.
3. Can combat diseases caused by oxidative stress
Avocado leaves are rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, which help limit the amount of harmful free radicals in the body, thereby combating oxidative stress.
Why is it necessary to combat free radicals and oxidative stress?
It is necessary because excess free radicals cause oxidative stress, which breeds various diseases.
4. They can lower blood glucose levels
Certain compounds in avocado leaves may assist in managing blood glucose levels, potentially benefiting individuals with type 2 diabetes.
A study on male rats that were given avocado leaf extracts resulted in lower blood glucose levels.
Flavonoids and tannins present in the leaves were said to be responsible for these effects.
Try to take some cups of avocado-leaf tea consistently to aid your diabetes management efforts.
Stick around for a soothing avocado leaf tea recipe!
5. Avocado leaves contain anticonvulsant properties
Avocado leaves have historically been used in African local medicines for the treatment of convulsions and epilepsy.
A study found that avocado leaves indeed contained anticonvulsant properties, thus validating their use for convulsion treatment.
However, the results from this study were inconclusive.
Check out The 10 Proven Health Benefits of Unripe Plantain
6. Avocado leaves can aid in the treatment of kidney stones
Due to their flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and magnesium content, avocado leaves have played a great role in easing urination and breaking down stones in the urinary tract.
It has historically been used for the treatment of kidney stones, and recently, multiple studies have backed up its effects.
People have gotten results in less than 10 days from drinking avocado leaf tea 2-3 times a day.
7. They can be used to treat asthma symptoms
Drinking avocado leaf tea might reduce the tightness in the respiratory muscles, relieving uncomfortable asthma symptoms.
Compounds like quercetin and antioxidants in these leaves have been found to help with asthma, but more research is needed.
8. Provides stress-soothing properties
Avocado leaves are thought to have stress-soothing abilities due to their rich antioxidants and specific compounds.
However, limited scientific research exclusively examines how avocado leaves reduce stress.
Avocado Leaves Tea Recipes
We’ve gone through the nutrients and benefits; now all you need is a soothing way to consume this healthy leaf.
Here are two simple avocado leaf tea recipes you won’t get tired of:
Avocado leaves, ginger, and lemon
This herbal tea recipe can be taken anytime, but it’s especially useful when trying to treat asthma and flu symptoms.
Here’s how to prepare it:
- Wash 5 pieces of avocado leaves with some ginger.
- Throw them into a pot and let them boil for 5–10 minutes.
- Sieve and pour the mixture into your favorite mug, then add a squirt of lemon and sweeten with honey.
Check out The 4 Proven Benefits of Lemongrass for Weight Loss
Avocado leaves, cinnamon, and vanilla extract
This avocado tea recipe is a great, soothing, and stress-relieving option that’ll leave you feeling good and wanting more.
Here’s how to prepare it:
- Wash 5 pieces of avocado leaves.
- Throw the leaves into a pot and let them boil for 5–10 minutes.
- Add a drop of vanilla extract while it’s still boiling, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- Serve the tea sweetened with honey or maple syrup.
Other Uses of Avocado Leaves
Other than teas and health benefits in general, these leaves are still used in a variety of ways.
Check out some other ways to use avocado leaves:
- Avocado leaves can be used to add a distinct aroma and flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and marinades.
- Avocado leaves, crushed or powdered, can be used in traditional medicine, homemade remedies for skin conditions, or in baths for relaxation.
- Some communities use avocado leaf extracts to deter insects.
- Dried avocado leaves can also be used to provide a pleasant fragrance in spaces.
- Avocado leaves have traditionally been used to extend the shelf life of certain foods due to their antimicrobial properties.
What are the Benefits of Boiled Avocado Leaves?
When avocado leaves are boiled, they produce an extract of compounds that provide an array of health benefits.
The boiled leaf water contains antioxidants that can aid in reducing oxidative stress, supporting digestive and heart health, and providing relaxation and soothing effects.
What is the Best Time to Drink Avocado Leaf Tea?
The best time to drink avocado leaf tea boils down to preference, as you will experience its benefits whatever time you drink it.
However, the most common times people take it are early in the morning, after meals to aid digestion, and late at night to feel more relaxed.
Are Avocado Leaves Good for the Kidney?
Avocado leaves contain various antioxidants that play a great role in easing urination and breaking down kidney stones.
So, to answer the question: Yes, avocado leaves can be good for the kidney; however, research on the direct benefits of avocado leaves for kidney health is limited.
What are the Benefits of Drinking Avocado Seed and Ginger?
Both avocado seeds and ginger contain antioxidants that can potentially help combat oxidative stress in the body, cure common cold symptoms, aid in soothing gastrointestinal discomfort, and offer an overall health boost.
Final Words
In conclusion, avocado leaves boast a rich nutritional profile and diverse health benefits.
They aid in digestive health, potentially treat hypertension, lower blood glucose levels, possess anticonvulsant properties, and more.
However, while these benefits have historical and anecdotal support, you shouldn’t use the leaves alone to combat health problems.
Before incorporating avocado leaves into your routine, it is important to note their potential benefits and consult with a healthcare professional if you plan on using them regularly.
