It is part of the fruit that is usually thrown away, but research has suggested that it could be beneficial for your health and even contain higher levels of certain nutrients found in the flesh

A common household item that is often discarded has been associated with numerous health benefits. Avocados, a beloved staple in many meals, are typically enjoyed for their flesh alone.

However, research indicates that the fruit’s skin may also offer health advantages and even contain higher concentrations of certain nutrients than the flesh. Plus, it’s safe to eat.

The avocado’s creamy interior, frequently spread on toast or sliced into salads, is known to be a rich source of antioxidants. According to Healthline, it could potentially lower the risk of heart disease.

But several studies suggest that eating the bumpy skin of an avocado can not only reduce waste but also enhance your health.

Fighting inflammation

Research published in the Journal of Agricultural Science suggests that avocado peel contains higher levels of key antioxidants like carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. These properties have been shown to help shield the body from inflammation, which can lead to chronic diseases and other health issues.

Antioxidants are molecules that aid the body in combating harmful free radicals, which have been linked to health conditions such as diabetes and cancer.

Keeping skin healthy

The often-discarded avocado peel holds secrets to achieving radiant skin, just like the fruit itself. A comprehensive 2010 study, involving over 700 women, examined the connection between skin health and the consumption of fats and antioxidant-rich micronutrients.

The findings revealed that a diet rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats found in avocados, significantly improved skin elasticity and reduced the visibility of wrinkles. Moreover, avocado peels can be repurposed in natural skincare routines, and their inclusion in skincare products has been proposed as a creative way to utilize this typically wasted item.

How to consume avocado peel

While the peel may have a bitter taste and a coarse texture, research published in Acta Scientiarum Technology discovered that boiling it and brewing a tea is an effective method to unlock its anti-inflammatory properties, including phenolic and flavonoid compounds.

The study’s authors noted: “After an investigation on the properties of avocado peel, it was noted as a source of nutrients and subsequently, a tea formulation was suggested as a way of reusing these discarded peels.

“Phenolic and flavonoid compounds were present in the avocado peel and the notable antioxidant activity of this tea resembles the widely marketed mate tea.”

Dangers of inflammation

High levels of inflammation in the body are often associated with numerous health risks by scientists. As defined by Harvard Health, inflammation is the body’s reaction to harm, such as an injury or infection, typically resulting in redness, swelling, and pain.

However, inflammation can vary in type. Acute inflammation usually serves as a bodily response to restore the health of an affected area and may last for several days or weeks.

On the other hand, chronic inflammation could occur without any apparent medical cause and persist throughout one’s life. The publication noted that it could be detrimental and is frequently linked with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.