Can You Eat Avocado Pits?

Technically, yes, but here's why you shouldn't.

An avocado a day keeps the doctor away. Wait, maybe that is apples. Either way, avocados are an excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins and there is no shortage of tasty avocado recipes, including guacamole, avocado chicken salad, and cucumber salad.

But when it comes to the large pit inside the avocado– can that be consumed, too? While technically avocado pits are edible, it is not advised to consume avocado seeds, commonly referred to as pits.

“It is not recommended to eat an avocado pit as it has not been proven to be safe,” registered dietitian Jess Bryan tells Southern Living. “If a person is trying to eat this it would be very difficult to masticate and chew and also hard on the digestive system due to its fibrous and indigestible materials.”

Meet The Expert

Jess Bryan is a registered and licensed dietitian at No Diet Dietitian, a telehealth nutrition practice

Is It OK To Eat Avocado Pits?

Avocado pits (or seeds) are made up of carbohydrates including fiber, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

“It’s important to note that there are high amounts of phytochemicals in avocado seeds that are possibly harmful,” Bryan says.

Related: Can You Eat Underripe Avocado?

Are There Health Benefits To Eating An Avocado Pit?

Bryan emphasizes that while technically edible, avocado pits are not meant to be eaten and she does not recommend consumers eating the seed of an avocado.

“The avocado seed is packed with polyphenols, offering antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits. While eating the entire seed hasn't been extensively studied, research suggests that consuming the seed extract may have various health-promoting effects,” she says. “This includes powerful antioxidants that support anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, and antimicrobial effects in the body. This has not been proven in humans at this time. It’s really important to note that the seed extract is obtained with various extraction methods, but not done at home.”

Why You Should Stick With The Flesh

Bryan says since it has not been proven to be safe to consume an avocado’s pit, stick to the flesh of an avocado instead.

“The flesh is packed with anti-inflammatory fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber,” she explains, adding that in her line of work she frequently notices clients not getting enough anti-inflammatory fats and fiber. “Including avocado flesh – not seed – in their diet is a simple solution for both. Personally, I enjoy using frozen diced avocado in my smoothies. It not only adds creaminess, but also delivers those health-promoting nutrients.”

Related: Can You Eat Brown Avocado?

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you accidentally eat a piece of avocado pit?

Large quantities of the pit would need to be consumed for a person to get ill. Eating a small piece of the pit will likely not cause any harm.

Is it safe to eat raw avocado seeds?

No, raw avocado seeds should not be consumed.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.