Why do people drink avocado seed tea? Examining the claims and cautions

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

Studies have shown that avocado seeds possess higher antioxidant activity than the pulp, which is one reason why some people drink avocado seed tea, a beverage steeped in tradition but lacking comprehensive human safety data. This practice is driven by anecdotal evidence and preliminary research into its phytonutrient content, rather than conclusive clinical trials.

Quick Summary

Investigating the reasons behind the trend of drinking avocado seed tea, exploring traditional uses, purported health benefits like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and significant safety considerations based on current research.

Key Points

Traditional Uses: Historically, avocado seeds were used in traditional Central and South American medicine to treat issues like inflammation, diabetes, and digestive problems.
Antioxidant Power: Avocado seeds are rich in antioxidants, with some studies showing a higher concentration of polyphenols than the fruit's pulp.
Preliminary Research: Much of the scientific evidence for benefits like lower cholesterol, weight management, and reduced inflammation comes from animal or lab studies, not human clinical trials.
Safety Concerns: Health experts and commissions warn against consuming avocado seeds, citing insufficient human safety data and the presence of potentially harmful compounds like tannins.
Preparation Method: Avocado seed tea is made by drying, grating, and then boiling the seed in water. Additions like honey or cinnamon are often used to mask the naturally bitter flavor.
Professional Consultation Advised: Due to the lack of proven human safety, it is critical to consult a healthcare provider before trying avocado seed tea, especially if on medication.

The Allure of Avocado Seed Tea: Traditional Claims and Modern Interest

The practice of using the entire avocado, including the often-discarded seed, is not a new concept. For centuries, various cultures, particularly in Central and South America, have utilized parts of the avocado tree for medicinal purposes. The preparation method for avocado seed tea typically involves drying, grating, and then boiling the seed to extract its compounds. This traditional use has recently gained modern interest as a wellness trend, driven by a cultural push towards using natural, whole ingredients and reducing food waste.

Rooted in Traditional Medicine

In traditional ethno-pharmacological practices, avocado seed decoctions were used to address a variety of ailments. These included treating gastrointestinal issues like dysentery and gastric ulcers, managing hypertension, reducing inflammation, and addressing diabetes. These uses were often passed down through generations based on observed effects rather than rigorous scientific testing, forming the foundation of modern curiosity.

High Antioxidant Content

One of the main reasons for the surge in interest is the discovery that avocado seeds are remarkably high in antioxidants. In fact, some studies suggest the seed contains a higher concentration of antioxidant polyphenols and flavonoids than the flesh itself. These compounds are known for their ability to combat oxidative stress and neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.

Preliminary Scientific Findings

Much of the scientific research on avocado seeds is still in its early stages, primarily involving test-tube or animal studies. These preliminary findings have explored a range of potential health effects, from reducing cholesterol to demonstrating antimicrobial properties. However, it is crucial to recognize that these results do not automatically translate to human health benefits, nor do they guarantee safety for human consumption.

What the Research Says: Separating Fact from Fiction

As with many wellness trends, the potential benefits of avocado seed tea are a mix of traditional beliefs and emerging scientific findings. Understanding the nuances of the research is key to making an informed decision.

Potential Cardiovascular Benefits

Several animal studies have explored the effect of avocado seed on heart health. Research has shown that avocado seed powder can significantly reduce total cholesterol and LDL ('bad') cholesterol in mice. Other studies suggest that extracts may help relax blood vessels, potentially aiding in the management of high blood pressure. The high content of fiber and phytosterols in the seeds is believed to contribute to these cholesterol-lowering effects.

Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties

The rich concentration of phenolic compounds in avocado seeds has been linked to anti-inflammatory activities. Some researchers have found that avocado seed extract can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory proteins in certain immune cells. The seeds also possess documented antimicrobial and antifungal properties, showing promise in inhibiting the growth of some bacteria and fungi in test-tube studies.

Weight Management Claims

Some people drink avocado seed tea for its potential role in weight management. Animal studies have indicated that avocado seed consumption can lead to reduced weight gain, lower body fat, and improved blood fat levels in mice on a high-fat diet. It is thought that compounds like chlorogenic acid may help stabilize blood sugar and slow gastric emptying, contributing to a feeling of fullness and promoting weight loss. The high fiber content also contributes to satiety.

The Critical Caveat: Safety Concerns and Lack of Human Data

Despite the promising preliminary research, significant safety concerns surround the consumption of avocado seeds. Health experts and commissions, including the California Avocado Commission, state there is not enough evidence to prove that avocado seeds are safe for humans.

Potential Toxicity

Avocado seeds contain several plant compounds that are potentially harmful when consumed in large doses. These include tannins, which can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, bloating, and stomach upset, as well as antinutrients that can inhibit the body's ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. Additionally, some varieties contain a fungicidal toxin called persin, which can be harmful in massive doses, though the amount in seeds is generally low.

Insufficient Human Research

The vast majority of studies on avocado seeds have been conducted in lab settings (in vitro) or on animals (mice and rats). While these studies provide intriguing data, the effects on humans are largely unknown. The lack of human clinical trials means there is no established safe dosage or a clear understanding of potential long-term side effects. For this reason, some nutritionists recommend sticking to the well-documented benefits of the avocado's flesh and avoiding the seed.

How to Prepare Avocado Seed Tea (with caution)

If you choose to experiment with this beverage, it is vital to proceed with caution and moderation. Here is a common method for preparing avocado seed tea:

Rinse and dry the seed: After removing the seed from the avocado, wash it thoroughly and let it air-dry for a few days.
Grate the seed: Use a fine grater to shred the dried seed. Be careful, as the seed is very hard.
Boil the water: Bring a pot of water (about 2 cups per seed) to a boil.
Add the grated seed: Reduce the heat and add the grated seed to the water. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Strain and serve: Strain the liquid to remove the seed particles. The tea will have a slightly reddish color.
Enhance the flavor: Due to the bitter taste from tannins, many people add honey, cinnamon, or ginger to improve the flavor.

Claim vs. Evidence: Avocado Seed Tea Comparison


Claimed Benefit	Current Evidence Level	Comments
Lowering Cholesterol	Animal Studies	Mouse studies show a reduction in total and 'bad' LDL cholesterol, but human data is lacking.
Reducing Inflammation	In-vitro and Animal Studies	Extracts inhibit pro-inflammatory markers in lab and animal tests. Human effects are unknown.
Weight Management	Animal Studies & Anecdotal	Mouse studies link seed powder to reduced weight gain and increased physical activity. High fiber may aid satiety.
High in Antioxidants	Lab Analysis	Confirmed in lab tests that seeds have higher antioxidant activity than pulp. Bioavailability and human safety are not proven.
Antimicrobial Effects	Lab Analysis	Test-tube studies show inhibitory effects against certain bacteria and fungi.

The Bottom Line: Is Avocado Seed Tea a Healthy Choice?

While the prospect of utilizing the entire avocado for its health benefits is appealing, the current body of evidence suggests significant caution is warranted. Preliminary research indicates that avocado seeds contain a wealth of beneficial compounds, but this research has largely been conducted in animal or lab settings. Crucially, human safety and efficacy have not been established. Potential risks from compounds like tannins and the lack of long-term studies mean that consuming avocado seed tea is not without risks, especially if consumed in large quantities.

For those seeking reliable, proven nutritional benefits, sticking to the flesh of the avocado, which is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, remains the safer and more recommended option. If you are curious about avocado seed tea, consuming it infrequently and in moderation is advisable. Before adding any new herbal remedy to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medication, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Is It Safe and Healthy to Eat the Seed of an Avocado?

Alternatively, consider other sustainable uses for the seed, such as starting a houseplant, for a risk-free way to reduce waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

The safety of avocado seed tea for human consumption has not been sufficiently proven. While some preliminary studies show potential benefits in animals, the lack of human clinical data and the presence of potentially harmful compounds like tannins warrant caution from health experts.

People drink avocado seed tea for claimed benefits such as lowering cholesterol, reducing inflammation, aiding in weight loss, and its high antioxidant and antimicrobial content, based on traditional uses and preliminary animal or lab research.

Some animal studies suggest avocado seed may help with weight management by reducing weight gain and increasing satiety. However, these results have not been confirmed in humans, and the effects may be partly due to the high fiber content.

Avocado seed tea has a naturally bitter taste due to its high tannin content. Many people add ingredients like honey, cinnamon, ginger, or lime to improve the flavor.

Yes, potential side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, bloating, and stomach upset, particularly if consumed in large quantities, due to compounds like tannins. It may also interact with certain medications.

First, wash and dry the seed. You can then grate it or boil the whole seed until it softens. Afterward, boil the grated or chopped seed for about 10 minutes. Strain the liquid before drinking.

While lab tests confirm high antioxidant activity in avocado seeds, it is unclear whether these compounds are bioavailable (absorbable and usable by the body) for human consumption.