20 health benefits of avocado leaves and side effects

20 health benefits of avocado leaves and side effects….what are the benefits of drinking boiled avocado leaves?

Let’s talk about avocado leaves benefits and side effects….

Avocado is one of the widely used fruits in traditional medicine. It is also referred to as avocado pear or butter pear. The fruit is yellow-green or green in colour with a slightly sweet flavor. Interestingly, both the seeds, oils and leaves are as beneficial as the fruit. The leaves- avocado leaves can be made into teas, which is soothing and healthy for consumption.

More about the Avocado Leaves (Persea americana mill)

Naturally high in protein, and fibre; avocado leaves contain properties (anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-convulsant) effective in boosting immunity, improving organ functions and easing symptoms of ailments. Present in the leaves are minerals- zinc, potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Avocado leaves also possess powerful antioxidant activity. The leaves contain a compound known as quercetin, a natural flavonol and antioxidant that helps eliminate free radicals from your body. It also helps improve blood flow, promote heart health, and many more.

Other compounds contained in this part of the plant include: flavonol, terpene, glycoside, estragole, serotonin, polyphenol, alpha and beta-pinene, limonene, flavonoids, zinc, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

20 Health benefits of Avocado leaves

As far back the days of our ancestors, avocado leaves have proven useful and beneficial in so many ways.

Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. Serves as a form of pain relief:

Avocado leaves have pain-relieving or analgesic properties. This helps ease soreness, pains and aches in the muscles, joints, back, waist and other body regions. To enjoy this benefit, decoct avocado leaves in water. Drink this tea regularly in the morning and at night.

2. Ease respiratory symptoms:

Avocado leaves contain a compound- terpene and anti-inflammatory properties that help improve airflow to the lungs. As well as ease symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, cough and other respiratory issues. Avocado leaf water is a natural supplementary remedy for those with respiratory issues. Also, the presence of antiviral and antibacterial properties makes it even more potent.

3. Regulate the menstrual cycle:

Avocado leaves can also be beneficial to women. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, ease menstrual cramps and symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.

4. Lower Blood Pressure:

Daily consumption of avocado tea can help decrease blood pressure levels, especially in hypertensive patients. This is because of the polyphenols and potassium present in the leaves. The extract from this plant can serve as a natural remedy for hypertension.

5. Regulate blood sugar and manage diabetes:

Consumption of avocado leaves tea can help increase insulin sensitivity; thus, manage diabetes effectively. The phytochemicals and antioxidants makes it a good remedy for blood sugar regulation. Especially in patients with type II diabetes.

6. Manage epilepsy:

Avocado leaves have proven beneficial in the management of epilepsy, especially in children. They contain anti-convulsant properties, and the decoction of the avocado leaves can be useful in reducing convulsions and epilepsy effects.

7. Reduce ulcers risk:

Avocado leaves contain flavonoids and tannins that can help offer a protective layer for the stomach. The presence of terpenes help improve intestinal functions, and balance stomach acidity. This forms a covering for the stomach, and help prevent the development of ulcers.

8. Aid in weight loss:

Avocado leaves possess polyphenols and dietary fiber that aid in weight loss. They help increase metabolism, moderate fat absorption in the body, as well as eliminate accumulated fat. This is a good natural drink for people who desire to lose weight.

9. Promote hair growth:

Avocado leaves contain vitamins and minerals that help promote hair growth. Seeking to boost your hair growth- simply use avocado leaves water to wash your hair whenever. This helps stimulate hair follicles and cause a significant reduction in hair breakage or loss. Giving your hair a luscious and healthy appearance.

10. Reduce risk of cancer:

Avocado leaf water contains antioxidants and flavonoids- quercetin, that helps eliminate free radicals. Thus, prevent cancer risk.

11. Lower cholesterol levels:

Polyphenols in avocado leaves can help lower your cholesterol levels. Drinking avocado tea helps improve the level of good cholesterol in your body, and decrease bad cholesterol levels.

12. Reduce risk of heart diseases:

Lowered cholesterol levels is known to cause a reduction in heart diseases risk. Also, the flavonoids in avocado leaves help prevent the risk of coming down with an heart disease or stroke. And consumption can lead to an improvement of cardiovascular functions, as well as ease cardiovascular dysfunctions.

13. Prevent bacterial infections:

Avocado leaves contain antibacterial properties that help inhibit bacteria growth. A common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is bacteria. The decoction of avocado levaes can help fight off bacteria causing infections, and prevent UTIs infections.

14. Promote healthy sleeping patterns:

Avocado leaves stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps with relaxation of the muscles. Just a cup of avocado leaf water before bedtime will help improve your sleep quality. It can also help with treatment of sleep disorders like insomnia.

15. Reduce stress and anxiety:

More so, serotonin can help produce a soothing effect, and instill relaxation and calmness. Regular consumption of avocado tea can help reduce your stress levels, anxiety as well as elevate mood. To cap it up, it helps maintain a sense of wellbeing and security.

16. Improve Kidney function:

Avocado leaves extract contain flavonoids, and alkaloids that can help improve the functions of the kidney. This function includes breaking down kidney stones, and flushing them out through urination.

17. Healthy development of the foetus during pregnancy:

Aocado leaves contain iron and zinc- part of the vital nutrients required for the healthy development of a foetus. The decoction of avocado leaves can help boost fetal brain development, neurological and red blood cell formation.

18. Helps in detoxification process:

Avocado leaves contain a high content of flavonoids, that can assist the liver in destroying toxins. Regular consumption of avocado tea can help with the detoxification process.

19. Improve digestive health:

The presence of polyphenols in the leaves help improve digestive health. The decoction of avocado leaves can ensure proper functioning of your digestive health. And prevent gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

20. Promotes better skin:

Avocado leaves extract can leave your skin hydrated and softened. To enjoy this benefit, apply the extract (made into paste) onto your skin or an affected area. This should do the trick- keep your skin glowing.

Side effects of avocado leaves

Avocado leaves and it’s decoction has been proven not to be toxic. Thefore, has no recorded side or negative effects. However, if consumed in large or excessive amounts, may pose a threat to the body system.

Conclusion

There, you have it- 20 health benefits of avocado leaves. Kindly, let us know in the comment section if you found this article helpful.

Stella-maris Achumba

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