We often speak of how avocados are a superfruit when it comes to nutrition. However, not many people talk about the benefits of the rest of the plant. Alas, it turns out that avocado leaves have numerous health benefits we can access when we brew them in a tea. Research is being conducted on what potential health benefits avocado tea could have as a treatment for health issues such as cold, flu, stomachache, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
Here are just a few health benefits of avocado tea made from avocado leaves:
Antioxidants Remove Free Radicals
Avocados are known to be high in antioxidants, but avocado leaves have even higher concentrations than the fruit. Avocado leaves have a compound called quercetin that removes free radicals from your body. Free radicals are the product of naturally-occurring degeneration in our bodies as a result of oxygenation. Antioxidants slow or even prevent this process from occurring, keeping our bodies healthier.
In addition to quercetin, avocado leaves also contain polyphenols which are another group of powerful antioxidants.
Avocado Tea Can Treat Kidney Stones
A cup of avocado tea contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. All of these are potent substances thought to help break down kidney stones. Research indicates that drinking 2 cups of avocado tea each day can reduce or even eliminate kidney stones. Most people see results within ten days.
Lower Blood Pressure
The antioxidants in avocado leaves can also help relax blood vessels. While this won’t bring down your LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” it can provide lower blood pressure. For best results, brew yourself avocado tea three times or more per week.
Reduce Convulsions From Seizures
A seizure is the result of a neurological imbalance from too much activity in the brain’s nerve areas. Researchers have noted that avocado leaf extract works to improve the transmission of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter. This calming neurotransmitter decreases the likelihood of seizures occurring. Evidence is growing that avocado leaves may be a useful and holistic management tool for children with epilepsy.
Improve Digestive Health
As mentioned previously, avocado leaves contain flavonoids, saponins, and also tannins. These compounds play a role in balancing the acidity of the stomach. This reduces the chance of ulcers. Ulcers are a common occurrence in individuals who experience high levels of stress. Not only can avocado tea calm your stress levels, but it can also treat the resulting stomach ulcers.
Lower Blood Glucose
Like many teas, the antioxidants and phytochemicals in avocado tea assist your body in burning fat and glucose. As a result, avocado tea is excellent for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Read more about how avocados can help manage Type 2 diabetes here.
Treat Asthma Symptoms
The phytochemical compounds in avocado leaves instill relaxation and calmness in many parts of the body and mind. This can result in easing headaches, muscle soreness, and even asthma. The tea can reduce the stiffness in the respiratory muscles that are causing uncomfortable asthma symptoms. Some holistic users of avocado tea recommend adding one tablespoon of salt per 3 cups of tea.
How To Make Avocado Tea
Like with most tea, you add leaves and hot water together and allow them to steep. Tea aficionados recommend using dry avocado leaves, approximately 3 or 4 leaves per pot. Some heat the water then add the leaves to steep in it. Others boil water with leaves in it for 10 to 15 minutes.
Play around with your recipe, adding more or fewer leaves, using alternative sweeteners, etc., until you find the brew that works best for you. (By Taylor A Ritz, avoseedo.com)
