Nutritional efficacy of avocado seeds

Abstract

Leonia Ndesiamoo Henry*, Upendo Yonnah Mtaita and Catherine Clemence Kimaro

Screening of the aqueous extract of Tanzanian avocado seed of Persea specie was done for nutrients and phytochemical compounds of nutritional importance. The aim of the study was to test for the presence of nutrients (carbohydrate, protein and vitamin C) and other phytochemical compounds of nutritional and medicinal values in avocado seeds. Both dry and fresh avocado seeds were tested for presence of saponnin, flavonoids, tannin, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamin C. Tannins and flavonoids were indicated only in fresh avocado seeds but none in dry samples. Saponins were found in both dry and fresh seeds. Proteins, carbohydrates and Vitamin C were indicated in both fresh and dry seeds. The compounds are reported to be present in the edible part of avocado in different proportions. Interestingly, Tannin, a widely distributed compound in most unripe fruits, with the main role in protection of the fruit from predation, and perhaps as pesticides, was tested only in fresh seeds. Tannin is a water soluble compound and hence making the fresh and unripe fruits well protected against pests as well as predators. Furthermore, it was noted that the avocado seed is nutritionally valuable based on the phytochemical and nutrients it constitutes. Tannins that are said to be poisonous are normally present in fresh seeds and not in the dry seeds, hence recommended to dry the seeds before processing for consumption.