Why Are People Eating Avocado Pits?

Is this Gwyneth Paltrow's doing? It sounds like it could be. According to Instagram posts and wellness websites like One Green Planet, people are now pulverizing and eating avocado pits for the supposed health benefits—"the seed holds 70 percent of the avocado's antioxidants," advises One Green Planet. Wait, what kind of supercharged blenders do these people have that are capable of turning avocado pits into flour? I could use one for frozen daiquiri ice.

The process begins with drying the avocado pit in an oven for a couple hours to remove moisture; then peeling off the outer, papery shell; then chopping up the inner part and blending it. People are adding the avocado pit powder to smoothies, shakes, granola, and yogurt for its alleged antioxidant power, which has been compared to that of green tea.

While there is some evidence that avocado pits do contain phenolic compounds, phytochemicals, and antioxidant properties, the scientific jury is still out on whether they're beneficial to human health. This article on Health.com points out that the research on these compounds has mainly touted the benefits of avocado pit extract, and further research would be needed to determine whether consuming the pit itself is safe.

Regardless of the phytochemicals or antioxidants or whatever, eating avocado pits just sounds like a lot of work. If they provide health benefits similar to green tea, can't I just... drink green tea?