An oil extracted from pumpkin seeds is sometimes called pumpkin seed oil or pepita oil. Many delicious recipes can be made with this oil, which has a unique, nutty flavor. In addition to supplement capsules, it’s found in some hair masks and serums and is sold as a supplement. In addition, it contains a wide range of nutrients and offers a host of health benefits.
The nutritional and medicinal properties of pumpkin seed oil have long been recognized for its use in preventing various ailments, particularly prostate disease. The effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil in treating diabetes, anxiety, and even cancer has also been demonstrated in several studies. Many countries around the world use pumpkin seed oil, including North America, Mexico, India, and China [1].
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Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Seeds |
| 1oz Of Pumpkin Seeds Contains:
Calories 158, Carbohydrates 3g, Protein 9g, Fat 14g, Fiber 1.7g, Magnesium 168mg, Iron 2.5mg, Zinc 2.2mg, Potassium 229mg, Tyrosine 309mg |
Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits
Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Serotonin and dopamine are precursors to tryptophan and tyrosine, which are present in pumpkin seeds. Dopamine and serotonin both play a role in regulating anxiety and stress.
Additional ways pumpkin seeds may help reduce anxiety and stress are as follows:
- Pumpkin seeds contain magnesium, which can lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure, as well as relax the nervous system, which may aid in stress reduction.
- A magnesium deficiency can increase susceptibility to stress, and stress can reduce magnesium levels. Pumpkin seeds are a magnesium-rich food that can break this cycle.
- In addition to regulating blood pressure, potassium also has a role to play [2].
According to a recent study, pumpkin seeds have a 47% antidepressant food score (AFS) based on their dopamine and serotonin content. In addition to tryptophan, this benefit was attributed to the seeds’ tryptophan content. Pumpkin seeds qualified as an antidepressant food based on this score.
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Recommended Serving of Pumpkin Seed Oil Approximately two teaspoons of pumpkin seed oil contain 80 calories and 9 grams of fat, which Doerfler considers a healthy serving. |
Pumpkin Seed Oil Effectiveness Against Cancer
The phytoestrogens found in plants resemble mammalian estrogens both structurally and functionally, and are able to bind to mammalian estrogen receptors. The weak inhibitory effect phytoestrogens have on aromatase may contribute to breast cancer risk. There was a significant reduction in breast cancer risk associated with low to high consumption of pumpkin seeds, soybeans, and sunflower seeds [3].
Maintains a Healthy Heart
There have been a number of studies suggesting pumpkin seed oil may be beneficial for heart health.Studies show that taking pumpkin seed oil daily may reduce blood pressure by improving blood vessel function and stiffness in postmenopausal women.
Postmenopausal women supplemented with pumpkin seed oil in 2011 showed improved HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Similar findings have been reported in older animal studies, reporting pumpkin seed oil may lower cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure.
It remains to be determined whether pumpkin seed oil may benefit heart health among the general public via high quality studies.
Can Pumpkin Seed Oil Be Used On Your Face?
Pumpkin seed oil may be the right addition to your skincare routine as its nutrients actually beneficial for your skin. Pumpkin seed oil benefits skin in a variety of ways, whether it is added to the diet or used topically. Whether you’re dealing with acne, dryness, dullness, oily skin, or other types of inflammation and scarring, it will definitely help.
You Can Use Pumpkin Seed Oil For Cooking Here Are a Few Tips
- Don’t forget to put the pan away! Pumpkin seed oil should not be heated in order to preserve its valuable ingredients and full flavor. So it’s usually used at the end, just before eating, rather than for cooking and frying.
- Cooking pumpkin oil for special dishes (such as Steirische Eierspeise, Styrian Scrambled Egg) requires it to be heated quickly, instead of being heated too long.
- Pumpkin seed oil is popular in marinades and dressings for salads. As a natural flavor enhancer, Pumpkin Seed Oil works well in soups and spreads.
- Pumpkin seed oil is also good for sweet foods, despite what you might think. Pumpkin seed oil is popular in vanilla ice cream and fried bananas.
Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil Body Scrub
The many health benefits of pumpkin seed oil make this homemade body scrub stand out despite its four ingredients. Here are some of the benefits:
- This scrub reduces pore size, soothes redness, and balances oil production in the skin thanks to Vitamins B2 & B3 and Zinc in pumpkin seed oil. In addition to removing dead skin cells, sugar contains natural oils that your skin needs.
- Suitable for dry skin – This DIY pumpkin oil body scrub can be your skin’s savior if you suffer from dry skin. Pumpkin seed oil contains a high amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Healthy, nourished skin requires these fatty acids.
- The skin looks radiant and healthy because pumpkin seed oil contains vitamin E and carotenoids that promote elasticity. As a result, you will notice an improvement in the overall appearance and radiance of your skin when you use it as part of your skincare regimen.
Here Is a Step-By-Step Tutorial On How To Make This DIY Body Scrub
- Your jar should be filled with brown sugar first.
- Afterward, add the essential oils and pumpkin seed oil.
- Once the mixture is mixed well, seal the lid and store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
- For up to two months, store in a cool, dry place.
Pumpkin Seed Oil Downsides
As long as it’s used with moderation, pumpkin seed oil is generally considered safe.There may be rare cases in which people who consume pumpkin seed oil or apply it to their skin experience adverse symptoms.
You should stop using pumpkin seed oil if you notice any negative effects.If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking pumpkin seed oil.
