Pumpkin seed oil, thanks to its health-promoting properties, has gained recognition not only in culinary arts, but also in natural medicine. It is especially recommended in the case of certain urinary tract ailments and in the presence of parasites. See why you should use it.

Pumpkin seed oil is gaining more and more popularity. It is an easily digestible and easily available product. Its biggest advantage is the high content of unsaturated fatty acids. It should be stored in a dark bottle, protected from sunlight.

What is pumpkin seed oil?

Pumpkin seed oil,similar to soybeanoil andapricot kernel oil, has been highly appreciated for hundreds of years. It is especially popular in South America, North America and Styria. It is called “green gold” by supporters because its color is green-brown.

Pumpkin seed oil has a delicate nutty flavor and aroma. Its production process has remained unchanged for over 400 years. It is cold pressed from unroasted grains.It is worth remembering that pumpkin seed oil is only used cold.It is not recommended for frying or heating. For this purpose, it is much better to use rapeseed oil as it has a higher combustion temperature.

The first cultivation of pumpkins to obtain valuable oil dates back to the 17th century. Initially, it was used primarily in the kitchen. It was related to its taste qualities. With the development of scientific research and the understanding of the composition of this product, it began to be recommended for consumption also in natural medicine. Currently, it is also recommended in cosmetics.

Composition of pumpkin seed oil

Pumpkin seed oil is a treasury of unsaturated fatty acids – omega-3 and omega-6. Their content is 40% and 15%, respectively. Together, this gives as much as 55% of unsaturated fatty acids.

In addition, their composition includes beta-carotene, vitamins B, A, C, E and D, potassium, zinc, selenium, squalene, phytosterols, citrulline, phytosterins and cucurbitin.

What is pumpkin seed oil good for?

Due to its rich composition, pumpkin seed oil is recommended primarily to men,menopausal womenand people fighting parasites.

Cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil is recommended for men suffering frombenign prostatic hyperplasia.In the course of this disease, problems with urination and erection are mainly observed. The phytosterols contained in pumpkin seed oil have an effect similar to the sex hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which too high levels can cause prostate enlargement. Phytosterols effectively modulate the level of DHT and thus reduce the ailments related to the pathology of the prostate gland.

Unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, reduce the risk of developing breast cancer as well as relieve menopausal symptoms. The above-mentioned acids support the functioning of the nervous system, eyesight and skin.

Pumpkin seed oil has also proved to be a way to fight parasites of the digestive system.This is possible due to the presence of alkaloids that damage the nervous system of pinworms,human roundwormand tapeworm. As a result, they are removed from the body faster. Importantly, pumpkin seed oil is very gentle on the stomach, so it can be consumed by people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and food allergies.

Pumpkin seed oil in culinary arts

Due to its characteristic, slightly nutty flavor, pumpkin seed oil is added to dishes to diversify their aroma. It works perfectly in vegetable salads, salads and even sweet dishes, for example as an ingredient of Viennese cheesecake. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to use one teaspoon of pumpkin seed oil daily.

Pumpkin seed oil and beauty

Pumpkin seed oil has been a proven ingredient in cosmetic products for many years. It is mainly used as an addition to moisturizing creams and cheeses. It has been shown to effectively moisturize, tighten the skin and reduce fine, shallow wrinkles. Its systematic use promotes the regeneration processes of the epidermis, and alsosupports the fight against acne lesions. Pumpkin seed oil can also be used on the whole body because it reduces cellulite and stretch marks and lightens scars. If you decide to buy a bottle of pure pumpkin seed oil, make sure to dissolve the product in water before applying it to your skin. This way you will reduce the risk of skin discoloration.

Due to its highly moisturizing composition, pumpkin seed oil is also suitable for the care of hair, especially dry and damaged hair. It makes the ends much less split and the hair becomes shinier.

How To Consume Pumpkin Seed Oil?

Pumpkin seed oil is not the cheapest, but for health reasons, it is worth having it in your kitchen. You will spend about PLN 25 for 250 ml of this product. This is due to the fact that about 30 pumpkins should be used to produce this amount of products. The optimal amount of pumpkin seed oil taken daily is 1 teaspoon. In order to be healthy, everything should be done in moderation, also in products known as pro-health.