Pumpkin Seed Oil Health Facts
Pumpkin seeds are packed with protein, fiber and many other minerals, such as iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, potassium, folate, niacin and selenium. They also contain healthy poly- and mono-unsaturated fats. Pumpkin is also low in calories and a good source of fiber. It’s also an excellent source of potassium, which helps your muscles contract, regulate fluids, maintain normal blood pressure, and balance minerals in and out of body cells.
The oil made from pumpkin seeds is possibly effective for symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
The health properties of this product were first noticed and put into practice by Avicenna*. (* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avicenna ). This miracle vegetable rapidly became popular, and during the Middle Ages a 200g bottle of pumpkin oil was as valuable as a gold ring in Europe.
This price could be justified: the biochemical composition of the oil is uniquely balanced –its components include digestible proteins, micro and macro elements, and high density of polyunsaturated fats. Pumpkin oil has a greenish tint and characteristic smell of pumpkin seeds. That is why it is widely used in cooking: it adds sophisticated taste and aroma to the dishes.
However, the main value of pumpkin oil is its amazing health properties. It’s a very good source of vitamins A and C. Pumpkin seed oil has a high content of vitamin F. It is a general term for unsaturated fatty acids, which may be able to normalize cholesterol levels. Moreover, vitamin F has an overall positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
Pumpkin oil is a gourmet and nutritious product; which can be used in healthy diets. It should be noted that pumpkin seed oil should not be exposed to heat, because it loses its beneficial properties when heated. Nevertheless, it is an excellent ingredient for salad dressing or cold sauces.
Used as a condiment or a finishing oil over a dish. Pairs perfectly with fruits, maple, vanilla, cinnamon, mustard and vinegars.
The seed and its oil may be beneficial to bladder irritation, kidney infections, intestinal worms, and trouble urinating due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).The chemicals in the pumpkin seed cause an increase in urination (diuretic effect), which helps relieve bladder discomfort. Pumpkin seed also contains a chemical that might kill intestinal worms.
Possibly effective for:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Taking pumpkin seed oil extract by mouth alone, or with saw palmetto, may help BPH symptoms.
Insufficient evidence for: Intestinal worms, bladder irritation, kidney infections, other conditions
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of pumpkin for these uses.