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Are you curious why pumpkin seed oil has gained so much popularity today? Or are you eager to unlock their health benefits? Well, pumpkin seed oil is much more than a favorable addition to salads, soups, and diets. Known for its vibrant color, aroma, and nutty flavor, pumpkin seed oil is packed with nutrient value. In this blog, we’ll discuss the nutritional value of pumpkin seed oils and key reasons to incorporate it into your daily diet.
Pumpkin seed oil, also known as pepita oil, is extracted from nutrient-packed tiny pumpkin seeds. These seeds contain many nutrients that can be beneficial for overall health. However, the process of extracting oil from pumpkin seeds can be done in many ways.
If you want to reap huge benefits from oil, choose oil that is cold-pressed rather than heated. The cold-pressed method of extracting pumpkin seed oil is preferable because it allows the oil to retain its beneficial nutrients, which would not be lost or damaged due to heat exposure. Pumpkin seed oil is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids, and it has various health benefits.
Notably, pumpkin seed oil is highly used as a nutritional supplement and as a natural source of nutrients like,
With their rich nutrient profiles, pumpkin seeds are a good source of iron. One cup of pumpkin seed contains 9.52 milligrams of iron, which is a significant proportion of the recommended allowance—18mg for premenopausal women and 8mg for men and menopausal women. Daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. However, an individual’s calories may vary. Let’s talk about its nutritional value:
| Amount Per 100 grams Calories 446 |
||
| Nutrition | Value | % Daily Value |
| Total Fat | 19 g | 29% |
| Saturated fat | 3.7 g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 18 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 919 mg | 26% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54 g | 26% |
| Dietary fibre | 18 g | 72% |
| Protein | 19 g | 38% |
Pumpkin seed oils serve huge health benefits. So, let’s explore them.
Pumpkin seed oil may help with overactive bladder and other urinary disorders, as it promotes prostate health. It seems to be particularly useful for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition caused by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can block urine flow.
Moreover, pumpkin seed oil has been shown to improve the condition of people experiencing urinary disorders. According to one older study, 47 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia took 320 mg of pumpkin seed oil daily for one year. This treatment helped reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and increase urinary flow.
Pumpkin seed oil is packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. Several studies suggest that pumpkin seed oil can benefit heart health.
One study found that postmenopausal women who took 3 grams of pumpkin seed oil daily experienced improvements in blood vessel stiffness and function, potentially helping to prevent high blood pressure.
Whether you are experiencing excessive hair loss, baldness, or hair thinning, pumpkin seed oil for hair could be a good option.
According to a study, men with mild to moderate hair loss who took pumpkin seed oil supplements saw significant improvement in hair quality, with hair growth increasing by 30% compared to those who took a placebo.
Another small study found that pumpkin seed oil may promote hair growth in women with hair loss when applied topically over three months.
Pumpkin seed oil contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for healthy skin.
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in fatty acids, which help keep skin moisturised and nourished.
Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritation and itching, keeping your skin soft and plump.
Due to its high antioxidant content, Pumpkin seed oil helps maintain a youthful appearance by protecting skin cells from oxidative damage.
This oil contains vitamin A and can also enhance skin texture and tone.
With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, pumpkin seed oil can improve skin quality by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, inflammation, and breakouts.
Remember, moderation is key when it comes to consuming pumpkin seed oil. While it’s generally safe, some individuals have experienced allergic reactions or skin irritation. It’s also worth noting that it may lower blood pressure, so those with low BP should be cautious.
Consuming large amounts of pumpkin seed oils can also lead to weight gain. So, before incorporating it into our daily diet, make sure you can consult your doctor.
Are you curious about the uses of pumpkin seed oil? This versatile oil, with its nutty flavour, aroma, and colour, is a healthy and natural choice for a variety of purposes. Let’s explore its uses in more detail.
Pumpkin seed oil is a powerhouse of essential nutrients for overall health and well-being. Human and animal studies have found that it can improve heart health, hair growth, urinary tract health, hair and skin quality, and more. It can be used for many purposes, like cooking, supplements, hair and skin health, and more. For more such nutritional guidance and a proper diet chart reach out to Dr Prachi Jain, Chief Nutritionist at the CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon. Book an appointment.
Pumpkin seed oil is known for various health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like zinc and magnesium, pumpkin seed oils are beneficial for overall health.
You can take it daily, but it’s essential to do so in moderation. It is safe for people when used as a supplement and when cooking. Daily consumption of pumpkin seed oil supplements can benefit heart health and skin & hair health, but excessive intake might lead to weight gain. If you want to incorporate it into your daily diet, you can consult your doctor, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medications.
Of course, you can use pumpkin seed oil on your hair daily. It is completely safe, but initially, you need to monitor how your hair responds. This oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, which can help moisturise the scalp, promote hair growth, reduce hair fall and thinning, and strengthen hair. If you have an oily scale, try to avoid it regularly; it may lead to buildup.
In addition to its benefits, it also has some side effects. Most people experience allergic reactions, irritation, itching, or rashes on their skin. Consumption of excess amounts may lead to digestive issues, stomach pain, or diarrhoea. You may also experience low blood pressure, weight gain, and more. Hence, you must consult your doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
