What are the Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil

What are the Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil?

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 favourable addition to salads, soups, and diets. Known for its vibrant color, aroma, and nutty flavour, 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.

What Is Pumpkin Seed Oil?

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.

What is the Nutrition Value in Pumpkin Seed Oil?

Notably, pumpkin seed oil is highly used as a nutritional supplement and as a natural source of nutrients like,

• Proteins
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Essential fatty acids
• Omega 3, 6 and 9
• Zinc 
• Selenium
• Iron

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:

Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds Oil:

Pumpkin seed oils serve huge health benefits.  So, let’s explore them.

Urinary Tract Health:

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.

Heart Health:

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.

Pumpkin Seeds oil for Hair Growth:

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.

Skin Health:

Pumpkin seed oil contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for healthy skin.

Hydrates Skin:

Pumpkin seed oil is rich in fatty acids, which help keep skin moisturised and nourished.

Anti-inflammatory:

Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritation and itching, keeping your skin soft and plump.

Anti-aging:

Due to its high antioxidant content, Pumpkin seed oil helps maintain a youthful appearance by protecting skin cells from oxidative damage.

Improves Skin Tone:

This oil contains vitamin A and can also enhance skin texture and tone.

Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles:

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.

Potential Downsides of Pumpkin Seed Oil:

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. 

How to Use Pumpkin Seed Oil:

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.

• Cooking: Pumpkin oil is often used in salad dressings, baking, finishing oil for desserts, roasted vegetables, scrambled eggs, and marination. It can also be added to smoothies, dips, pesto, granola, and other foods. However, it has a low smoke point, so it would not be recommended for frying or sautéing. 
• Supplements : Pumpkin seed oil, available in convenient capsule form, is a reliable way to enhance the health of your skin and hair. With a standard dose of 500 to 1,000 mg per day, it’s a simple addition to your routine. Before starting, it’s always best to consult your doctor. You can find it in online stores and natural health stores, ensuring easy access to its benefits.
• Hair & Skin: Pumpkin seed oil has numerous benefits for hair. It has been widely used to make hair serums and face masks. You can directly use pumpkin seed oil on your face. You can use it as a serum, massage it into cleansed, slightly damp skin, or after moisturizer. Mix it as a hair mask with coconut oil and massage it into the scalp. Leave it on for at least 20–30 minutes or overnight before washing it out.

Conclusion:

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. 

FAQs Around Pumpkin Seed Oil:

What Is Pumpkin Seed Oil Good For?

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. 

• It reduces cholesterol levels and improves circulation, supporting heart health.
• It improves hair and skin health through its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supporting urinary tract health by reducing symptoms of overactive bladder.
• Boosting overall immune function due to its antioxidant properties.
• Pumpkin seed oils are used in cooking, supplements, and skincare products.

Can I Take Pumpkin Seed Oil Every Day?

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.

Can I Use Pumpkin Seed Oil on My Hair Every Day?

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.

Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Have Side Effects?

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.