The benefits of pumpkin seed oil
The use of pumpkin seed oil can benefit people struggling with poor blood circulation, anxiety, stress, depression, hair loss, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, prostate enlargement, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, various skin conditions and osteoporosis.
It protects the health of the cardiovascular system
Adding more oil to your diet may seem counterintuitive if you’re trying to promote heart health, but pumpkin seed oil is a form of unsaturated fat. Overall, cholesterol levels go down as people switch from saturated fat to unsaturated fat.
Moreover, one study shows that it can help lower the following cardiovascular markers in rats:
Low-density lipoprotein (/ bad) cholesterol
Triglyceride levels
Blood pressure
Liver fat levels
It has also had other anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce the risk of heart disease over time.
It improves mental health
Pumpkin seed oil is not only beneficial to your physical health, it can also help promote mental health. One small study shows that it can be an adjuvant treatment for depression.
Similar results have also been obtained in animal studies. When rats were depressed, they remained stationary during forced swim and tail-hanging tests.
Rats dosed with pumpkin seed extract had a significantly shorter immobility time in both tests compared to rats not given pumpkin seed extract. In addition to these studies, pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc.
Scientists have linked zinc dysregulation to a variety of mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and depression. One study links zinc deficiency with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression in female students.
If you’re looking for other ways to improve your mental health and manage anxiety, you can try the Chill Pill supplement. It contains dihydrohonokiol-B which has anxiolytic properties.
Effects on the health of the urinary tract
Overall, pumpkin seed oil appears to have a positive effect on the urinary tract. This tube consists of the kidneys, bladder and urethra that connects the bladder with the opening of the urine.
Effect on menopause
One Trusted Source study found pumpkin seed oil to help relieve some symptoms of menopause. This included reducing hot flashes, joint pain, and headaches. Women taking pumpkin seed oil also had elevated levels of HDL, which is the “good” cholesterol. Pumpkin seed oil can block certain types of prostate growth. The study looked at rats induced with testosterone and the alpha-blocking drug Prazosin. Testosterone is believed to play a role in the development of BPH, although it’s not entirely clear why. Trusted Source Pumpkin Seeds are high in zinc. One cup provides almost half of the recommended daily intake
Relief of menopausal symptoms
A pilot study of 35 menopausal women found that those who took pumpkin seed oil (instead of wheat germ oil) experienced an increase in HDL cholesterol, a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, and fewer menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches and joint pain The authors of the study suggested that more research is needed to confirm the results. Possible treatment of blood pressure, prevention of heart disease
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that pumpkin seed oil can lower blood pressure and provide other benefits in preventing heart disease.8 However, this study was conducted in rats, so it’s unclear whether humans experience the same benefits.
Some studies suggest that replacing saturated fat with omega-3 fatty acids or taking omega-3 supplements may reduce the risk of heart disease, however a meta-analysis of 20 studies published in JAMA found that omega-3 supplementation is not associated with a lower risk of cardiac death. heart attack or stroke 9
Moreover, the omega-3s studied are typically EPA and DHA, which are found in fish, not ALA, the omega-3s found in plants that have a different effect on the body. More research is needed to determine if pumpkin seed oil has an effect on heart disease.
Recipes and tips for preparation
Pumpkin seed oil is a versatile product that can be used in many different recipes. Producers of the oil recommend using it in salad dressings (in combination with apple cider vinegar and salt), pickles, poured over pasta or baked vegetables, mixed with dips or creamy salads like potato salad. Some even recommend dousing the ice cream with a little pumpkin seed oil. The nutty flavor of the oil gives it a unique flavor that some prefer as a treat.
Pumpkin seed oil can be used daily in the kitchen in any kind of salad, for baking bread or buns and much more. The benefits of consuming pumpkin seeds are amazing and very healthy and can be consumed regardless of age.