Pumpkin seed oil benefits health and beauty in innumerable ways. Read on to find out how amazingly beneficial it is for health.
What is Pumpkin?
It is a large yellowish-orange fruit with a thick edible rind. It is a good volume of flesh which is primarily used to make savory dishes or desserts. The flesh is embedded with numerous seeds that are edible and are highly beneficial for health. Four of the major pumpkin types include field pumpkin, crookneck pumpkin, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita argyrosperma.
Pumpkin seeds are collectively a powerhouse of nutrition. Pumpkin seeds are roasted and pressed to extract pumpkin seed oil. This edible oil hosts of rich, healthy and beauty benefits.
- Nutritional Facts
- Benefits
- Cardiac Health
- Arthritis
- Skin Cancer
- Constipation
- Cancer
- Inflammation
- Muscle Pain
- Menopause
- Skin
- Acne
- Respiratory
- more
Pumpkin Seeds Nutritional Facts
A cup of cooked pumpkin has a rich nutritional composition. It consists of –
- 12g of carbohydrates
- 3g of fibrous content
- 2g of proteins
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Thiamin
- Pantothenic acid
- Riboflavin
The minerals constituents include-
- Potassium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Iron
It also consists of high levels of beta-carotene which is a potent antioxidant. Pumpkins are richly supplied with nutrients, fibers, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Pumpkin seed oil is a superfood that is highly nutritious. It constitutes significant amounts of omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids, vitamins E and K, and phytochemical compounds like delta 7 sterols, beta-sitosterol, and phytosterol. Four of the most significant fatty acids contained in pumpkin seed oil include linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid.
Usage of Pumpkin
Regular consumption of pumpkin supplements in the form of seed or oil is highly beneficial for cardiac and renal health.
Top 20 Proven Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits
1. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Cardiac Health
The omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids and phytonutrient content of pumpkin seed oil can regulate blood pressure, prevent the stiffening of arteries, and prevent the sedimentation of harmful plaque in the arteries(1).
The healthy fatty acids provide protection against atherosclerosis and help to maintain healthy cardiac rhythm. Alpha-Linolenic acid protects blood vessels against inflammation.
2. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Arthritis
The healthy and highly beneficial omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids of pumpkin seed oil lowers the pain and stiffness of joints felt in rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces the swelling and alleviates the pain quite effectively.
The essential fatty acids contained in pumpkin seed oil work upon osteoarthritis and soothe the stiffness of joints.
3. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Skin Cancer
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in phytonutrient antioxidants that fight against poisonous free radicals, protect the skin from damage caused by the UV rays of the sun, repair broken skin tissues and thus prevent the skin from getting afflicted by cancer(2).
The health benefits of pumpkin seeds oil for skin include prevention of skin cancer, protection against dry skin, premature aging, acne, and other such skin issues.
4. Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits for Constipation
Pumpkin seed oil makes for an amazing antidote for constipation. It consists of omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids, folate, copper, manganese, vitamin B6, and phosphorus. The seed oil contains mucilage which forms a smooth and slimy film along the intestinal walls.
This smooth coat soothes the guttural lining and facilitates the movement and excretion of hardened feces with ease. Pumpkin seed oil is essential for the maintenance of a healthy colon and aids in the softening of hardened, constipated feces.
Also Read: Home Remedies for Constipation
5.Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil for Weight Loss
Pumpkin seed oil aids in the shedding of excess body weight by accelerating the process of body metabolism, reduction of intestinal inflammation and suppressing the appetite. Pumpkin seed oil is richly packed with dietary and healthy fats which helps to curb the appetite and makes one feel full throughout the day.
Pumpkin seed oil helps in the development of muscles and its high nutritious content facilitates healthy digestion and regular bowel movement which is responsible for stabilization of body weight.
6.Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair
Regular massage with pumpkin seed oil enriches the scalp with omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids that keep it from going dry and flaky. The pumpkin seed oil induces the production of sebum in the scalp which moisturizes the hair, makes the root strong and prevents the occurrence of dandruff.
Pumpkin seed oil is highly anti-inflammatory in nature which protects the hair and scalp from the disease Cicatricial alopecia which is a condition of permanent loss of hair in which the hair roots and follicles get severely and irreparably damaged thus preventing the growth of new and healthy hair(3).
7. Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits for Cancer
Pumpkin seed oil contains antioxidants that fight against breast, colon and prostate cancer. The anti-carcinogenic nature of pumpkin seed oil prevents the growth of malignant tumors in the body.
The oil is rich in omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid that inhibits the growth and spread of tumors and increase the probability of survival of patients afflicted with cancer. The phytonutrients are known for blocking the enzymatic actions that catalyze the metabolism of hormones and for inhibiting the metastasis of cancerous cells.
8. Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits For Inflammation
It is the deficiency of omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids in the body that causes internal and external inflammation. Pumpkin seed oil is rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, and alpha-linolenic acid that block the production of pro-inflammatory agents in the body.
Pumpkin seed oil enhances the generation of two essential omega 3 fatty acids, docosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid that fight against inflammation and protect the human body from all kinds of infections.
Recommended Read: Natural remedies For Inflammation
9. Pumpkin Seed Oil Health Benefits for Muscle Pain
Muscle cramps and aches result from overexertion of muscles and inflammation. Being anti-inflammatory in nature application of pumpkin seed oil to the painful and aching muscles has proven to be highly effective in curing the swelling and the cramps. Pumpkin seed oil is a natural analgesic that helps to alleviate the pain quickly and effectively.
10. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Menopause
Pumpkin seed oil is highly beneficial for menopausal women. There is no better natural cure for the symptoms of menopause than pumpkin seed oil. Menopause is characterized by uncomfortable hot flashes and sleeplessness.
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in phytoestrogen that helps to stabilize the spike in blood pressure associated with menopause, maintain hormonal balance, cure aches and cramps and take care of the other symptoms of menopause.
11. Pumpkin Seeds for Men
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in beta-carotene and zinc which is highly beneficial for protection against prostate cancer. It prevents the painful swelling of the prostate gland. It protects the male reproductive system from hypersecretion of testosterone which is the primary cause of prostate issues.
12. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Skin
Dry skin is a serious skin issue and often leads to conditions like psoriasis, eczema and pre-mature aging of the skin. Pumpkin seed oil is rich in healthy fatty acids that help to keep the skin supple and moisturized and prevents the occurrence of dry skin or eczema.
Regular consumption of pumpkin seed oil enhances the production of natural oils that prevent the formation of wrinkles and keep the skin well hydrated. You can also massage the affected regions of your skin with a few drops of pumpkin seed oil to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
13. Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil for Healing Cuts and Wounds
Organic pumpkin seed oil nourishes the skin and its healing properties are associated with the plethora of phytonutrients contained in it. Abrasions, cuts, and wounds heal fast when smeared with pumpkin seed oil on a daily basis. The pumpkin seed oil enhances microcirculation of blood in the wounds and thus accelerates the healing process.
14. Pumpkin Seed Oil Health Benefits For Acne
Acne is caused by the over secretion of sebum. It is a natural skin oil secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin. Regular use of organic pumpkin seed oil inhibits the excessive secretion of sebum. It thus prevents the sprouting of acne. The plant sterols and omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids contained in pumpkin seed oil can give it a moisturizing and healing nature.
Pumpkin seed oil is highly effectual in the natural treatment of acne, blemishes, rashes, stretch marks, sunburns and aging spots. It penetrates through the layers of the epidermis and nourishes the skin deep from within. Its rich nutritional composition keeps spots and acne at bay.
Also Read: Home remedies for age spots
15. Pumpkin Seed Oil Capsules Benefits for Digestion
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants and healthy fatty acids that improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal absorption of nutrients is improved by the mucilaginous fiber of pumpkin seed oil.
The oil acts as a natural laxative agent to regulate the process of excretion and improve digestion. It is known to effectively cure bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramps, and aches.
Also Read: Home Remedies for Acid Reflux
16. Pumpkin Seed Oil Capsules Benefits for Respiratory Health
Respiratory disorders are commonly characterized by severe coughing fits, mild cough, and cold or a grave condition of bronchitis or asthma. Pumpkin seed oil can help to relieve you of the symptoms, the dry coughing, and running nose.
Pumpkin seed oil is antitussive in nature which helps to suppress coughing while its expectorant property assists in the thinning of phlegm and its consequent expulsion. Pumpkin seed oil also helps in curing nasal and chest congestion.
Also Read: Asthma Remedies at Home
17. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Renal Health
Organic pumpkin seed oil is known for its detoxifying and diuretic properties. Regular consumption of pumpkin seed oil capsules benefits healthy renal functioning. It prevents the kidneys from excessive secretion of harmful components like uric acid and creatinine. Pumpkin seed oil also aids in the dissolution of kidney stones.
Recommended Read: home remedies for kidney stones
18. Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hepatic Health
Being richly supplied with omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids and antioxidants, pumpkin seed oil is highly beneficial for healthy hepatic functioning. It assists in stimulation of the liver and aids in the process of detoxification of the body.
19. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds for Depression
Pumpkin seed is rich in amino acids and L-tryptophan which lowers the levels of stress and depression. Mild to a severe case of depression is characterized by panic attacks, social anxiety, phobias, prolonged relapses and general worry. The symptoms of depression include insomnia, uneasiness, palpitations, muscles cramps, hypoventilation, nausea and nervous breakdowns.
Recommended Read: Natural Remedies For Anxiety
Pumpkin seed oil soothes the taut nerves and relaxes the cramped muscles. The anxiolytic effect of pumpkin seed oil helps in the elimination of stress and anxiety with ease.
20. Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits For the Health Of Eyes
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in phytonutrients that are potent antioxidants. These phytonutrients have a tremendously positive effect on vision and night vision. The antioxidants protect the eyes and its cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Organic pumpkin seed oil benefits the eyes through protection from cataract and macular degeneration.
FAQs
1. Is pumpkin seed oil bad for you?
Response: Overconsumption of pumpkin seed oil is bad but otherwise, pumpkin seed oil is highly beneficial for health.
2. Can pumpkin seeds reduce the prostate size?
Response: Pumpkin seed oil can prevent the swelling of the prostate gland.
3. Can you eat pumpkin seeds every day?
Response: Yes, pumpkin seeds can be eaten every day. A regular ingestion benefits the health in many ways as described above.
4. Can pumpkin seeds hurt your stomach?
Response: Overconsumption of pumpkin seeds can cause stomach aches. It is advisable to consume it as per the dosage provided by a dietician or physician.
5. What is pumpkin seed oil good for?
Response: It is highly beneficial for health, skin care and health of hair. A regular consumption works wonders for overall health.
6. What is pumpkin seed oil used for?
Response: Pumpkin seed oil is used for the natural cure of several ailments including renal health, respiratory disorders, depression etc.
7. What does pumpkin seed oil do?
Response: Pumpkin seed oil addresses a number of physiological disorders and maintains their smooth functioning.
