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Pumpkin seed oil, also known as pepita oil, is considered one of the healthiest oils available. It has been used to address various health issues, including vision problems, hair loss, overactive bladder, prostate concerns, and dull skin. This versatile oil, derived from the seeds of the Cucurbita maxima pumpkin, can be consumed in liquid form or as a supplement.
Ranging in color from light green to orange-red, this nutty-flavored oil is best stored in a cool, dry place and should ideally be used raw to retain its full range of health benefits. Below, we explore the key health advantages of pumpkin seed oil.
1. Enhances Mental Health
Research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry has shown that pumpkin seeds are an effective treatment for depression in children. The same journal also indicated that adults with depression benefited from consuming pumpkin seeds, likely due to their high tryptophan content, an amino acid precursor to serotonin, which regulates mood. Additionally, the oil’s unsaturated fats may help alleviate conditions like depression.
2. Reduces Inflammation
Replacing saturated fats with healthy unsaturated fats, such as those found in pumpkin seed oil, can significantly reduce inflammation in the body. A 2015 study demonstrated that substituting cocoa butter with pumpkin seed oil in the diets of individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis reduced the impact of these conditions.
3. Improves Heart Health
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats, which are essential for maintaining heart health. The oleic and linoleic acids in the oil may help lower blood pressure, balance cholesterol levels, and protect against atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular diseases.
4. Promotes Hair Growth
A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2014 found that pumpkin seed oil inhibits the action of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme linked to male and female pattern baldness. In this study, men who took a pumpkin seed oil supplement experienced up to a 40% increase in hair growth.
5. Manages Diabetes
Pumpkin seed oil, along with the fruit pulp and proteins from pumpkin seeds, has been shown to have glucose-lowering properties, making it a valuable addition to any diabetes management plan.
6. Supports Skin Health
The unsaturated fats in pumpkin seed oil offer antioxidant properties that, when applied topically, can reduce skin inflammation, promote new cell growth, protect against infections, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles and age-related blemishes. The oil is also a rich source of vitamin E, which can enhance skin texture and appearance.
7. Supports Urinary System Health
Pumpkin seed oil has a positive impact on the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. In a study, participants who took between 500 and 1,000 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil reported significant improvements in symptoms of overactive bladder.
8. Balances Hormones
Pumpkin seed oil may help alleviate symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause, such as severe cramps and hot flashes, due to its content of phytoestrogens and phytosterols.
These are just some of the health benefits of pumpkin seed oil. While exploring these benefits, you might also want to consider the advantages of pumpkin soup and pumpkin for babies.
