Pumpkin seed oil is an amazing superfood that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’s also one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. In addition, pumpkin seed oil contains essential fatty acids like omega-3s and -6s and vitamin E. In this article, we will cover the amazing health benefits of this healthful oil, including how you can use it in your day-to-day routine.
What is Pumpkin Seed Oil?
Pumpkin seed oil is a rich dark green oil that is made from the pressed seeds of the pumpkin. It originated in the Middle East and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The oil is made by cold-pressing the seeds, which produces a natural form of vitamin E. It’s also one of the most nutritious foods on earth because it contains essential fatty acids like omega-3s and -6s as well as vitamin E. Interestingly, pumpkin seed oil contains a perfect ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Pumpkin seed oil also contains zinc and magnesium, which makes it beneficial for a variety of health goals.
Pumpkin seed oil is usually used in cooking, but can also be taken in supplement form to support heart disease and high blood pressure. Some research shows that pumpkin seed oil might help support prostate health.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil
One of the most notable nutrients in pumpkin seed oil is its ALA content. ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseeds and chia seeds. Pumpkin seed oil contains high levels of ALA and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for people with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Pumpkin seed oil has many uses and benefits. Consuming pumpkin seed oil can help prevent hair loss and strengthen hair strands. It also helps improve digestion by aiding in the absorption of nutrients from food.
Pumpkin seed oil is also very beneficial for prostate health in men. The prostate is a glandular organ that surrounds the upper part of the urethra and forms most of the seminal fluid. It’s one of two male sex organs, with its counterpart being the testicles. The primary function of the prostate is to secrete fluids that make up approximately 30% of semen. Some studies have linked pumpkin seed oil consumption with lower levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which may indicate a reduced risk for prostate disease.
Another reason why pumpkin seed oil is good for prostate health is because it converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which may help improve symptoms associated with enlarged prostate gland (BPH, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia), which can block the flow of urine. In fact, in one study, pumpkin seed oil helped volunteers reduce symptoms of BPH and increase urine flow with doses of 320 mg per day.
How to Use Pumpkin Seed Oil
The recommended daily dose is 1-2 tablespoons or 3-9 capsules per day. Clinical doses may be higher, depending on the recommendation of your practitioner. Fatty acids are best absorbed when taken with a fatty meal. Those who are unable to absorb fats should consider taking an enzyme complex to facilitate the intake of essential fatty acids. Caution should be used when taking essential fatty acids while using blood-thinning medication. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you take professional consultation from a qualified naturopathic doctor before taking any supplements.
When shopping for pumpkin seed oil, look for a product that is “cold-pressed,” meaning that it hasn’t been heated or processed in any way. Heat processing damages the acids and creates free radicals. Some of the damaged fats turn into trans-fatty acids, which are well known for their promotion of cardiovascular disease. A quality supplement is Pumpkin Seed Oil 1000mg by Now. It’s highly rated by consumers and is an unrefined, expeller-pressed source of pumpkin oil.
Refrigerate all liquid pumpkin seed oil supplements and keep capsules away from heat because they can become rancid. Using liquid pumpkin seed oil is more cost-effective than capsules because numerous capsules must be taken to make an equivalent amount of liquid oil. Do not use pumpkin seed oil for cooking or frying.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.