Pumpkin seed oil is a standard cooking oil and health supplement that can bea great addition to a healthy, well-rounded diet. Sometimes referred to aspepita oil, pumpkin seed oil is an oil extracted from pumpkin seeds. It hasbeen associated with an array of impressive health benefits and containsvarious essential nutrients.
According to the Healthline website, Pumpkin seed oil has several benefits
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in heart-healthy fats.
- 1 tablespoon (15-mL) serving of pumpkin seed oilprovides 14 grams of fat, most of which are from polyunsaturated andmonounsaturated fatty acids.
- Pumpkin seed oil is particularly rich in linoleic acid,a type of omega-6 fatty acid that may be associated with improved heart healthand blood sugar management.
- Pumpkin seed oil contains many antioxidant compounds,including polyphenols and carotenoids, which may help protect againstinflammation and chronic disease.
Pumpkin seed oil supplements are often used to promote prostate health.
- They seem to be especially useful for treating benignprostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterised by the enlargement ofthe prostate gland, which can block the flow of urine. According to one olderstudy in 47 men with BPH, taking 320 mg of pumpkin seed oil daily for 12 monthsreduced symptoms, improved quality of life, and increased urinary flow.
- Some research suggests that pumpkin seed oil could alsohelp treat other urinary tract issues. One study in 45 people showed thatconsuming 10 grams of pumpkin seed oil daily for 12 weeks reduced symptoms ofoveractive bladder.
Heart Health
- Several studies have found that pumpkin seed oil could benefitheart health.
- In one small study in postmenopausal women, taking 3grams of pumpkin seed oil daily led to significant improvements in blood vesselstiffness and function, which may help prevent high blood pressure.
- Another study showed that pumpkin seed oil supplementincreased HDL (good) cholesterol in 35 postmenopausal women.
- Pumpkin seed oil is sometimes used as asupplement or applied topically to support healthy hair growth. In one study,76 men with hair loss took 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil or a placebo daily for 24weeks. At the end of the study, those who took pumpkin seed oil reported higherscores in hair loss improvements and had four times more hair growth than thosein the control group.
Pumpkin seed oil is generally considered safe and associated with very fewside effects when used in moderation.
Although very rare, some people may be allergic to pumpkin seed oil andexperience adverse symptoms after consuming the oil or applying it to the skin
If you notice any adverse symptoms after using pumpkin seed oil, you shoulddiscontinue use immediately and talk with your doctor.
You should also consult a healthcare provider before using pumpkin seed oilas a supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or aretaking medications
(SOURCE: Health Line - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin-seed-oil).