Could your ticker use some support? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), nearly half of American adults have cardiovascular disease. This common health problem can manifest itself in several serious complications or even death if left unchecked. Fortunately, you can give your heart the support it needs in many ways, like consuming pumpkin seed oil.
Derived from the shelled seeds of the pumpkin, cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil (also known as nugget oil) has a wide range of uses, from cosmetics to health and wellness. You can find it in most grocery stores and some health food stores. Like pumpkin seeds, the coveted oil is a great source of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin E. It also contains omega-6, omega-3, and omega-9 fatty acids, which are fantastic for your heart.
researchers from Harvard University say that these healthy fats can support the body’s natural defense against heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. In other words, if you’re looking to support your heart health, nourishing oil derived from pumpkins might be the way to go. With that said, here are some other great benefits of pumpkin seed oil.
It supports the immune system.
Whether you have diabetes, digestive disorders, cancer, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, or heart disease, each begins as a side effect of inflammation at the cellular level. This is why inflammation is sometimes referred to as “theroot of all disease.”
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural defense mechanism and plays an important role in healing. When the body discovers an intruder, such as an irritant or pathogen, it launches a natural biological response through inflammatory cells and cytokines to try to eliminate it.
Although the immune system does an excellent job of keeping your body healthy, it can sometimes mistakenly perceive natural tissues or cells as a threat. This reaction can lead to autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
As mentioned above, pumpkin seed oil is rich in vitamin E, which may be able to support the body in the fight against free radicals and, therefore, calm the body’s immune response. If you’re struggling with an inflammatory problem, consider talking to your health care provider about adding pumpkin seed oil to your diet.
Promotes urinary tract health.
The oleic acid, linoleic acid, and trace elements in pumpkins have made experts wonder if pumpkin seed oil supplements might improve urinary tract and prostate health. In one Scientific study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicineresearchers found that pumpkin seed oil extracts relieved symptoms of urinary disorders, specifically overactive bladder.
Promotes mental well-being.
Believe it or not, the findings of the British journal of psychiatry showed that pumpkin seed oil improves outlook. The researchers found that children with prolonged feelings of sadness who ate pumpkin seeds experienced a positive mood. This may be due to the seed’s high potassium and magnesium content, which relieves feelings of stress. Pumpkin seeds are also a rich source of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that supports serotonin production and feelings of calm and relaxation.
Note: Depression is a mental health disorder that affects more than 21 million people in the U.S. Sadness is a perfectly normal and healthy emotion, but if you feel like you might have a depressive disorder, talk to your doctor to get the help you need.
Facilitates hair growth.
For most of us, thinning hair is a fact of aging. Pumpkin seed oil, however, might help mitigate that. in a study 2021 in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatologyresearchers compared the beneficial oil with 5 percent minoxidil foam in female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). They randomly assigned the participants to a group of either pumpkin seeds or minoxidil for three months. The study indicated that pumpkin seed oil might be worth a try for those looking to grow luscious, long locks.
Relieves the symptoms of menopause.
Pumpkin seeds may be small, but they are rich in natural phytoestrogens (plant compounds comparable to human estrogen) and phytosterols (plant compounds comparable to cholesterol), which can naturally support healthy blood pressure, relieve hot flashes and discomfort in joints, and others common symptoms of menopause. According to researchers2 grams of pumpkin seed oil per day for 12 weeks has been shown to help menopausal women find relief.
It supports healthy skin.
Pumpkin seed oil is an amazing plant-based ingredient that can do wonders for the integumentary system because it is rich in various skincare nutrients.
- Vitamin A keeps skin smooth and healthy.
- Vitamin B Smoothes skin and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
- Vitamin C minimizes the appearance of dark spots.
- Vitamin E reduces inflammation and helps strengthen the skin’s barrier function.
- Potassium supports the rapid growth of new cells for a youthful and glowing complexion.
- Magnesium strengthens the skin against acne.
- Zinc stimulates cell renewal and helps maintain healthy collagen levels.
In addition, the nourishing oil is high in omegas 3, 6 and 9. These three fatty acids are crucial for a healthy integumentary system. Simply put, the omega fatty acids in pumpkin seed oil form the key building blocks for skin, which means a naturally smooth, youthful, and healthy complexion.
Promotes eye health.
Pumpkin seed oil is great for your skin, but did you know it’s also good for your eyes? The beneficial oil is packed with nutrients known to support eye health. One of these nutrients is zeaxanthin, a carotenoid that can help protect the eyes from harmful UV rays and blue light. Carotenoids are what give pumpkins their warm orange hue and help strengthen and protect vision.
A 2014 study showed that carotenoids could help the body’s natural defense against various conditions. The carotenoid zeaxanthin in pumpkin seed oil acts as a powerful antioxidant. May help support eye health, specifically in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This common condition affects visual acuity as you age, resulting in blurred vision, an inability to see in low light, or even partial or complete loss of vision. Pumpkin seed oil is also a rich source of vitamins (such as C and E) and minerals (such as zinc), which are great for eye health.
The last word
Adding pumpkin seed oil to your diet is a smart way to give your body what it needs to stay healthy and happy. Toss it with your salad dressing, swap it for coconut oil in relevant recipes, or take as a supplement. Either way, you’ll receive a ton of those benefits. But of course, always talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements!
