Publish Time: 2022-08-10 Origin: Site
The pumpkin, or Cucurbita pepo, belongs to the melon family (Cucurbitaceae), botanically related to the melons, cantaloupes, squashes, gourds, gherkins and other cucurbits such as cucumbers and zucchini. Pumpkins are a great source of antioxidants. They also contain vitamins A, B2, C, and E, iron, copper, manganese and fiber, with small amounts of magnesium, phosphorous, zinc and folate.
Pumpkin seed, also known as pepita in North America, is the edible seed of a pumpkin. The seeds, typically flat and asymmetrically oval, are green in color. Often a cultivar, pumpkins are sometimes grown only for their seeds. People like to snack on roasted pumpkin seeds for they are rich in nutrients and calories, with especially high fat, protein, dietary fiber, and numerous micronutrient content.
Pumpkin seed oil, when extracted with the cold-pressed method, unlocks a whole new range of benefits for skin and hair. The cold-pressed oil extraction process results in the oil. This rejuvenating liquid has many desirable outcomes with respect to skin-ageing and restoration. Due to the presence of the omega fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids in the Pumpkin seed oil, it has a distinct aroma to it.
Pumpkin seed oil benefits hair growth.
A study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal in 2014 claims that PSO blocks the action of 5-alpha-reductase, one of the main causes of male or female pattern baldness. In this study, 76 male patients took a pumpkin seed oil supplement or a placebo for a varying degree of hair loss. Those who received the pumpkin seed oil showed growth increases by up to 40%. Another study claims that the oil’s phytosterols can promote hair growth.
Pumpkin seed oil is also equally beneficial for the skin (especially anti-aging)!
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in zinc, vitamin E, omega 3- and omega 6- fatty acids, as well as antioxidants, so it’s a skincare superstar. It helps the skin retain moisture, fight free radicals, and maintain a youthful glow! And as we all know, high amounts of zinc and vitamin E help with skin renewal, hormonal acne, and improved skin tone. The high mineral and vitamin content also offers anti-aging benefits.
Pumpkin seed oil has positive effects on heart health.
Pumpkin seed oil can improve heart health by both lowering cholesterol and reducing high blood pressure, two risk factors for heart disease. This may occur because cooking with pumpkin seed oil is a healthier alternative to cooking with saturated and trans fats.
Pumpkin seed oil may improve urinary system health.
In general, pumpkin seed oil seems to have a positive effect on the urinary tract. This tract is made up of the kidneys, the bladder, and the urethra, which connects the bladder to the urinary opening. One small study gave participants between 500 and 1,000 milligrams of the oil. The participants saw a drastic improvement in their overactive bladder symptoms!
Helps Manage Diabetes
Diabetes has many causes, one of which is poor diet. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are manageable, and even treatable, with good diet strategies and supplements. Research shows that the fruit pulp, oil from ungerminated seeds and protein from germinated seeds of pumpkin all have have blood sugar-lowering properties. This makes oil from pumpkin seeds a good addition to any diabetic diet plan.
Pumpkin seed carrier oil is highly beneficial for healthy and young-looking skin. The high levels of vitamin C in the oil helps repair sagginess and firms up the skin. Zinc helps balance the production of oil in the skin. Vitamin E protects skin from the effects of stress and ageing. Also, the fatty acids penetrate into deeper levels of the skin to hydrate and moisturize, keeping the skin fresh and moist.
Pumpkin seed oil can also be used in lip care, DIY hair care, homemade cosmetics and as a carrier oil for essential oils and aromatherapy. Pumpkin seed oil is known to soothe acne and reduce chances of future outbreaks. Also, it is easy to make a skincare formulation with pumpkin seed oil as it mixes well with other ingredients and enhances the texture and consistency of the formulation.
Its deep nourishing value adds quality when coupled with face creams and masks, body lotions, massage oils and hair serums. If you are making a natural face serum at home, for example, with 4 drops of frankincense essential oil, 1 drop of geranium essential oil, 1 drop of lavender essential oil and 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil, you can combine them with one tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil. This will leave your skin rejuvenated, cool, healthy and youthful.
Rich in vitamins A and E, minerals and fatty acids, pumpkin seed oil helps strengthen your hair. If you are making a natural hair serum at home, for example, with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and castor oil each, a few drops of any essential oil of your choice, add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil to the mixture. Regularly applying this serum onto your hair helps provide sun protection, retains moisture and enhances the look and feel.