The effects of pumpkin seed oil

Pumpkin seed oil is cold pressed from pumpkin seeds, is used for a wide variety of culinary, and medicinal applications, and is now available in many parts of the world.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.

What are the skin benefits of pumpkin seed oil?

Health benefits

Pumpkin seed oil contains phytosterols which decrease inflammation in the body and may help in lowering cholesterol (but ask your physician first prior to adding to your diet).

May Improve Heart Health

The pumpkin seed oil has one of the highest concentrations of polyunsaturated fats of any food source. While fats are usually associated with being unhealthy, the body actually requires a certain amount of good fats to function. The oleic and linoleic acids found in pumpkin seeds may help lower blood pressure and balance cholesterol levels, protecting against atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes, and other heart diseases.

Might Reduce Inflammation

The high content of healthy fatty acids in pumpkin seed oil may aid in joint lubrication and might reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.

May Increase Circulation

The anticoagulant nature of pumpkin seed oil may help to stimulate circulation by eliminating sluggish blood, lowering the risk of blood clots, and improving the oxygenation of organs, which further boosts their function.

Skin care

Used in skin,the fatty acids found in pumpkin seed oil boast antioxidant properties. When it is topically applied, it may reduce skin inflammation, stimulate the growth of new cells, defend against infections and oxidative stress in skin cells, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes related to age. Pumpkin seed oil is also a rich source of vitamin E, which may have powerful effects on skin appearance and texture.

Hair care

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.