If you haven’t been using pumpkin seed oil in your meals, studies show that you might be missing out on some great health benefits. While some people have been using this oil for years, it’s far from a household staple. Here are a few reasons you should definitely look into adding pumpkin seed oil to your routine.
5 Possible Health Benefits Of Pumpkin Seed Oil
1. It Could Promote Heart Health
According to a recent study, pumpkin seed oil may help promote a healthy heart. During the study, participants saw a reduction in unhealthy cholesterol levels while promoting good cholesterol.
Researchers estimate that this health benefit is because of the antioxidants and other nutrients that pumpkin seed oil contains. It’s important to note, though, that this was in conjunction with a healthy overall diet.
2. It Could Help With Urinary Tract Health
Several different things can cause you to develop an overactive bladder. However, it’s been found that pumpkin seed oil can alleviate symptoms like the urgency to use the restroom.
While researchers aren’t quite sure why it happens, an old study confirmed that it happens. They haven’t determined the exact amount you need to take to get this benefit, however, so talk to your doctor about the best way forward.
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3. It Could Promote Hair Growth
Not all the health benefits of pumpkin seed oil come from eating it. In fact, rubbing it into your scalp can encourage healthy hair growth.
Given the pumpkin seed oil’s nutrient profile, it’s possible that the fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in this oil can help with hair growth. This is especially helpful for people who are experiencing hair loss.
4. It Could Improve Prostate Health
Apart from possibly alleviating the symptoms of an overactive bladder, pumpkin seed oil may also help with prostate health.
According to several studies, using pumpkin seed oil can reduce prostate enlargement. The participants in a certain study reported having better urine flow and improved quality of life after taking pumpkin seed oil supplements for only three months.
5. It Could Reduce Menopause Symptoms
Menopause can come with a variety of symptoms that affect your daily life. One recent study showed that pumpkin seed oil could potentially reduce issues like hot flashes, headaches, and joint pain.
It’s possible that the phytoestrogens in pumpkin seed oil bind with estrogen receptors and mimic estrogen in the body. As a result, you could get relief from the symptoms of menopause.
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How To Use It
Unlike other oils, pumpkin seed oil has a low smoke point and doesn’t do well for frying or sauteing. It’s best to use it for cold or warm dishes. The oil has a distinctive flavor that’s like smoked pumpkin seeds so many people add it to their salads, dips, and pestos. It also adds some nice flavor to roasted or stir-fried vegetables and fish.
If you’d like to combine it with other oils, then making a salad dressing is a good option too. Another tasty option is using pumpkin seed oil in smoothies or granola bars. For those who aren’t interested in playing around with recipes, there are supplements that can help.
When You Might Need To Be Cautious
Generally, pumpkin seed oil is considered to be safe for consumption and on the skin. However, there are a few people who have had allergic reactions to it.
Before you start using this oil liberally, it’s a good idea to try a small amount to see what happens. It’s also best to consult your doctor if you’re taking medications regularly as there is always the possibility of an interaction.
Finally, pumpkin seed oil can lower your blood pressure so you shouldn’t use it if you’re already taking medications for that kind of condition or have a tendency to develop low blood pressure levels.
Though health experts need to conduct more research on the benefits of pumpkin seed oil, there’s enough information available for you to think about it. Before using it for the first time, make sure to consult your doctor about potential interactions with your medications. Since allergies can develop over time, it’s also important to pay attention to any new reactions after using pumpkin seed oil.