Pumpkin seed oil is a natural product known for its many health and beauty benefits. Its raw pressing at low temperatures allows it to preserve its nutritional properties, which we can take advantage of both in the kitchen and in cosmetic treatments.
However, its use is not widespread, so this time we will tell you how to take pumpkin seed oil, what its properties and benefits are, as well as the contraindications that you must take into account when consuming it.
Pumpkin seed oil: properties and benefits
Pumpkin seed oil is usually made from a variety of pumpkin other than the one we are used to eating, called Styrian pumpkin. In this species, the nutritional value is concentrated more in the seeds than in the pulp of the fruit. If you consume the oil, you will perceive smooth, toasty and slightly sweet notes, similar to the flavor of nuts.
Properties
Beyond its organoleptic properties, the oil obtained from pumpkin seeds has very positive properties for cell health. Keep in mind that to have all its benefits and nutritional value, the oil must be natural and not refined. These are the most important properties of pumpkin seed oil:
- Its rich content of flavonoids make it an excellent antioxidant, ideal for renewing cells and combating the negative effects of free radicals.
- It is a good anti-inflammatory, thanks to its nutritional content rich in minerals such as iron, potassium and magnesium.
- It takes care of the cardiovascular system thanks to its omega 3 and 9 content, excellent for combating high cholesterol.
- Fights arthritis: it has vitamins from groups A and B that reduce inflammation caused by arthritis.
- It has antidepressant properties: pumpkin seed oil has an amino acid known as tryptophan, which is very useful for combating depression.
- It also has diuretic properties thanks to cucurbitin, a purifying active ingredient.
Benefits
Now that we know the properties of this wonderful oil, how can they benefit us in our daily lives? Here are some of the benefits that will kick in with the use of pumpkin seed oil.
- Prevents fluid retention thanks to its diuretic properties.
- Prevents oral diseases due to the minerals it contains.
- Help in treating depression.
- Helps fight inflammation of the bladder and prostate.
- It works as a natural treatment for benign enlargement of the prostate. Using pumpkin seed oil for prostate is one of the most effective ways to take advantage of this oil.
- Prevents infant enuresis or involuntary urination.
- Eliminates parasites and other bacteria from the intestine.
- It stimulates the generation of adrenaline and the increase in sexual appetite due to minerals such as zinc. It also improves male fertility.
- Reduces inflammation caused by arthritis.
- Promotes the expulsion of mucus in the respiratory system.
How to take pumpkin seed oil
There are many ways to incorporate pumpkin seed oil into your diet. You can use it to prepare vegetable smoothies, creams or soups. It is also an excellent dressing for salads and you can use it to replace other types of oil in pastry recipes or homemade pastries.
Here are some ideas so you know how to take pumpkin seed oil and enjoy its benefits in the most effective way:
- You can use it for breakfast, as it provides a different and delicious flavor to toast.
- It can be added to all kinds of salads to dress them together with other condiments.
- You can use it in pastry recipes that require the use of oils. It will give your preparation more fiber content and you will give it the sweet taste of this incredible oil.
- Combining it with cheese and courgettes, you can make very appetizing vegetable creams.
- The versatility of this product also allows you to add it to the preparation of homemade pizzas and other recipes.
- It is important that you consume it raw to obtain all the benefits of this food.
- You can also take it in capsules.
Pumpkin seed oil: daily dose
Despite the important benefits of its consumption, the approximate weekly amount you should take is 20 grams. Containing so many properties, an excess can have a negative impact on the body, producing pain and discomfort.
Pumpkin seed oil: contraindications
Any food, no matter how positive it may be for health, also has contraindications if the consumption is excessive. In this case, pumpkin seed oil is no exception. Inadequate consumption of pumpkin seed oil causes contraindications such as the following:
- Indigestion : Produces gas. Excessive consumption can cause intestinal pain and gastritis.
- Weight gain : 20 grams of this product contains about 120 calories, so it can contribute to gaining more weight if the diet is not balanced.
- Diarrhea : it has a high fiber content, making it an ally against constipation. Similarly, uncontrolled consumption can cause diarrhea and cause dehydration.
- It generates burning in the stomach and acidity, so avoid taking it if you suffer from a stomach ulcer or a hiatal hernia.
- It has anticoagulant effects as it contains omega 3 and salicylic acid. Therefore, monitor its consumption if you regularly take medicines with this effect or aspirin.
