Pumpkin seed oil: benefits, harm and how to take?
Pumpkin oil is very good for health.This article will tell you about the benefits and harms of this product, as well as how to take it correctly.
Composition and calorie
Pumpkin seed oil is called “black gold” in many countries. It is valued for its beneficial properties. The range of application of this product is huge. So, it can be used not only in cooking, but also to improve health and even for the preparation of cosmetic home remedies.
The most useful oil is that obtained by cold pressing. In such a product, the content of substances necessary for the body is enormous. Unrefined pumpkin seed oil is an excellent source of vitamins that body cells need every day.
The method of preparation of the oil product determines the color of the oil. So, it can be both yellowish, and green and even dark brown.
Pumpkin seed oil contains special fats that are beneficial for the human body - Omega-3 and Omega-6. They are necessary for the normal functioning of nerve cells, as well as for the good functioning of the heart. It is believed that with insufficient intake of Omega-3 in the body, the risk of developing pathologies of the cardiovascular system increases many times.
Omega-3, which is contained in pumpkin oil, is also necessary for the normalization of lipid balance. This fat component helps to reduce the level of "bad" fats. This reduces the level of cholesterol. Normal cholesterol concentration is a factor that contributes to the reduction of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels.
People who consume enough products containing Omega-3, according to statistics, are less susceptible to infectious pathologies. This feature is largely due to the fact that this component is able to improve the functioning of the immune system. Moreover, the immunity is strengthened by the use of pumpkin oil containing Omega-3, in both men and women.
Pumpkin seed oils and tocopherol are rich. This biologically active substance in the people is often called the "vitamin of beauty and youth." Unfortunately, the rhythm of modern life often leads to the fact that in humans the concentration of tocopherol and other vitamins in the blood is significantly reduced. The danger of this situation is that with a long-lasting deficit, chronic diseases can form. The inclusion of pumpkin seed oil in the diet allows you to minimize the risk of these pathologies. However, in order to achieve, and subsequently and to preserve the achieved result, it is necessary to use pumpkin seed oil in food systematically.
Contains fragrant oil product and antioxidants. Many years of research by scientists all over the world have proven that these components help to improve health indicators, as well as reduce the likelihood of developing various pathologies. People who consume enough antioxidant-rich foods every day tend to feel good and look younger than their years.
Another important component that is part of pumpkin seeds, are phospholipids. They have a very complex chemical composition and play an important role in lipid metabolism. Phospholipids are necessary for nerve cells, as they are an integral part of cell membranes and have a beneficial effect on the functioning of neurons (nerve cells) as a whole.
Another important role of phospholipids is participation in the transfer of fatty acids and cholesterol. Inadequate intake of these components with food leads to disruption of metabolic processes in cells, which can lead to lipid metabolism pathologies.
In addition to phospholipids, other fatty components are present in the product. So, it contains linoleic, stearic and palmitic acid. These substances have a beneficial effect on the work of the nervous system, and also contribute to improving skin tone.These fatty acids are also necessary for good digestion, as they have a positive effect on the functioning of the liver and gallbladder.
Pumpkin seed oil contains many vitamins. The product contains a complex of vitamins B and A, ascorbic acid, vitamin K. The mineral composition of the oil is really surprising.
It contains more than fifty different components, among which are the following:
- selenium;
- potassium;
- zinc;
- sodium;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus.
Oil, including pumpkin, can not be attributed to low-calorie foods. The high caloric content of such foods is largely due to their chemical composition, as well as the abundance of fatty acids. Thus, 100 g of this oil contains 897 kilocalories.
A large proportion of nutrients in the product are lipids - 99.6 g per 100 grams. Protein and carbohydrate oil does not contain. Such features of the chemical composition should be remembered by people who watch their weight. It is not necessary to consume oil from pumpkin seeds, not remembering the recommended dosages, as this may lead to the appearance of extra kilos.
Beneficial features
The benefits of pumpkin seed oil for the human body is enormous. The substances in the product help to reduce inflammatory processes in the body due to various pathological conditions. Also biologically active components contribute to the acceleration of cell regeneration (recovery).
The systematic use of oil from pumpkin seeds contributes to the normalization of the immune system, as well as an increase in the body's resistance to various infections. Even a small portion of the oil product per day is a good prevention of many viral and bacterial diseases.
Pumpkin oil contains a huge number of components that favorably affect the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The fatty acids that make up this product create a special “film” in the intestines, which helps to facilitate the gliding of food through the intestines. Also, these components help to heal minor erosions or ulcers, which were formed as a result of various diseases on the walls of the digestive tract.
Motility of the intestine under the influence of the components that make up the pumpkin oil, gradually normalizes. Such an effect leads to the fact that the chair becomes more regular. Considering the peculiarity of this effect on the body, pumpkin seed oil should be eaten by people who experience difficulties with daily bowel movement.
Fatty components, antioxidants and phospholipids, which are part of the pumpkin oil, contribute to the normalization of liver cells. The special chemical composition of the oil contributes to the improvement of bile formation. Under the influence of components present in pumpkin oil, bile flow through the bile ducts is also improved. This action is a good prevention of various pathologies, accompanied by stagnation of bile.
The use of pumpkin oil helps reduce edema. Unfortunately, many people have a penchant for pastose. The causes of edema on the body can be many. One of them is a violation of the flow of lymph and lymphostasis. The use of pumpkin oil is an excellent prevention of these pathological conditions.
It has this unique product and antitoxic action. Residents of industrial cities daily inhale vapors of polluted air, which contains many hazardous substances. The use of pumpkin oil triggers processes in the body that are aimed at removing dangerous and radioactive components from it.
Promotes pumpkin seed oil and improve metabolic processes in the body. Thus, the use of this product improves the metabolic rate as a whole, which leads to an improvement in health and general condition.With age, the metabolism changes, which leads to the fact that the risk of various diseases increases significantly. The use of pumpkin oil helps to minimize the likelihood of the development of these pathological conditions.
Since ancient times, pumpkin seeds have been used to treat diseases caused by worms. These diseases can occur in both adults and children. Dealing with helminthic invasion can be quite difficult. Doctors for the treatment of such diseases prescribe special medications, many of which have a range of side effects and are rather poorly tolerated.
In pumpkin seeds there are components that can have an adverse effect on helminths. Under the influence of these substances, their vital activity in the intestine is disturbed, which leads to a gradual cleansing of the body from "uninvited guests."
Affects positively pumpkin seed oil and respiratory organs. So, experts of traditional medicine recommend to use this product for bronchitis of various etiologies and even for pneumonia, accompanied by a strong cough. They note that the composition of the oil contains substances that contribute to the easy discharge of sputum and the rehabilitation of the bronchial tree.
Interestingly, pumpkin seed oil has a number of specific features of the impact on both female and male body. Men and women can use this oil product both for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes.
For women
Specialists of traditional medicine note that pumpkin oil is an excellent product that can be safely included in the diet of the fair sex. The peculiarity of the oil product is that it can be used both for the purpose of treating any gynecological diseases and for their prevention.
It is believed that regular intake of pumpkin oil helps reduce the risk of developing tumors and even malignant tumors in the body. Women who are at high risk for the development of cancer pathologies of the reproductive system should definitely include pumpkin seed oil in their diet.
The uniqueness of the product lies in the fact that it can be used at almost any age. Thus, in women of reproductive age, systematic intake of pumpkin oil will help reduce the negative manifestations of premenstrual syndrome and reduce pain in the days of menstruation. Also, with regular use of pumpkin oil, the duration of the menstrual cycle gradually normalizes. Thus, cycles become more regular, and delays in the “arrival” of menstruation are less and less common.
Use pumpkin seed oil can be and women of mature age. Specialists of traditional medicine note that the use of this product helps to reduce the subjective climacteric sensations. The onset of menopause in the use of pumpkin oil flows more calmly, without a strong change in health and general condition.
Women who take pumpkin oil systematically, the likelihood of infertility is significantly reduced. The inclusion of this food in the menu allows you to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic diseases of the reproductive organs. The combination of pumpkin oil with other foods that are rich in nutrients for the female body, can significantly enhance the effect.
Pumpkin seed oil helps keep skin young. It is no coincidence that these products have been using beauties for many years in preparing masks and other cosmetics at home. The mask with the addition of pumpkin oil nourishes the skin with vitamins, which leads to an improvement in its appearance. The skin tone is normalized, and it looks more youthful and radiant.
Suitable pumpkin oil and nails. This product can be used to soften the cuticle during a manicure. It is not necessary to rub a lot of oil into the periungual roller, as even one small drop will be enough for processing one nail. Such oil procedures are especially indicated for women suffering from severe brittle nails. Rubbing oil into the nail plate contributes to its growth.
For men
Pumpkin seed oil should definitely be included in your diet and the stronger sex. The abundance of active ingredients in this product helps to improve the performance of men's health. Thus, with regular intake of pumpkin oil, the risk of developing chronic diseases of the prostate gland is somewhat reduced.
Eating oil is also a good prevention of various neoplasms and tumors in the reproductive organs. Specialists in traditional medicine note that regular consumption of pumpkin oil helps to improve potency and even increase libido.
Chronic diseases of the genitourinary system in men, unfortunately, are recorded in urological practice more often. Doctors say that preventing the development of prostate adenoma is much easier than subsequently treating this pathology. Diet plays an important role in the prevention of this disease. The inclusion of pumpkin oil in the menu helps to reduce the risk of inflammation in the prostate, which contributes later to its good functioning.
Doctors note with regret that the proportion of smokers among the male population is quite high. The consequences of this bad habit for the body are sad. According to statistics, smoking men significantly increases the risk of thrombosis of blood vessels. This pathology often leads to a heart attack.
To reduce the toxic effects of tar and nicotine contained in cigarettes, you can use a properly selected food system. Its essential component should be pumpkin oil. It contains a whole range of active substances and antioxidants, which have an anti-toxic effect. It should be noted that the use of oil from pumpkin seeds can only reduce the negative effects of toxic products contained in cigarettes, but does not exclude it.
Men who have already got rid of this bad habit, pumpkin seed oil is also shown. The use of this oil product will help get rid of toxins that remain in the body due to prolonged smoking. Also, the substances contained in pumpkin oil will contribute to the regeneration of the walls of blood vessels that have been damaged as a result of prolonged exposure to nicotine and various tar contained in cigarettes.
Contraindications
Pumpkin oil, though it is a very useful product, but in some cases can cause harm to the body. The presence of active components that can affect the functioning of the body, does not allow this product to be used in certain pathologies. So, after drinking pumpkin oil may be allergic. Allergic rash on the pumpkin is extremely rare in medical practice, but isolated cases are still registered.
Allergies can manifest themselves in different ways. Someone on the skin appear red spots, and someone complains of sudden swelling of the larynx or face. If any signs of allergy appear, seek medical attention immediately. You should not only consult with the doctor about what to do to stop allergies, but also about whether you can eat pumpkin in the future. As a rule, when establishing an allergy to a product, it is immediately excluded from the diet.
Some diseases of the skin, occurring in a chronic form, may also become contraindications for the consumption of pumpkin oil. So, the intake of this oil product may trigger new eruptions of eczema or psoriasis.
You should not eat pumpkin seed oil and add it to various dishes and people who have individual intolerance to pumpkin. Usually this condition is detected after a single use of vegetables in food. A person who has an individual intolerance to pumpkin, after drinking pumpkin oil, may experience a severe pain attack in the stomach, as well as vomiting or increase in body temperature.
Pumpkin seed oil is also contraindicated for people suffering from gallstone disease or chronic calculous cholecystitis. The oil product contains many fatty components that contribute to the enhancement of bile excretion in the bile ducts. If any calculi (stones) prevent the outflow of bile, then an extremely dangerous condition may occur. In such a situation, immediate transportation to the hospital may be necessary for emergency treatment.
People suffering from diarrhea should not eat pumpkin seed oil. The fact is that in the oil product in large quantities there are active ingredients that are able to stimulate the bowels. Such an effect can cause increased diarrhea and even lead to severe pain in the lower abdomen.
Extreme caution should be used this product to people who have any chronic pathology of internal organs. In order not to harm your body, they better consult about the possibility of including pumpkin oil in the menu with a gastroenterologist.
Rules of application
When using oil from pumpkin seeds be sure to remember about the dosage. Often, undesirable symptoms occur when a person has eaten too much oil. Remember when taking this oil product should be about the frequency of use. As a rule, pumpkin seed oil is taken 2-3 times a day. However, such recommendations and instructions are indicative.
Individual reaction in the use of oil can be absolutely any. That is why when taking this product, especially for a long time, you should definitely monitor your own well-being. So, if, against the background of his reception, a person began to be bothered by constant nausea, then in that case the multiplicity and quantity of the product used should be reconsidered. In case of violation of the stool, pain in the epigastrium and below the navel, increase in general weakness, you should temporarily refuse to accept pumpkin seed oil and consult with your doctor.
Take pumpkin seed oil can be both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The average daily dosage is 50-60 ml of oil per day. Intentionally increasing this amount is not worth it, as it may contribute to the development of undesirable symptoms. Reviews of people who took pumpkin seed oil in large quantities indicate that, against the background of such intake, constant nausea and a feeling of heaviness in the liver began to disturb them.
Consume the use of pumpkin oil for constipation, three times a day, 15 ml. The first intake must be on an empty stomach. If desired, the oil can be washed down with a small amount of water. When treating constipation with pumpkin oil, be sure to keep an eye on the stool. If it has become liquid and speeded up, then the amount of oily product should be reduced.
You can drink pumpkin oil and for the treatment of chronic diseases of the digestive system. So, for the treatment of gastritis oil should be taken 4-6 ml 2-3 times a day. Such treatment must necessarily be combined with a proper diet, which excludes all spicy, fatty and fried foods.
Use pumpkin seed oil can be for weight loss. To return slimness, it is necessary to use an oil product on 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day. The course of such a "treatment" should be at least a month. Lose weight only by using pumpkin oil will not succeed.Reception of the oil product must be combined with proper nutrition and exercise
Pumpkin seed oil is also suitable for the treatment of prostate adenoma. To restore the work of the prostate gland to drink this oil product should be 1 tbsp. l twice a day. It should be noted that it can be used not only for the treatment of prostatitis, but also for the prevention of prostate and testicle pathologies.
For preventive purposes, men should eat 1 tbsp. l pumpkin oil per day. The course of prevention should be at least 1.5-2 months. After six months, such prevention can be repeated.
Helps oil product from the pumpkin and in the treatment of cystitis. Both women and men can face this insidious disease. To improve the work of the bladder and reduce the inflammatory process in it can be with the help of pumpkin oil. To do this, drink 2 tsp. daily for three weeks.
Helps pumpkin seed oil and in the treatment of helminthic invasions. So, in order to cure worms and intestinal parasites, pumpkin seed oil should be drunk per tsp. half an hour before meals. The course of this therapy is usually 2-3 weeks. After carrying out such treatment, it is necessary to re-analyze and determine the presence of parasite eggs in the feces.
Prevention of helminthic diseases is also extremely important. Pumpkin seed oil can help protect against these diseases. For prophylactic purposes, the oil product should be consumed by 1 tsp. in the morning on an empty stomach. Preventive course is shorter than curative. Its duration is only 7-10 days.
Pumpkin oil is a unique natural product that is used not only in traditional medicine, but also used in cosmetology. So, it can be used for the manufacture of masks for hair and face, as well as to strengthen the nails. After a course of cosmetic masks, the skin becomes more hydrated and radiant, and the nails are less exfoliated and grow faster.
Pumpkin oil is allowed to be consumed during pregnancy. However, when incorporating this product into your diet, expectant mothers should always be careful. It is better to first consult with your doctor.
Today there are many different types of pumpkin oil. The forms of its release also vary. More often pumpkin oil is produced in dark glass bottles. Dark glass helps to reduce the risk of negative sunlight exposure to the oily product when it is stored.
People who do not like the taste of pumpkin oil, suitable special capsules. Drinking them is very convenient. In this case, the manufacturers of these products must indicate on the labels the instructions for use, where they prescribe the multiplicity and number of capsules per course of treatment.
How to cook?
If desired, you can make pumpkin oil and home. At home, it turns out to be a fragrant and healthy product. Immediately, we note that the preparation of such an oily product does not suit people who do not like to mess around with products for a long time. In order to make oil at home, it will take a lot of patience and free time.
Three kilograms of pumpkin seeds must be washed, thoroughly dried and milled. Next, the ground mass should be heated with a small amount of water in a frying pan with thick walls. After this, the mass must be pressed through with the press The resulting liquid will be a homemade oil product.
Technology cooking pumpkin oil at home is quite complicated. So, too long heating can lead to the fact that the finished product will be very bitter. The consistency of homemade oil is also significantly different from the shop. It is usually slightly less viscous.
There is an alternative method of cooking oil from pumpkin at home. To do this, the prepared seeds should be ground in small portions in a mortar.The resulting oily liquid must be poured into a glass container and put in a cool place.
Storage features
Pumpkin oil is best kept in a glass dark dish. In this case, there is a greater chance that the taste properties of the product will not be spoiled.
When storing the oil should be observed and temperature. It is better preserved in a cool or cold place. Storage at high temperatures may cause the product to become too bitter and lose its beneficial properties.
When storing an oily product purchased from a store or pharmacy, strictly follow the instructions on the packaging of the product. Manufacturers must indicate at what temperature it is better to store the product, as well as how long it can be consumed from an uncorked bottle. When storing, do not forget to follow the expiration dates.
For the benefits and harm of pumpkin seed oil, as well as how to take it properly, see the following video.