Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits
Including pumpkin seed oil in your daily menu can bring a number of benefits to the body. In any case, you must follow a varied and balanced diet to enjoy these benefits.
According to studies, regular consumption of this type of oil could contribute to:
- Decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases
The healthy fats and phytosterols in pumpkin seed oil can help reduce elevated serum cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, it could increase the level of "good" or HDL cholesterol, with a cardioprotective effect.
Also, the compounds in this oil could improve the function of blood vessels, reducing their stiffness. This can help prevent high blood pressure.
Increasing the consumption of mono- and polyunsaturated lipids, to the detriment of saturated ones, is associated with a decrease in the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Supporting the health of the urinary system
Pumpkin seed oil can be useful as an adjuvant in urinary system disorders. It seems that it might reduce the symptoms of overactive bladder. In a study conducted on 45 people, the results were felt after the daily administration of 10 grams of oil, for 12 weeks.
- Improvement of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) can be improved by daily use of pumpkin seed oil. It was observed that the administration of the oil for 3 months improves the urinary flow and the quality of life in these patients.
- Improvement of glycemic control
The consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids at meals, especially Omega-6 linoleic acid, is associated with improving blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, as well as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Linoleic acid is the most abundant type of fatty acid in pumpkin seed oil.
Pumpkin seed oil used as a dietary supplement or applied topically long-term may improve hair growth. Thus, the product can be useful for people who face hair loss problems.