Pumpkin seeds have been used in folk medicine for a long time. We dug deeper to see what our ancestors saw in the seeds.
Today there are several scientific studies that confirm the beneficial properties of pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil.
Pumpkin seeds contain a long list of valuable substances. They are most known for their fatty acid, zinc, magnesium and anti-oxidative substance content.
Here are 8 amazing health benefits:
1. Great source of Omega-3 fatty acids
We know that omega-3 together with omega-6 are essential fatty acids that need to be obtained from food. The desired ratio for these two fatty acids is 2:5. Today an average American consumes them in ratio of 1:16.This is clearly out of proportion and we should add some extra omega-3 to our average diets.
Pumpkin seeds contain alpha-linoleic acid, which is plant based omega-3 source. It is perfectly suitable for vegans, who do not get their omega-3 from fish products.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for boosting brain function, improving artery health and fight bad cholesterol.
2. Glowing skin
Pumpkin seed oil contains a great amount of zinc. Zinc plays a key role in skin and hair health. It helps to repair damaged tissues, heal wounds and assists in proper structure of cell membranes and proteins. Zinc is very beneficial for problematic skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. It also protects against UV-radiation. Studies have shown that some extra zinc in diet has had beneficial effects on acne-prone skin.
3. Improved cardiovascular and heart health
Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of magnesium that is very important mineral for several functions in the body. Including heart pumping and blood vessel relaxation. Magnesium has shown to reduce blood pressure and help to prevent sudden heart-related issues. Yet around 80% of Americans are magnesium deficient.
4. Lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels
A study on 35 post-menopausal women showed significant reduction in blood pressure after administering pumpkin seed oil over a 12-week period. The same study showed reduction in bad cholesterol levels over the same period of time.
5. Strong hair
Vitamins A, E and K found in pumpkin seeds help to make hair shinier and boost their strength.
6. Anti-inflammatory properties
Pumpkin seeds have shown anti-inflammatory properties and in addition to being beneficial for skin, it has been used as a support in arthritis treatment.
7. Prostate protection
Pumpkin seeds have been very valued for men’s health. This is again mainly due to high zinc content since zinc is very important mineral for good prostate health.
8. Restful sleep
Pumpkin seeds are rich source of tryptophan – an amino acid that is converted into serotonin by your body. This in turn is converted into melatonin, which is known as the sleep hormone. It plays critical role in regulating your sleep/wake cycle.
Magnesium, mentioned previously, is also important for good night sleep. It is known to help your body to relax.
As you learned, pumpkin seed oil has many health benefits and it can solve many common-day problems. NutriONN offers the highest quality Pumpkin Seed Oil available. CLICK HERE to take a look at our product.
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