Introducing pumpkin seed oil to your diet
Pumpkin seed oil is a healthy, tasty alternative to olive oil that goes perfectly with soups, salads or dessert dishes. Whether you’re sprinkling it on for the delicious flavour or using it for the multiple possible health benefits, it will bring variety and taste to your diet.
But what exactly is the oil? What are the health and taste benefits compared to ordinary oils? In this article, we’ll aim to find the answers to these questions.
What is pumpkin seed oil?
The precious oil is extracted from pumpkin seeds which have been roasted and pressed to make a rich and unique dark-green-coloured oil. It is often drizzled on desserts or salads for the added flavour and many health benefits it provides.
It has a rich flavour similar to roasted walnuts, and is a highly beneficial addition to any dessert food. At The Pumpkin House, our 100% Pumpkin Seed Oil is free of chemicals and pesticides. Every bottle is made with pumpkin seeds from the area of Styria, renowned for its traditional methods of production and highly nutritional seeds. Made only from the highest-quality material, and is full of essential vitamins and minerals.
History of pumpkin seed oil
The oil has been produced in parts of Eastern Europe for around 300 years, and considered a delicacy in places such as Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania and Styria. Styrian pumpkin seeds are highly regarded for their natural flavour and superiority; Gardens Illustrated explains that Styrian pumpkins evolved to produce seeds without shells, making the collection process easier and more natural as each pumpkin can produce 400-700 shells. After collection, the seeds are cooled and stored until they can be pressed. This occurs when they are “milled and mixed with water and a little salt to help release the oil from the seeds and the fat from the proteins.”
Benefits
It’s rich with vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, while containing no carbohydrates. The fats in the oil are polyunsaturated, the kind of good fats which can help in lowering bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. The tryptophan nutrient found in the oil has been linked to promote better sleep and reduce anxiety, and it is also rich in zinc, protein and fibre to help provide a healthy, delicious eating experience.
A Journal of Medicinal Food study from 2012 and a Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition study in 2014 have suggested that pumpkin seed oil can lower your blood sugar and improve the flow of blood to your heart, effects which are highly beneficial to heart health.
The oil can even have positive benefits when not used as part of your diet. Healthy Focus suggests pumpkin seed oil can be beneficial when used as a moisturiser for skin because of its high concentration of Vitamin E and natural antioxidants. Healthline cites studies which demonstrate that pumpkin seed oil can have a positive effect on mental health, heart health, lowering blood pressure, and prostate/urinary tract health.
The uses of the oil
Foods For Better Health advises against using pumpkin seed oil for frying, noting that when it is heated, the taste and beneficial ingredients can be lost. Pumpkin seed oil is mainly used as a dressing or marinade, being especially well suited to salads, soups or sweet foods.
As you can see, pumpkin seed oil has a truly impressive variety of potential positive effects on top of being a great addition to any diet. The high amount of nutrients and vitamins in pumpkin seed oil make it a healthier alternative to other oils, although we recommend consulting with a doctor to see how pumpkin seed oil might work in conjunction with other medication.
Pumpkin seed oil is a delicious, healthy alternative to ordinary oils which can be used in a myriad of ways to improve your diet, your health or your day. At The Pumpkin House we pride ourselves on giving you the best, most nutritious and tastiest of this oil. Buy a bottle and try this healthier alternative today.
