Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair Loss, A study found that when men took 400 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil per day (in capsule form) for 24 weeks, they saw an increase in hair growth. Those who took pumpkin seed oil saw a 40 percent increase in hair count, whereas men who took a placebo saw a 10 percent increase in hair count.
Relief of Menopausal Symptoms
A pilot study conducted on 35 menopausal women found that those who took pumpkin seed oil (rather than wheat germ oil) experienced increases in HDL cholesterol, a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, and fewer menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, and joint pain.
Overactive Bladder Relief
A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that when study participants consumed pumpkin seed oil as an extract for 12 weeks, they found relief from overactive bladder symptoms.
Pumpkin seed oil is a versatile product that can be used in a variety of different recipes. Makers of the oil recommend using it in salad dressings (combined with apple cider vinegar and salt), marinades, drizzled over pasta or roasted vegetables, mixed into dips or creamy salads like potato salad. Some even recommend pouring a small amount of pumpkin seed oil over ice cream. The nutty flavor of the oil imparts a unique taste that some prefer as a treat.
However, according to health sources, the cooking oil is not stable at higher temperatures. Pumpkin seed oil has a smoke point of 320°F or lower, so it should not be used for frying, sautéing, stir frying, or other forms of cooking.
To store pumpkin oil, keep it in a cool cupboard, away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is often recommended after opening. If you do refrigerate the product, bring it to room temperature before you use it. When stored properly, pumpkin oil can last for up to two years.
Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, et al. “Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:549721
Gossell-williams M, Hyde C, Hunter T, et al. “Improvement in HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women supplemented with pumpkin seed oil: pilot study.” Climacteric. 2011;14(5):558-64
Morrison MC, Mulder P, Stavro PM, et al. “Replacement of Dietary Saturated Fat by PUFA-Rich Pumpkin Seed Oil Attenuates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Atherosclerosis Development, with Additional Health Effects of Virgin over Refined Oil.” PLOS One September 25, 2015
Nishimura M, Ohkawara T, Sato H, Takeda H, Nishihira J. “Pumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive Bladder.” J Tradit Complement Med. 2014;4(1):72-4.
