Pumpkin Seed Oil
Updated Mar. 04th, 2022
The essential fatty acids found in pumpkin seed oil are required in our diet more than any other vitamin, yet our bodies do not naturally produce them. They must be obtained from external sources in the food we eat. Pumpkin seed oil has been shown to improve skin, increase energy, maintain and improve men’s sexual health and optimize brain function.
Pumpkin seed oil is known to prevent and alleviate bladder and prostate problems, treat depression and learning disorders and prevent atherosclerosis.
Pumpkin seed oil contains 43% omega 6 fatty acids such as, linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and 16% omega 3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, which is considered an optimal ratio from a nutritional standpoint. In addition to the essential fatty acids pumpkin seed oil contains any vitamins and minerals including zinc, vitamin E and vitamin A. For more information on how the fatty acids, vitamins and minerals in pumpkin seed oil work see the articles on the individual nutrient.
Ensure your pumpkin seed oil supplement is not processed with heat because it damages the acids and creates free radicals. Some of the damaged fats turn into trans-fatty acids, which are well known for their promotion of cardiovascular disease. Refrigerate all liquid pumpkin seed oil supplements and keep capsules away from heat because they can become rancid. Using liquid pumpkin seed oil is more cost effective than capsules because numerous capsules must be taken to make an equivalent amount of liquid oil. Do not use pumpkin seed oil for cooking or frying.