Luscious hair, beautiful skin, arthritis help, reproductive health and happy chemicals…
It’s the MIGHTY PUMPKIN
French Explorer, Jacques Cartier can be forgiven for the underwhelming name that fell from his lips in 1584 when he first set sight on a pumpkin in South America. “Gros Melons!” he cried. Which translated into “pompions” and then evolved into the modern day “pumpkin”.
Delve into this giant orange fruit to discover they’re more than a novelty decoration.
Skin Nourisher : Pumpkin seed oil is an excellent face massage oil owing to its Vitamin E, Omegas 3+6 and antioxidant content. These ingredients retain moisture, fight free radicals and give skin a more youthful appearance. The high levels of zinc in pumpkin oil improve skin tone and keep blemishes and acne at bay.
Luscious Hair : Pumpkin seed oil is rich in enzymes that inhibit 5 Alpha in the scalp, this is useful for men because too much 5 alpha can slow or stop hair growth. Applied to hair, the omega oils protect the hair follicle and help prevent split ends. Pumpkin seed oil is an excellent additive to hair care products intended for dry and damaged hair.
Arthritis help : Roasted pumpkin seeds are not just delicious, they are loaded with disease fighting antioxidants, rich in fibre and protein. A scholarly article by Cairo University published in Pharmaceutical Research demonstrates how pumpkin seed oil reduced inflammation and prevented free radical damage in animals with arthritis. The arthritis Foundation offer the following
Recipe to combat joint pain: Coat one cup of pumpkin seeds with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 2 drops of tabasco, season with salt and pepper and bake for 8 minutes.
Good for Prostate Health: Perhaps the most well-documented health benefit of pumpkin seed oil is its effectiveness in maintaining a healthy prostate. A study published in 2009 concluded pumpkin seed oil ( as well as saw palmetto oil) is clinically safe and may be effective as a complementary medicine treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (age related prostate enlargement). Research conducted in 2014 has shown that pumpkin seed oil can help reduce the size of an enlarged prostate.
Encourages Mental Well Being: Pumpkin seeds contain Tryptophan, an amino acid which is essential in creating the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that has a wide variety of functions in the human body . It is affectionately called the “happy hormone” because it contributes to our wellbeing and happiness.
With so much going for it, the pumpkin deserves to stay a little longer in our kitchens than the usual October guest appearance. Next time you’re scooping out the flesh for the novelty factor, pause before you discard.
Instead, reach for the recipe book – from soup to pie – I’m sure you can find a way to make the most of this nutritious and versatile fruit.
27th October 2020
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This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.