*Pumpkin seed oil is edible vegetable oil extracted from roasted hulled pumpkin seeds and is a culinary specialty of some regions of the European Union.

*The color ranges from light green to dark red and has a rich nutty flavor and aroma.

*It is also called “green gold” because when it is mixed with yoghurt, it turns to a bright green color.

*The green pumpkin oil is extracted from the Styrian oil pumpkin, a local variety of pumpkin found in the regions of Austria that has green streaks on the skin and bright orange red flesh and dark green seeds that do not have a shell. Another variety of white pumpkin oil is produced from India and China.

*Used mainly as a salad dressing combined with apple cider vinegar and salt or honey or olive oil. Also used in the preparation of sauces, sausages and cakes.

*Heating destroys the nutritional value of pumpkin seed oil.

*Keeps well if stored properly away from light and heat in opaque bottles and does not need refrigeration.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, if it says ‘cold pressed’, as it is mechanically pressed under controlled conditions away from heat, light and oxygen. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Pumpkin seed oil has moderate amounts of saturated fats and good amounts of mono and polyunsaturated fats.

2. Oleic acid, the monounsaturated fat present in pumpkin seed oil, is good for the heart and they lower the LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in blood and maintain the HDL cholesterol.

3. Has good amounts of essential fatty acids, 47% of linoleic acid (omega-6) and nearly

0.5% of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), which are the precursors of prostaglandins, which are hormone like substances that have a variety of functions like contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles, control of blood pressure, pain and inflammatory response, etc in humans and animals.

4. Alpha-linolenic acid promotes a healthy heart, reduces hypertension, reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases and cancers, acts as a blood thinner and prevents the formation of clots and improves depression.

5. Linoleic acid is also responsible for burning the brown fat in the body for heat rather than storing as white fat. Thus, pumpkin seed oil also aids in weight loss and its maintenance.

6. Has very high amounts of vitamin E and other natural antioxidants and phytosterols, which fight against the free radicals in the body, preserve the integrity of the cell membranes and reduce the risk of heart diseases, cancers and other degenerative disorders.

7. In German folklore, pumpkin seed oil is taken internally to treat irritable bowel syndrome and along with castor oil is used to treat worm infestations.

8. It is also known to prevent and alleviate symptoms of bladder and prostate problems.

9. Prevents the formation of kidney stones and improves the function of kidneys.

10. It is believed to reduce the risk and alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and improve prostate health.

11. Has good amounts of zinc and it improves the wound healing and enhances the immunity in the body.