John Myers
Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil have a positive effect on blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. The ingredients can normalize cholesterol levels and even help with hereditary hair loss.
The pumpkin is considered a healthy vegetable for autumn and winter. Its pulp can be used in many ways – in both sweet and savory dishes. But it is precisely the particularly valuable parts of the pumpkin that often end up being thrown away carelessly during preparation: the pumpkin seeds. They are full of valuable ingredients such as linoleic acid, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, and E.
Pumpkin seeds have a positive effect on blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Roasted pumpkin seeds are particularly nutritious and make a good healthy snack, especially for people with type 2 diabetes because they have a very low glycemic index, which benefits blood sugar levels. 100 grams of pumpkin seeds contain around 559 kilocalories, a good 30 grams of protein, and almost 50 grams of fat, of which around 21 grams are polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid. Linoleic acid normalizes cholesterol levels and is even said to have a preventive effect against cancer.
Pumpkin seed oil supports falling asleep with tryptophan
Pumpkin seed oil is made from roasted pumpkin seeds and can help you fall asleep, among other things, because the seeds contain the amino acid tryptophan. From the protein building block, the body forms the messenger substance serotonin, a precursor of the sleep hormone melatonin. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-allergic properties, pumpkin seed oil is also used as a carrier oil in cosmetics. It keeps the skin supple and is suitable for both dry and oily skin. Pumpkin seed oil is also used for hair loss and nail care.
Phyto-sterols help with bladder and prostate problems
Herbal remedies made from pumpkin seed extract are recommended for men with bladder and prostate problems. The capsules contain secondary plant substances obtained from pumpkin seeds: so-called phytosterols. They are intended to alleviate symptoms such as increased urination or frequent bladder infections caused by benign prostate enlargement.
The substances selenium, zinc, and potassium also contained in pumpkin seeds also strengthen the bladder muscles and relieve irritation. Potassium also has a dehydrating effect. In addition, pumpkin seeds contain a lot of magnesium, about 535 mg per 100 g. Together with the phytosterols, the magnesium stabilizes the blood pressure.
Relief from hereditary hair loss
The phytosterols even seem to help against hereditary hair loss. A South Korean study showed that 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil in capsule form helped men with hereditary hair loss grow back their hair.
