Pumpkin seed oil is a common cooking oil and supplement.
In addition to being an incredibly versatile ingredient, pumpkin seed oil boasts a rich flavor and vibrant red-orange hue.
The pumpkin seed oil has many benefits and can be a great addition to a healthy, well-rounded diet.
This article takes an in-depth look at pumpkin seed oil’s potential health benefits and downsides, along with how you can add it to your diet.
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What is pumpkin seed oil?
Also sometimes referred to as pepita oil, the pumpkin seed oil is an oil extracted from pumpkin seeds.
It’s widely used as a cooking oil and has a unique, nutty flavor that works well in many delicious recipes.
It’s also sold as a supplement in convenient, easy-to-use capsules and can even be found in many hair masks and serums.
Additionally, it has been associated with many impressive health benefits and contains various essential nutrients.
Summary: Pumpkin seed oil is derived from pumpkin seeds. It’s often used in cooking, as a supplement, or applied to the hair.
Pumpkin seed oil nutrition
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in heart-healthy fats.
A 1-tablespoon (15-mL) serving of pumpkin seed oil provides 14 grams of fat, most of which are from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.
Pumpkin seed oil is particularly rich in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that may be associated with improved heart health and blood sugar management.
Additionally, pumpkin seed oil contains many antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols and carotenoids, which may help protect against inflammation and chronic disease.
Summary: Pumpkin seed oil is a good source of antioxidants and heart-healthy fats like linoleic acid.
Benefits of pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil has been linked to several potential health benefits.
Pumpkin seed oil may support urinary tract health
Pumpkin seed oil supplements are often used to promote prostate health.
They seem to be especially useful for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can block the urine flow.
According to one older study in 47 men with BPH, taking 320 mg of pumpkin seed oil daily for 12 months reduced symptoms, improved quality of life, and increased urinary flow.
Some research suggests that pumpkin seed oil could also help treat other urinary tract issues.
For instance, one study of 45 people showed that consuming 10 grams of pumpkin seed oil daily for 12 weeks reduced symptoms of overactive bladder.
Pumpkin seed oil improves heart health
Several studies have found that pumpkin seed oil could benefit heart health.
In a tiny study of postmenopausal women, taking 3 grams of pumpkin seed oil daily led to significant improvements in blood vessel stiffness and function, which may help prevent high blood pressure.
Another 2011 study showed that pumpkin seed oil supplements increased HDL (good) cholesterol in 35 postmenopausal women.
Some older animal studies have observed similar findings, reporting that pumpkin seed oil may help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels while improving blood pressure.
However, more high-quality human studies are needed to determine how pumpkin seed oil may affect heart health among the general population.
Pumpkin seed oil could enhance hair growth
Pumpkin seed oil is sometimes used as a supplement or applied topically to support healthy hair growth.
In one study, 76 men with hair loss took 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil or a placebo daily for 24 weeks.
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At the end of the study, those who took pumpkin seed oil reported higher scores in hair loss improvements and had four times more hair growth than those in the control group.
Another small study found that pumpkin seed oil could also increase hair growth for women with hair loss when applied topically over a period of 3 months.
Similarly, one animal study showed that applying pumpkin seed oil topically increased hair growth in mice after 3 weeks.
Summary: Research suggests that pumpkin seed oil could help improve urinary tract health, enhance heart health, and increase hair growth.
Potential downsides of pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil is generally considered safe and has few side effects when used in moderation.
Although very rare, some people may be allergic to pumpkin seed oil and experience adverse symptoms after consuming or applying it to the skin.
If you notice any adverse symptoms after using pumpkin seed oil, you should discontinue use immediately and talk with your doctor.
You should also consult a healthcare provider before using pumpkin seed oil as a supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Summary: Pumpkin seed oil is generally considered safe but may cause an allergic reaction in some people. You should talk with your doctor before using pumpkin seed oil as a supplement.
How to use pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil has a rich, nutty taste and is often used as a cooking oil.
It works incredibly well as a component of salad dressings and marinades or when used as a finishing oil and drizzled over cooked dishes.
However, because it has a lower smoke point than other cooking oil, it may not be the best choice for recipes that require frying or sautéing.
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Pumpkin seed oil is also widely available as a supplement and can be purchased from many online retailers and natural health stores.
Although there’s no official recommended dosage for pumpkin seed oil, most products provide 1,000–2,000 mg per serving.
It’s also found in some hair products, which typically advise applying it to your scalp a few times per month.
To make your own hair mask at home, try mixing 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of pumpkin seed oil with an equal amount of coconut oil and massage it into your scalp.
Leave it on for at least 20–30 minutes or overnight before washing it with shampoo and conditioner.
Summary: Pumpkin seed oil can be used in many recipes or as a supplement. You can also try making your own hair mask at home by combining pumpkin seed oil and coconut oil and applying it to your scalp.
Summary
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
Animal and human studies have shown it can improve heart health, increase hair growth, and support urinary tract health.
It’s also very versatile and can be used as cooking oil, taken as a supplement, or combined with other oils and applied to the scalp.
