Pumpkin oil has been used by mankind since antiquity - this product is rich in a huge amount of various nutrients, as well as valuable vitamins and minerals. It is used for a variety of purposes, including as a universal medicine for many diseases. In this article we will examine in detail the main properties of pumpkin seed oil, and also describe how and for what purposes it is best used.

Chemical composition and calorie content

This product is considered one of the most concentrated food substances, it contains:

• vitamins - A, groups B, C, E, K, P, T;
• more than 50 trace elements - the largest percentage is accounted for by magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus and selenium;
• biologically active substances - chlorophylls, phospholipids, flavonoids, phytosterols, tocopherols, carotenoids;
• fatty acid - linoleic, linolenic, palmitic.

Derivatives of squeezed pumpkin seeds are considered one of the most high-calorie foods: 100 ml contains about 99.5 g of fat, which is about 900 kcal.

Did you know? In ancient times, pumpkin oil was often called "black gold." In addition to the rich dark color, 1 liter of this product was equal in value to the price of a gold ring weighing several grams.

Pumpkin Oil Properties

Pumpkin seeds are widely used by humans, while their concentrate is not familiar to many. It is a semi-viscous substance of a saturated dark shade. Like any other product, this oil has its advantages and disadvantages, which are important to get acquainted with before using.

Benefits for men and women

Pumpkin seed oil is used as a complex product that increases the tone of the whole body, but to this day, many do not know what it is good for health.

• The liquid has the following beneficial properties for men's health:
• restores the reproductive system and the healthy genesis of reproductive cells;
• normalizes the condition of the urinary organs and protects them from inflammation;
• has a hepatoprotective effect; normalizes the structure of blood vessels, as well as the work of the cardiovascular system;
• improves the liver and gall bladder;
• restores digestion, mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines;
• normalizes the acidity of the stomach;
• It has a mild laxative effect (for constipation).

• The main benefits of the product for the female body:
• stimulates the immune system and improves resistance against respiratory infections;
• maintains hormonal balance;
• improves the condition of the nervous system;
• It has a wound healing, bactericidal and anti-allergic effect;
• stimulates the production of skin collagen;
• relieves inflammation of the skin and eliminates pigmentation;
• has a rejuvenating effect.

Harm and contraindications

The product is absolutely safe for the body, so it can be used by both adults and children.

• But if consumption standards are not observed, it can cause the following side effects:
• digestive disorders;
• allergic reactions;
• flatulence.

Doctors do not exclude the harm of pumpkin seed concentrates with a variety of ailments. They can cause exacerbation of such diseases:

• calculous cholecystitis;
• cholelithiasis;
• diabetes;
• chronic diarrhea;
• gastritis;
• ulcerative erosion of the stomach and intestines.

Did you know? In the Old World, pumpkin first appeared only in the 16th century, with ships of Spanish discoverers. Until that time, over 5 thousand years, the vegetable was bred exclusively in South America - the tribes of local Indians.

How to take

Today, pumpkin oil has found its application in many fields. In addition to food and medical purposes, it is actively being introduced into the cosmetic industry. Thus, its derivatives help to comprehensively saturate the body with important elements. That is why the substance is actively used in industrial and domestic conditions as the main ingredient in all kinds of healing and nutritional products. Next, consider the instructions for using the most effective among them.

For the treatment of diseases

The medicinal properties of the product have been noted for a long time, however, in the last decade, derivatives of squeezed pumpkin seeds have undeservedly lost their popularity. With their help, you can successfully overcome many pathologies, not only quickly, but also safely.

With prostatitis

With prostatitis, the product contributes to:

• improvement of blood circulation in the prostate gland;
• reduction of inflammatory processes in the urinary and reproductive systems;
• activation of urine outflow;
• reduce pain.

It is shown with the following varieties of prostatitis:

• acute;
• chronic;
• asymptomatic
• stagnant.

Oil is used as the main drug for oral or local use. When taken orally, it is consumed on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before a meal, 2 tsp., No more than 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is 14 days.

When used locally, it is used for microclysters. To do this, 30 ml of oil is diluted in 100 ml of pure boiled water. This procedure is carried out once a day until the symptoms of prostatitis are completely eliminated, but not longer than 14 days. Often microclysters are changed to a compress: they moisten a cotton swab, which is placed in the rectum cavity for 15–20 minutes.

In case of liver dysfunction

During the active phase of various liver diseases, pumpkin seed oil helps to restore organ cells, reduce its swelling, and also eliminate inflammation. In addition, the product contributes to the activation of local immunity, aimed at protecting the liver from the negative effects of toxicants.

For medicinal purposes, it is used 3 times a day for 1 tsp. 45-60 minutes before meals for 14 days. After this, a break of 14 days is necessary in therapy, and then it is repeated again. To have a hepatoprotective and supportive effect on the liver, 50 ml of oil is mixed with 250 g of honey, half a head of garlic and 1 lemon (chopped). Use this mixture before each meal, but no more than 3 times a day.

Important! If medications with pumpkin oil cause heaviness in the liver or discomfort in the side, its dosage should be halved.

From worms

Derivatives of pumpkin contain a specific protein substance, cucurbitin, which has a toxic effect on helminths and other parasites. Due to this, even a short course of such therapy helps to remove about 80-90% of worms from the body. In this case, the tool does not have a negative effect on the body.

Take oil for 1 hour 30 minutes before meals, but no more than 3 times a day. The duration of such therapy is 2-3 weeks, after which a break should be made for the same period and the product should be taken again. If you have an aversion to pumpkin products, the oil can be used for microclysters: in this case, 20-50 ml of the liquid is diluted in 100 ml of water. The procedure is carried out at night, for 2 weeks.

In violation of potency

Pumpkin products have a positive effect on potency due to the high content of zinc, magnesium and biologically active substances, as well as vitamins. This contributes to the activation of metabolism, including reproductive function. Thanks to this, men have improved erectile ability, as well as spermatogenesis. With sexual dysfunction, oil is used on an empty stomach, 1 tbsp. 50-60 minutes before a meal. The duration of therapy is 1 month - if at the end of the period it did not give the expected results, the treatment is extended for 30-40 days.

With hemorrhoids

During the fight against hemorrhoids, derivatives of pumpkin seeds when applied topically:

• eliminate cracks;
• restore the mucous membrane of the rectum;
• relieve inflammation;
• normalize bowel function.

To combat this ailment, the product is used as part of microclysters. To do this, 15 ml of the drug is mixed with 50 ml of pure boiled water, and then the resulting liquid is injected into the rectum pre-purified with an aqueous enema. After the introduction of the mixture, you must definitely lie down and relax for 10-15 minutes - this will help to absorb the oil as efficiently as possible and protect yourself from unpleasant sensations. The duration of such treatment depends on the general condition of the body, but should not exceed 14 days.

With pancreatitis

Despite the fact that complex diseases such as pancreatitis require quite serious medications, it is possible to restore the pancreas by using derivatives of squeezing pumpkin seeds. They contribute to:

• blocking affected cells and their restoration;
• elimination of inflammatory processes;
• normalization of metabolism and metabolism;
• protect the pancreas from toxins.

To facilitate the course of pathology, the product is consumed 1 hour 30-40 minutes before a meal, but no more than 3 times a day. The duration of therapy is 14 days, if necessary, after consultation with a therapist, it is extended.During the use of the product, you should adhere to a special diet. Food must be:

• lean;
• slightly salted, without seasoning;
• carefully crushed (in the form of mashed potatoes);
• only boiled or stewed.

Important! Pumpkin seed oil is not used to treat acute pancreatitis. It contributes to the activation of bile flow, which negatively affects the pancreas.

For cosmetic purposes

All kinds of cosmetics, prepared at home, often include pumpkin, as well as derivatives of its seeds. Such cosmetic preparations help for a long time to forget about dry skin and hair, premature wrinkles and similar problems.

Hair masks

The most popular hair masks from derivatives of pumpkin seeds:

1. Means against hair loss and brittle hair - heat the oil in a water bath until it boils, cool it and rub it into the scalp with massage movements. Wrap your head with plastic wrap and then with a terry towel for 1 hour, then wash with warm water. This tool is used about 3 times a week until the condition of the hair improves.
2. Nourishing mask for the scalp - mix 1 tsp oil and 1 tsp. fresh garlic juice. Rub the mixture into the scalp, and rinse after 30-40 minutes. A noticeable improvement in the condition of the hair and scalp is achieved if the mask is used 3-4 times a week for 2 months.
3. Hair Growth Blend - Connect 2 tbsp. tablespoons of pumpkin, burdock, castor oil and 2 drops of bay oil. The mixture is applied to the curls and scalp, and then the head is wrapped with plastic wrap and a terry towel. In this form, the mask should be kept for at least 2 hours, and then rinse with warm water.

Face masks

The following products based on the described pumpkin product will help improve the condition of the skin of the face:

1. Moisturizing mask - Heat the oil in a water bath, and then apply for several minutes with rubbing movements on the face, neck and décolleté. Such a procedure is carried out at least 1-2 times a week.
2. Anti-aging mask - Mix 5 ml of pumpkin seed oil, 5 g of ascorutin and 15 g of potato starch. The mixture is applied to the steamed face overnight for 30-40 minutes, at least 3-4 times a week.
3. Anti-Acne Cleansing Mixture - consists of a mixture of 1 tbsp. pumpkin oil, 2 tbsp. cosmetic clay and 1 g of ground cinnamon. The resulting substance is applied to clean skin and incubated for about 25 minutes, and then washed off with a solution of warm water and wine vinegar (10: 1). Apply the mask daily or at least 3-4 times a week.
4. Mask for dry skin - combine 2 parts of oil, 1 tbsp. cocoa and 1/4 of the avocado pulp, and then mix thoroughly until smooth. The mask is applied to a clean face for 25-30 minutes, at least 4 days a week.

For weight loss

Although derivatives of squeezed squash seeds are high in calories, this product is considered one of the best remedies for weight loss. This is explained by the fact that its composition contains a huge amount of substances valuable to the body, contributing to:

• elimination of toxins;
• elimination of micronutrient deficiencies;
• increase metabolism;
• the release of subcutaneous fat.

The basic rules for using pumpkin oil for weight loss:

• it is consumed for 1 hour in the morning, on an empty stomach, 15–20 minutes before a meal;
• oil is used as dressing for fresh salads (not more than 0.5 tsp);
• add pumpkin fats of 0.5-1 hours to all kinds of dishes with fermented milk products;
• the product is used only in chilled form;
• for dietary purposes, use oil for no longer than 3 weeks.

Important! When heated, oil from pumpkin seeds instantly loses all the useful qualities - this should be remembered if you use the product for dietary purposes.

In cooking

Today, more and more derivatives of pumpkin seeds are widely used in cooking as a healthier and healthier alternative to sunflower oils. It is used as a dressing for fresh salads and other cold dishes, and sauces for vegetables, meat and fish are also prepared on its basis. Due to its rich taste, the product is also taken as the basis for the preparation of dressings for cereals and soups: such dishes differ not only in their unusual taste, but also in valuable nutrients and vitamins. In addition, this oil is one of the main ingredients in Austrian and German cuisines for preparing cold desserts from fruits and berries.

Basic rules for choosing a quality product

Pumpkin oil is quite an exotic product for many housewives, so its choice for many becomes difficult. When choosing a product, you must adhere to the following rules:

• oil should be squeezed out only in a cold way - in this case it will contain the maximum amount of nutrients;
• a quality product is always dark green in color; at low tide, its color can change to dark red or dark brown;
• the oil should be thick, homogeneous and not have a pungent odor;
• bitterness speaks of an expired product unsuitable for consumption;
• it is best to purchase the product in darkened containers, as it quickly deteriorates under the influence of ultraviolet light;
• any impurities of other oils in the product are prohibited.

How to store

In order to ensure long-term preservation of pumpkin seed oil, it should be stored:

• at a temperature not exceeding +18 ° C;
• in a place protected from sunlight;
• in a container with a tightly closed lid;
• after depressurization of the bottle - at a temperature of + 5–10 ° С.

Pumpkin oil is one of the most valuable and nutritious foods known to mankind. It makes it possible to saturate the body with valuable vitamins, minerals and biologically active substances. Thanks to this, in just a few weeks, the product helps to increase immunity, as well as eliminate the manifestations of many diseases. But for this he needs to create appropriate storage conditions, since pumpkin fats instantly lose their healing qualities under the influence of high temperatures, oxygen and ultraviolet radiation.