Pumpkin seed oil is one of the world's oldest, tastiest, and healthiest known. Its homeland is Central and South America. There is evidence that it was used for eating 7 thousand years BC. Today it is an indispensable part of gourmet cuisine.
The special thing is that it has turned from a South Austrian regional specialty into a superfood. Styria's climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean and the Pannonian region. A curious fact is that Styrian producers produce about 3 million liters of pumpkin oil per year and offer it not only in Austria but also in the USA, Australia, and China.
And there is a reason: it is preferred precisely because of its many beneficial properties. Pumpkin seed oil is versatile and very useful. It was originally used for medicinal purposes in Europe, most often pharmacists used it in the preparation of various healing creams.
Pumpkin seed oil is indeed experiencing a kind of revolution in interest in it. Nowadays, it is also a livelihood for many farmers. To prepare 1 liter of pumpkin seed oil, 2.5 kg. of pumpkin seeds are needed. This also determines its higher price.
Real pumpkin seed oil has a light nutty aroma (not oily), a thick consistency, and a specific dark green color, but Styrian oil has a slightly red tint.
It is essential to use it correctly: it is ideal for flavoring dressings, salads, marinades, sauces, and cold appetizers, and for hot dishes, it is good to add it immediately before serving, for example in soups.
A classic is a flavored bread with pumpkin butter. For example, vanilla ice cream drizzled with pumpkin butter is considered a delicacy.
Proper use and storage:
Like olive oil and rapeseed oil, pumpkin oil should not be mixed with others, heated, or used for frying, baking, or cooking. When heated, the bitter substances in it come to the fore, making it practically unusable. In addition, some substances hazardous to health, such as Acrolein, are formed, and therefore it is best to throw away pumpkin oil after heating.
It is no coincidence that it is also available in dark bottles. Sunlight is not good for it. Store it in a dark and dry place. None of the oils like light, heat, and oxygen, i.e. you should close it well after opening the bottle and store it in a dry and cool place. The best storage temperature is around 18C. If the pumpkin oil has been opened for a long time, you can do a smell test: if it has become spicy, tart, and also rancid, do not use it under any circumstances, but throw it away immediately!
Health Benefits:
The usefulness of pumpkin seed oil is because it contains 80 percent unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, it has a positive effect on cholesterol levels. It is rich in vitamin E, selenium, and linoleic acid, which improve the functioning of the heart and blood supply and protect the body from free radicals. For this reason, it is recommended as a means of preventing strokes and heart attacks. Pumpkin seed oil also contains zinc, magnesium, and calcium.
According to a study, it is very suitable for people who have prostate and bladder problems. With its beneficial antioxidant properties, it supports the immune system and is also suitable against various inflammations in the body. With regular use, pumpkin seed oil can slow down the aging process of cells.
An interesting fact is that 100 grams of pumpkin seed oil contains 535 mg of magnesium, which helps strengthen the vascular system.
It is also very suitable for diabetics, as it reduces the glycemic index and regulates blood sugar levels. The ingredient tryptophan is very useful in it. Our body can convert the amino acid into serotonin and melatonin. Thus, it helps to improve the quality of sleep and in case of problems with falling asleep.
Recommended daily dose:
It is recommended to consume 1-3 tablespoons of pumpkin seed oil daily. This is equivalent to about 30 grams of pumpkin seeds.
Cosmetics Application:
Anyone who wants to do something good for their skin can make a sugar or salt peel with it. To do this, mix pumpkin seed oil with sugar or salt to make a thick mixture. Apply to the skin in circular motions. This way you remove dead cells and the skin becomes nice and smooth again.
You can also use the oil to treat and strengthen your hair every week. After bathing, you should leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.
Another way to apply it is to rub it into your hair 1-2 times a week by massaging your scalp before washing your hair. Let it act for at least 10-15 minutes. Studies show that it works well for hair loss and incipient baldness. The vitamin E content in it stimulates hair growth and strengthens the hair structure.
