Green Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seeds, or keri in Persian, have a long and rich history in Iran, playing a significant role in the country’s culture, cuisine, and traditional medicine

These tiny, nutritious seeds come from the pumpkin, which has been cultivated in Iran for thousands of years. The history of pumpkin seeds in Iran is intertwined with the history of the pumpkin itself, a crop that dates back to ancient civilizations. The fertile lands of Iran are excellent for pumpkins. 

Nutritional Profile

Iranian pumpkin seed oil is highly nutritious and offers numerous health benefits. With its rich content of healthy fats (especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), vitamins (particularly Vitamin E), minerals (such as magnesium and zinc), and antioxidants, it supports heart health, skin health, hormonal balance, and immune function. Its high antioxidant content also makes it beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall well being. 

 

Vitamins:

• Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that supports skin health and protects cells from damage.
• Vitamin K: Present in small amounts, important for blood clotting and bone health.

Minerals:

• Magnesium: Magnesium supports muscle function, nerve function, and bone health. It also helps regulate sleep and reduce muscle cramps.
• Zinc: Zinc plays a role in immune function, wound healing, and is crucial for maintaining a healthy prostate in men.
• Iron: Present in small amounts. Iron is important for the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
• Copper: Small amount, important for energy production and the formation of red blood cells.

Other Compounds:

• Phytosterols: Plant compounds that help lower cholesterol and support heart health.
• Antioxidants: Pumpkin seed oil contains tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E) and other antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
• Lignans: These are plant compounds that have been shown to support hormone balance and have potential anti-cancer properties.

Benefits

In Iran, pumpkin seeds have not only been valued for their taste but also for their medicinal properties. They’ve been used in Persian medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, thanks to their high nutritional content. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, magnesium, and essential fatty acids, and traditional healers have long recommended them for various health benefits.

1. Digestive Health: Pumpkin seeds are known for their ability to soothe the digestive system. They were often used in traditional Iranian remedies to alleviate constipation, promote healthy digestion, and reduce bloating.
2. Prostate Health: Pumpkin seeds have been regarded as a natural remedy for prostate problems, particularly in older men. Their high zinc content has made them a common part of Iranian traditional medicine for improving prostate function and reducing symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.
3. Parasite and Worm Removal: In Iranian folk medicine, pumpkin seeds have been used to treat intestinal parasites, particularly tapeworms. The seeds’ natural compounds are believed to help expel worms from the body.
4. Heart Health: The seeds’ high content of heart-healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, made them a key ingredient in traditional Iranian practices aimed at improving cardiovascular health. Pumpkin seed oil, extracted from the seeds, is known to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and support overall heart function.
5. Skin Health: Traditional Persian healers also valued pumpkin seeds for their benefits to the skin. Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, pumpkin seeds were often used to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy complexion.
6. Magnesium Content: Pumpkin seeds are also high in magnesium, a mineral known for its ability to help relax muscles and calm the nervous system. Magnesium has been shown to improve the quality of sleep, especially for people who have trouble falling or staying asleep. It’s often used as a natural sleep aid.
7. Zinc for Better Sleep: Zinc, another mineral found in pumpkin seeds, plays a role in the production of melatonin. Some studies suggest that zinc can help people sleep more soundly by improving melatonin levels in the body.
8. Promotes Relaxation: The combination of tryptophan, magnesium, and zinc in pumpkin seeds helps overall relaxation. This can help reduce anxiety and stress, which are common causes of insomnia.

 

Uses

Culinary Uses

• Salad Dressing: Pumpkin seed oil has a rich, nutty flavor that makes it an excellent base for salad dressings. You can mix it with vinegar or lemon juice and herbs to make a delicious dressing for greens and vegetables.
• Drizzling Over Dishes: This oil can be drizzled over cooked dishes like rice, stews, soups, or roasted vegetables to enhance flavor. It’s particularly popular as a finishing oil in Persian cuisine, adding depth to dishes such as kashk-e bademjan (eggplant dip) or ash reshteh (herb and noodle soup).
• Cooking: While pumpkin seed oil is typically used as a finishing oil to preserve its flavor and nutritional benefits, it can also be used for light sautéing or frying at moderate temperatures. Its nutty taste complements many Persian and Middle Eastern dishes.
• Baking: You can substitute other oils in baking with pumpkin seed oil to add a rich flavor to baked goods, especially those like bread or cookies.
• Smoothies: Add a tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil to smoothies for an extra nutritional boost. It blends well with fruits and vegetables, providing a creamy texture and nutty taste.

2. Skin and Hair Care:

• Skin: Pumpkin seed oil is often applied topically for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. Its high content of vitamin E and antioxidants makes it a great treatment for dry skin, eczema, and acne. It helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines by promoting skin elasticity.
• Hair: The oil is also used to support hair health. It is known to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss by nourishing the scalp and strengthening hair follicles. Regular use of pumpkin seed oil on the scalp can help improve hair thickness and shine.

3. Cosmetic and Beauty Uses

• Facial Oils and Serums: Pumpkin seed oil is a common ingredient in many skincare products due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be applied directly to the face as a facial oil or used as part of homemade skincare routines.
• Massage Oil: Used as a massage oil, pumpkin seed oil can help relax muscles and alleviate tension, especially in cases of muscle soreness or joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Lip Care: Its nourishing properties make pumpkin seed oil a popular addition to lip balms and moisturizers, helping to keep lips soft and prevent chapping.

4. Traditional and Folk Uses

• • Detoxification: In some Iranian and Middle Eastern folk medicine practices, pumpkin seed oil is considered a natural detoxifier. It is thought to help cleanse the body of toxins, especially in the digestive system, and support liver health.

• Parasite Removal: Traditional remedies in Iran sometimes use pumpkin seed oil for expelling intestinal parasites. The oil is believed to help with deworming, especially in children.

5. Nutritional Supplement

• Daily Supplement: Some people consume pumpkin seed oil as a daily nutritional supplement, taking a teaspoon of the oil in the morning to benefit from its omega-3s, magnesium, and zinc. It supports overall health, boosts energy, and aids in immune function.