Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil (pronunciation: /ˈpʌmpkɪn siːd ɔɪl/) is a culinary specialty oil, noted for its strong, nutty flavor and rich, green color.
Etymology
The term "pumpkin seed oil" is derived from the English words "pumpkin", which comes from the Greek word "pepon" meaning "large melon", and "seed oil", which refers to the oil extracted from the seeds of a plant.
Production
Pumpkin seed oil is produced by pressing roasted, hulled pumpkin seeds, from a local variety of pumpkin, the "Styrian oil pumpkin" (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo var. 'styriaca'). The seeds are being roasted, pressed and then the oil is being filtered.
Uses
Pumpkin seed oil has a variety of culinary uses. It is often used in salad dressings, for drizzling over vegetables, in baking, and for sautéing. The oil is also used in traditional medicine for its supposed health benefits, including improving heart health, urinary health, and protecting against certain cancers.
Health Benefits
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in vitamin E, zinc, omega 3- and omega 6- fatty acids as well as antioxidants, therefore it has tremendous benefits for the skin in terms of retaining moisture, fighting free radicals and maintaining a youthful appearance. The high amounts of zinc and vitamin E also improve skin tone, help wounds heal more rapidly, fight acne and help with skin renewal.
Related Terms
- Cucurbita pepo: The species of pumpkin that the oil is most commonly derived from.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: A type of fat that is beneficial for heart health.
- Omega-6 fatty acids: A type of fat that is essential for brain function and normal growth and development.
- Vitamin E: A vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals.
- Zinc: A mineral that is important for the immune system and metabolism function.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pumpkin seed oil
- Wikipedia's article - Pumpkin seed oil
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