How to take pumpkin oil: benefits and harm to the body, instructions for use for various purposes
Pumpkin oil tops the list of products on the menu of healthy eating enthusiasts. There is a misconception that healthy food cannot be tasty. Oil from pumpkin seeds belongs to the category of products that are both healthy and tasty.
The scope of its use is not limited cooking. Its healing qualities have earned it recognition in the practice of traditional medicine and cosmetology. Read more about the properties and applications of this unique product in this article.
Pumpkin oil
Fragrant and pleasant to the taste, it is a leader among vegetable oils both in taste and chemical composition.
Composition and properties
Are you worried about rapid heartbeat, dizziness and shortness of breath even in the absence of physical activity? Is sleep disrupted due to sudden numbness in your arms or legs? Is your skin rapidly losing elasticity, your hair becoming dull, and your nails peeling? This is how the body reacts to an acute lack of B vitamins.
Pumpkin oil contains vitamins of this group:
- thiamine (B1) has an “invigorating” effect on the nervous system, maintains the tone of the heart muscle, and is responsible for the quality of brain processes;
- riboflavin (B2) promotes the reproduction of red blood cells and antibodies, participates in the processes of absorption of iron and oxygen by the body;
- folic acid (B9) regulates metabolic processes at the cellular level.
The vitamin series is also represented by ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which is responsible for the regeneration of body tissues, as well as vitamin E. The latter prevents early aging of cells, maintaining the elasticity of the mucous membranes, the firmness of the skin, the strength of the nails and the shine of the hair.
Biologically active substances (phytosterol, carotenoids, phospholipids and flavonoids) complement the beneficial properties of pumpkin oil with antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
It contains all the minerals that are important for the body: iron, copper, manganese, cobalt, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, sulfur. The presence of such difficult-to-replenish elements as iodine, selenium and fluorine deserves special attention. It is difficult to find another product in our diet with similar beneficial properties.
Harm and benefit
The only quality that calls into question the absolute usefulness of pumpkin oil is its high calorie content. In terms of the level of kilocalories it contains (896 per 100 g), it surpasses even butter (747 kcal per 100 g). However, one should not rush to conclusions.
Fats perform important functions in ensuring the vital functions of the body: when broken down, they supply the body with energy, nourish brain cells, and form cell membranes. About 80% of the daily requirement in the diet of an adult (at the rate of 1 g per 1 kg of weight) is made up of vegetable oils.
Abuse of animal products increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke) and malignant tumors.
Taken together, the beneficial qualities of pumpkin seed oil determine its healing effect on the body:
- restoration of metabolism;
- strengthening the immune and nervous systems;
- removal of toxins;
- decreased blood pressure;
- normalization of the gastrointestinal tract.
Use for various diseases
Pumpkin seed oil is used not only for preventive purposes, but also in the treatment of many pathologies.
Gastrointestinal diseases
Most functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are accompanied by inflammatory processes in the tissues of the mucous membranes:
- stomatitis;
- gastritis;
- duodenitis;
- enteritis;
- colitis;
- proctitis;
- haemorrhoids.
The mild anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect of the oil relieves irritation, heals cracks and restores damaged mucous membranes. To alleviate the condition of patients suffering from diseases of the stomach, small and large intestines, the drug is taken orally (3 times a day, 1 teaspoon an hour before meals).
Microenemas are effective in the treatment of proctitis and hemorrhoids: Using a rubber bulb, 50 ml of pumpkin oil is injected into the rectum before bed. The course of treatment is 10-14 days.
Important! The procedure is necessarily preceded by a cleansing enema.
Liver dysfunction
Liver pathologies, as a rule, are asymptomatic and are detected by studying the biochemical composition of the blood. But you will feel a violation of its cleansing function: general malaise, weakness, headaches, insomnia and causeless irritability are harbingers of toxic poisoning, which can lead to serious consequences.
Regular intake of pumpkin oil will help the diseased organ cope with the task of removing toxins from the body.
Biliary dysfunction
Diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract, on the contrary, are accompanied by pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea and even vomiting. Pumpkin oil has a powerful choleretic effect and alleviates the condition of such patients.
Cardiovascular diseases
The elements contained in the product are useful for pathologies of the cardiovascular system:
- potassium maintains the tone of the heart muscle and the elasticity of blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure;
- the vitamin complex alleviates the painful condition caused by an attack of angina pectoris;
- fatty acids reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood and reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis.
Metabolic disorders
Diseases associated with chemical imbalances are difficult to treat. We are talking about changing lifestyle and introducing new healthy habits, especially in nutrition.
Diabetes
Pumpkin oil is recommended for use by patients with type 2 diabetes as a natural remedy that naturally regulates blood sugar levels (1 teaspoon twice a day before meals). By maintaining blood supply to the skin, it prevents the occurrence of trophic ulcers and prevents the development of anemia.
Metabolic restoration
The consequences of such a violation may be an uncontrolled build-up of subcutaneous fat deposits or, on the contrary, sudden weight loss.
The reasons are directly related to external factors:
- unbalanced diet with a predominance of animal fats and artificial carbohydrates;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- stressful situations.
Recovery begins with eliminating problems in the digestive system. Prolonged diarrhea, regular constipation, flatulence due to the proliferation of pathogenic intestinal microflora instead of beneficial microorganisms aggravate the situation.
Pumpkin oil removes toxic waste products, stimulates intestinal motility, speeds up the process of digesting food and ensures its absorption.
Contraindications
It is recommended to use it with caution in case of cholelithiasis: there is a danger of provoking the movement of stones due to the active choleretic effect. The oil should be consumed in moderation, as excessive doses can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
How to take pumpkin seed oil
A reasonable approach will ensure that the product is highly effective in restoring and maintaining health.
General recommendations
The basic rules for using pumpkin seed oil are as follows:
- for medicinal purposes, drink the oil on an empty stomach an hour before meals;
- start with small portions (no more than 1 tsp) to check the body’s reaction;
- in the absence of negative manifestations, the dose is gradually increased to 1 tbsp. l. three times a day;
- the duration of treatment varies from two weeks to a month, depending on how you feel;
- After a month's break, a second course is possible.
Recommendations for use for children, women, men
Positive results of treating specific diseases with oil are known:
- Male genital area:
- prostatitis;
- erectile dysfunction;
- infertility;
- prostate adenomas.
- Female genital area:
- cervical erosion;
- colpitis;
- painful periods.
Thanks to its rich mineral composition, the product has an anti-inflammatory effect and stimulates the reproduction of sex hormones. In addition to oral administration, oil-soaked tampons are used rectally (for men) and vaginally (for women).
A wide range of healing effects also applies to children. Pumpkin oil eliminates itching from insect bites, protects the baby's skin from diaper rash, and softens crusts in the baby's nose. Known for its anthelmintic effect, the product will remove parasites from the intestines in 10 days without irritating the mucous membrane (1 teaspoon three times a day, an hour before meals).
External use for cosmetic purposes
The regenerating and bactericidal properties of pumpkin oil are also in demand in cosmetology.
For skin
Regular (1-2 times a week) application of the product to the face, lips, neck, and décolleté will give mature skin a second youth, restoring its freshness and radiance. Representatives of the younger generation can easily get rid of acne by daily lubrication of problem areas.
Young women will enjoy its anti-cellulite effect. And sunbathing lovers will get a beautiful and even tan if they use the oil as a body lotion every time after exposure to the sun.
For hair
Pumpkin oil is actively used to improve hair structure during the recovery period after serious illnesses and chemotherapy. The procedure of rubbing into the scalp will strengthen the hair follicles, stimulate hair growth, and eliminate dryness and fragility.
Use in cooking
The product is used as a dressing for salads and cereals, added to sauces and marinades. It is appropriate to replace butter with it when serving stewed vegetables and vegetarian soups. In addition to the rich taste and aroma, it will provide a feeling of fullness during the diet.
Important! During heat treatment, oil not only loses its beneficial properties, but also releases toxic substances.
How to choose
It is recommended to buy pumpkin oil that says “100% natural, unrefined, cold-pressed oil” on the packaging. This product is the most useful. Sold by a network of pharmacies and grocery stores. Virtual services allow you to make purchases via the Internet.
Available for sale in dark glass containers of 100, 250, 350 and 500 ml. The price varies from 250 to 300 rubles per 100 ml.
To lose weight, take pharmaceutical drugs in capsules.
Terms and conditions of storage
Legal manufacturers supply their products with labels indicating quality characteristics, shelf life and requirements for storage conditions. It will not be difficult for an attentive and responsible buyer to determine the date of manufacture and identify a product suitable for use. After opening, the oil is stored for up to six months in a cool, dark place at a temperature not exceeding 5°C.
Reviews
Here are some reviews from people who have already appreciated the benefits of pumpkin oil.
Alexandra, Novy Urengoy: “For several years I suffered from non-healing erosion of the cervix. Cauterization with the device did not help: after some time, the ulcer reappeared and began to get wet, causing discomfort. Pumpkin oil tampons really fixed the problem. In just 10 days of treatment, there wasn’t even a scar left from the erosion.”
Lydia, Simferopol: “The child has extremely sensitive skin. Every summer it’s the same thing: mosquito bites scratch into blood, become inflamed, and don’t heal for weeks. It was painful to look at the baby’s wounded arms and legs. A friend advised me to anoint fresh bites with pumpkin oil. And the miracle happened! Literally the next morning, the swelling subsided, and the wounds began to heal.”
Veronica, Voronezh: “I know first-hand about the beneficial properties of oil. My family advocates healthy eating. From infancy, children are accustomed to the wonderful taste of dishes with the aroma of pumpkin oil. None of us have had any digestive problems for many years. Just one tablespoon a day, and what benefits for the body!”
Conclusion
The scope of application of pumpkin oil is huge - from diet to cosmetology. The main advantages lie in its rich composition of vitamins and minerals. Thanks to pumpkin oil, you can not only recover from a number of diseases, but also maintain beauty and health for many years.