Health
When you are done carving that jack-o-lantern for Halloween what do you do with all the pumpkin seeds? Most people throw them out. Some people roast them to make a yummy snack. But there is something else you can do with them that is not only healthy but can be used in cooking.
The seeds can be saved and pressed for their oil. Pumpkin seed oil has a very nutty and rich flavor that can be drizzled over vegetables, fish, cheese, and even ice cream. One single tablespoon contains about 4 grams of monounsaturated fatty acids and about 7 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have been linked to improved cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease.
But that is not the main claim to fame of this delicious green oil. Researchers in Germany, Sweden, and South Korea have found that pumpkin seed oil helps to relieve the symptoms of BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia--more commonly known as enlarged prostate. In the U.S. the oil is one of the major ingredients in herbal blends for enlarged prostate and in Germany it is an approved treatment.
While studies have proven that pumpkin seed oil does in fact relieve symptoms of BHP, scientists are not exactly sure why it helps. One possible reason has recently come out of research. It has been discovered that the oil stops the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a male reproductive hormone that mediates prostate size. While little research is being done in the U.S., foreign research continues and more is being learned about this wonderful seed.
In his book, Healing With Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford says that pumpkin seeds have been used for years to treat motion sickness, nausea, impotency, prostate problems, expelling worms, and even bed-wetting. They also happen to be a valuable source of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. While roasting the seeds improves the flavor it diminishes the levels of omega-3 oils. The oil retains all the healthy benefits.
So this Halloween consider not throwing those pumpkin seeds out after carving your jack-o-lantern. Whether you roast them or press them for their oil, you can realize a Halloween bonus.
The seeds can be saved and pressed for their oil. Pumpkin seed oil has a very nutty and rich flavor that can be drizzled over vegetables, fish, cheese, and even ice cream. One single tablespoon contains about 4 grams of monounsaturated fatty acids and about 7 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have been linked to improved cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease.
But that is not the main claim to fame of this delicious green oil. Researchers in Germany, Sweden, and South Korea have found that pumpkin seed oil helps to relieve the symptoms of BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia--more commonly known as enlarged prostate. In the U.S. the oil is one of the major ingredients in herbal blends for enlarged prostate and in Germany it is an approved treatment.
While studies have proven that pumpkin seed oil does in fact relieve symptoms of BHP, scientists are not exactly sure why it helps. One possible reason has recently come out of research. It has been discovered that the oil stops the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a male reproductive hormone that mediates prostate size. While little research is being done in the U.S., foreign research continues and more is being learned about this wonderful seed.
In his book, Healing With Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford says that pumpkin seeds have been used for years to treat motion sickness, nausea, impotency, prostate problems, expelling worms, and even bed-wetting. They also happen to be a valuable source of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. While roasting the seeds improves the flavor it diminishes the levels of omega-3 oils. The oil retains all the healthy benefits.
So this Halloween consider not throwing those pumpkin seeds out after carving your jack-o-lantern. Whether you roast them or press them for their oil, you can realize a Halloween bonus.
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