There are no official contraindications associated with pumpkin seed oil, although the Internet Drug Index suggests possible interaction with lithium.
Features
Pumpkins ready for harvest
Pumpkin seed oil is extracted from the roasted, shelled seeds of the styrian oil pumpkin (curcubita pepo). Depending on viscosity, the color ranges green to dark red.
Uses
A nutritious culinary component, one tablespoon contains 55 calories, 5.7 grams healthy fats, and 40 mg of sodium. Heat destroys essential fatty acids, so store the oil away , in opaque bottles. Dietary supplements in capsule form are also available.
Benefits
Pumpkin seed oil provides fatty acids, which maintain cholesterol levels and promote healthy skin. It also contains amino acids, large amounts of carotenoids (vitamin A), minerals, and vitamin E.
Treatments
A 2003 Cairo University study concluded that pumpkin seed oil reduced symptoms in rats with induced arthritis. Since studies regarding prostate and kidney health have combined pumpkin seed oil with other remedies, its effectiveness in regards to those treatments cannot be conclusively determined.
Considerations
Pumpkin seed oil was a popular folk remedy among Native Americans and Germans, who commonly used it to treat intestinal parasites and urinary diseases.
Tags: fatty acids, from light