Is Pumpkin Seed Oil the New Coconut Oil?

Pumpkin seed oil has been generating a lot of buzz lately--and for good reason. It’s loaded with [...]

pumpkin seed oil
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Pumpkin seed oil has been generating a lot of buzz lately--and for good reason. It's loaded with vitamins and nutrients that provide a number of health and beauty benefits. But don't toss your coconut oil just yet. PSO has a low smoke point and turns bitter when heated, so unlike coconut oil, it can't be used for baking, sautéing or roasting. Instead, use it in vinaigrettes or drizzle over cooked vegetables. Its nutty flavor even makes an unexpected but delicious topping over vanilla ice cream.

So what exactly can pumpkin seed oil do for you?

Lengthen your Locks

Pumpkin seed oil can do wonders for your mane. It's a good source of vitamin B, which promotes hair growth and zinc, a mineral that helps strengthen your hair and prevents hair loss.

Hydrate Your Skin

For a more even-toned, youthful appearance, add pumpkin seed oil to your diet. The omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids found in PSO help keep your skin moisturized while zinc and vitamin E help fight off acne, improve skin tone and encourage skin renewal.

Boost your Mood

Pumpkin seed oil is abundant in tryptophan--an amino acid our body uses to make serotonin. Serotonin makes you happy and promotes an overall feeling of well-being. Who doesn't want that?

Decrease Menopause Symptoms

If you're dealing with pesky hot flashes, mood swings and headaches, give pumpkin seed oil a try. It's naturally high in phytoestrogens--plant-based compounds that can decrease menopausal symptoms.

Pick up a bottle of pumpkin seed oil at your local health food store and try your hand at Pepita and Pumpkin Oil Ice Cream or Roasted Pumpkin Seed Oil Vinaigrette.

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