Health and Nutrition of Styrian Pumpkin Seeds and Oil
The healing power of pumpkins and pumpkin seeds was discovered centuries ago from Central America, particularly Mexico. The flesh has been commonly used for the treatment of skin irritations, ulcers and tumors.
However, the real power is in the seeds. Pumpkin seeds are amazing little bites of nutrition and disease prevention. Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, they are among the world’s most beneficial superfoods. These seeds are an excellent source of many important nutrients for our bodies which are in short supply in the average western diet.
The dark green colour of Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil is a result of the phytochemicals present in the oil, which are mainly carotenoid or lutein and chlorophyll or porphyrin.
For thousands of years, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil have been used as a natural remedy for irritation of the bladder and kidneys as well as for prostate irregularities.Pumpkin seeds have made the news headlines in recent years for their preventative power in relation to prostate conditions and prostate health.
Studies done on Styrian Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita pepo var.styriaca also known as var. oleifera) and Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil show that prostate enlargement may be slowed, stopped and even reversed.
CLICK HERE to read the 2007 study, Seeds and oil of the Styrian oil pumpkin: Components and biological activities done by Gilbert O. Fruhwirth and Albin Hermetter from the Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Austria.
CLICK HERE to read a more recent study, Effects of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil in Korean men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia done in 2009 by a group of Korean researchers.
According to the studies above, the active ingredients in Styrian Pumpkin Seeds normalize and strengthen the musculature of the bladder and have a positive and prophylactic effect on benign prostate growths in the first and second stages. Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil, in comparison to the other oils studied, showed the highest antioxidation effect.
If used as a preventative measure early enough or as a supplement to a regular diet, the nutrients in pumpkin seeds and oil could contribute to avoiding urinary tract and prostate issues later in life, especially in men over 40 years old.
CLICK HERE for an in-depth nutrient analysis of pumpkin seeds.
Also there has never been any indication that eating pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil, even in higher doses, has any negative side effects. Neither does it produce any complications when taken in combination with other foods or medicine.
Many studies have shown that people affected with prostate hyperplasia report marked improvement when they include pumpkins seeds and oil in their diets.
Pumpkin Seeds are Alkaline-Forming
Our bodies naturally try to keep us as neutral as possible by balancing pH levels. Health professionals are well aware that a high level of acidity in the body makes us much more prone to disease. Many of the foods we eat today are acidic. It is becoming increasingly important to eat foods that help to counter effect this imbalance. Pumpkin seeds are becoming an important food to add to our diets because they are one of the highest alkaline-forming foods for our bodies.
CLICK HERE for a list of alkaline foods.
Pumpkin Seeds are Powerful Antioxidants
Studies also show that Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil in comparison to other unrefined vegetable oils, has the highest protective effect against "free radicals, which are aggressive molecules that cause harm to the body.
Pumpkin Seeds contain biologically valuable fatty acids, including:
Pumpkin Seeds - High in Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the body needs in order to synthesize proteins. It is also converted into serotonin and niacin, which are known to help brain function, including getting a restful sleep. Pumpkin Seeds are ranked among the best plant-based foods to contain tryptophan.
CLICK HERE for a list of foods high in tryptophan.
Vitamin Profile for Pumpkin Seed
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VITAMIN A |
• aids normal bone and tooth development • aids in the development and maintenance of night vision • aids in maintaining the health of the skin and membranes • helps build strong bones and teeth • supports night vision • supports healthy skin |
|
THIAMINE (VITAMIN B1) |
• releases energy from carbohydrate • aids normal growth |
|
RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2) |
• is a factor in energy metabolism and tissue formation |
|
NIACIN (VITAMIN B3) |
• aids in normal growth and development • is a factor in energy metabolism and tissue formation |
|
PANTOTHENIC ACID (VITAMIN B5) |
• is a factor in energy metabolism and tissue formation |
|
VITAMIN B6 |
• is a factor in energy metabolism and tissue formation |
|
FOLATE (VITAMIN B9) |
• aids in red blood cell formation • is a factor in normal early fetal development3 • is a factor in the normal early development of the fetal brain and spinal cord3 |
|
VITAMIN B12 |
• aids in red blood cell formation |
|
VITAMIN C |
• is a factor in the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums • is a dietary antioxidant that helps to reduce free radicals and lipid oxidation in body tissues and significantly decreases the adverse effects of free radicals on normal physiological functions • helps build teeth, bones, cartilage and gums |
|
VITAMIN E |
• is a dietary antioxidant that protects the fat in body tissues from oxidation |
|
VITAMIN K |
• allows blood to clot normally • helps protect bones from fracture • helps prevent post-menopausal bone loss • helps prevent calcification of arteries • helps maintain liver and prostate health |
Mineral Profile for Pumpkin Seeds
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CALCIUM |
• aids in the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth |
|
COPPER |
• helps the body utilize iron • is a factor in reducing tissue damage caused by free radicals • helps maintain the health of bones and connective tissues • helps the body produce a pigment called melanin • is a factor in maintaining the normal function of the thyroid gland • is a factor in preserving the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects the nerves |
|
IODINE |
• is a factor in the normal function of the thyroid gland |
|
IRON |
• is a factor in red blood cell formation • helps build red blood cells |
|
MAGNESIUM |
• is a factor in energy metabolism, tissue formation and bone development |
|
MANGANESE |
• helps the body utilize several key nutrients such as biotin, thiamin, ascorbic acid, and choline • is a factor in keeping bones strong and healthy • helps the body synthesize fatty acids and cholesterol • is a factor in maintaining normal blood sugar levels • is a factor in promoting optimal function of the thyroid gland • is a factor in maintaining nerve health • is a factor in protecting the cells from free-radical damage |
|
PHOSPHORUS |
• is a factor in the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth |
|
POTASSIUM |
• helps muscles and nerves function properly • is a factor in maintaining the proper electrolyte and acid-base balance in the body |
|
SELENIUM |
• is a dietary antioxidant involved in the formation of a protein that defends against oxidative stress • helps protect against oxidative stress |
|
ZINC |
• is a factor in energy metabolism and tissue formation |
Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil P.G.I. scores high with its combination of antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids and phytochemicals. It is also naturally cholesterol and gluten free and non-GMO (genetically modified organism)
This information has been carefully compiled from relevant research. However, it in no way is meant to serve as a substitute for responsible medical diagnosis, treatment and therapy. All recommendations made here cannot be guaranteed, and Styrian Gold Inc. is not responsible for complications that might result from treatments made based on the information provided here.
See our complete product list here.
For additional information about Pumpkin Seeds and Oil, please refer to the following articles and studies:
Oil Pumpkins: Niche for Organic Producers
Steirisches Kurbiskern Oil - Nutrition
Pumpkin Seeds & their Oil: Fuelling the Styrian's Engine
Pumpkin seed oil & Prostate - Healthy Oil Planet.com
Health Benefits - Healthy Oil Planet.com
Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits - Health and Energy Foods
Foods Containing Enzymes - LiveStrong.com
Nutrition Facts of Pumpkin Seeds - Nutrient.javalime.com
Effects of pumpkin seed oil ....on symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
Pumpkin Seed Oil side effects and benefits - zhion.com
Prostate, Enlarged In-Depth Report