Pumpkin seeds, also known as a pepitas, are the edible seeds of pumpkins and some types of squash. The seeds have a white outer husk or hull, which is usually removed to isolate the inner green kernel. Some pumpkin cultivars are huskless, and are grown solely for seed production. Pumpkin seeds are nutrient rich, with a high content of “good” fats, protein, dietary fiber, and a wide variety of micronutrients. Pumpkin seeds can be roasted in their hull and eaten as a snack, which is a fun activity usually associated with Hallowe’en pumpking carving. Hulled seeds are also eaten as a snack, and can be added to cereals or salads, and even ground into pumpkin seed butter.
When pressed or put through other extraction processes, the seeds produce pumpkin seed oil. This oil is dark amber in colour with a light nutty odour/flavour. It is nutrient-dense; full of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as linoleic and oleic acid. The health benefits of pumpkin seed oil continue to be uncovered.
When taken internally, pumpkin seed oil can promote cardiovascular health, lowering cholesterol, and reducing inflammation. Beyond that, it has been shown to assist with menopause, and promote prostate and urinary tract health (Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019 Nov:37:23-26; Climacteric. 2011 Oct;14(5):558-64); Nutr Res Pract. 2009 Winter; 3(4): 323–327).
Interestingly, consumption of pumpkin seed oil is associated with improved hair growth. A 2014 study reported that men who ingested 400mg of pumpkin seed oil daily showed 40% more hair growth than the placebo group after 24 weeks with no apparent adverse effects (Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014; 2014: 549721). One possible explanation for this outcome is that pumpkin seed oil contains compounds that affect enzymes involved in the production of hormones associated with androgenic alopecia (Avicenna J Phytomed. 2019 Nov-Dec; 9(6): 499–504).
Even more interesting is that pumpkin seed oil also has shown hair growth promotion when used topically. When applied to mouse skin along with testosterone, pumpkin seed oil was found to reverse the negative effect of testosterone on hair growth. The researchers involved in the study proposed that since all of the enzymes that are necessary for hormone metabolism are at the site of the follicle, that localized application of pumpkin seed oil can have a direct beneficial effect on growth (Avicenna J Phytomed. 2019 Nov-Dec; 9(6): 499–504).
Because pumpkin seed oil contains anti-inflammatory properties, it can help soothe irritated and inflamed scalp conditions. Its fatty acid content also provides hair with softness and shine. Therefore, it seems this ubiquitous autumn fruit is an all-star addition to your hair care regime. And it wouldn’t hurt to munch on those pumpkin seeds at Hallowe’en either!
