Pumpkin oil: benefits and harms to the body

Almost all vegetable oils are beneficial. But pumpkin in many respects surpasses even olive, which is considered the most useful. It is widely used in cooking, added to soups, salads, desserts, but it can also be taken as a medicine.

Composition and calorie content

The energy value of pumpkin oil is quite high - 898 kcal per 100 g. But at the same time it is considered a dietary product. Firstly, you still can’t eat a lot of oil. And secondly, it contains many useful substances. Many of them have multidirectional effects, but together they provide the healing properties of this product.

The composition of pumpkin oil includes:

1. Fatty acids - stearic, linoleic, palmitic. Many people have a bias towards fats. However, in reality, these elements can be beneficial to health. Pumpkin seed oil contains about 90% unsaturated acids, which in general helps to stabilize blood pressure and remove "bad" cholesterol.
2. Biologically active substances. This is a very large group, including substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It includes carotenoids, flavonoids, tocopherols. Also biologically active components include phospholipids and phosphatides.
3. Minerals, macro- and microelements. The seeds from which this product is made contain more than 50 of these substances, and all of them get into pumpkin seed oil. The most important of them are phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron, as well as zinc with its anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these elements, such as potassium and magnesium, are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart muscle.
4. Ascorbic acid, vitamins K and P, as well as B vitamins, are responsible not only for the state of the central nervous system, but also for metabolic processes.

The enzyme phosphatidylcholine, which is found in pumpkin seed oil, plays a special role. It plays an important role - it activates lecithin, another enzyme that is necessary so that cholesterol remains in a liquid state, and does not turn into deposits on the walls of blood vessels. The presence of both of these enzymes makes pumpkin oil an indispensable product for those people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases.

The substances that make up pumpkin oil help increase the elasticity of the vascular walls, participate in the synthesis of hemoglobin, and have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. They accelerate metabolic processes, relieve swelling, improve blood microcirculation. Due to the fact that pumpkin oil contains substances that nourish tissues, trophic metabolism is stimulated, and their faster recovery.

Useful properties of pumpkin oil

General benefit

Due to its unique chemical composition, pumpkin oil is recommended in the following cases:

1. To normalize metabolic processes.
2. Treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
3. Treatment of prostate adenoma and chronic prostatitis, as it has painkiller, anti-inflammatory, and androgenic effects.
4. Therapy and prevention of diseases of the bladder - oil not only relieves pain, but also facilitates urination.

In addition, it is used as a healing agent for burns and even frostbite. They lubricate the affected areas of the skin in any disease, including acne.

For women

Pumpkin oil for women is useful in that it has not only anti-inflammatory properties, but also the ability to normalize hormonal levels. Therefore, this product is used to restore reproductive function and normalize the menstrual cycle. And due to the fact that pumpkin oil improves blood circulation, it is prescribed for the treatment of varicose veins and to eliminate congestion in the pelvic organs. In case of gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature, it is taken in combination with antibiotics.

To achieve the desired effect, you need to consume pumpkin oil regularly, the minimum duration of the course of treatment should be two weeks. The optimal dosage is 4–5 drops of oil, which you need to drink in pure form.

For some gynecological diseases, the external use of oil in the form of vaginal applications is recommended. To do this, tampons are moistened in it, which are put on for up to 30 minutes. Very often this remedy is used for erosion, but only after consultation with a gynecologist.

Cystitis is an inflammatory disease of the bladder, which is usually encountered only by women, in men it is extremely rare due to physiological characteristics. It most often has a bacterial nature, and antibiotics are necessary for its treatment. Pumpkin oil is used in the treatment of cystitis. It is taken literally 8-10 drops three times a day, without drinking. This is enough to relieve pain.

For men

For the stronger sex, pumpkin oil is useful not only for its positive effect on the cardiovascular system, but also for the fact that it contains substances that normalize erectile function. Zinc eliminates the inflammatory process, other substances improve urination and eliminate the discomfort in the bladder associated with an enlarged prostate gland.

Studies have shown that pumpkin oil slows down the pathological increase in the size of this organ. And it is also an excellent prophylactic against atherosclerosis, including cerebral vessels, prevents heart attacks, strokes and many other troubles.

During pregnancy

For future mothers, pumpkin oil is especially useful in the first trimester, it helps fight nausea and normalizes digestion. In the future, this product also helps eliminate constipation, which many women experience during pregnancy. But during this period, it is best to use pumpkin seed oil in small quantities twice a day. It is possible to take inside as an independent therapeutic agent only in a very small amount, no more than 3 times, 4 drops per day.

Pumpkin seed oil is used as a laxative during pregnancy in the form of microclysters. The dosage for rectal administration is only 20 ml.

When breastfeeding

During pregnancy and in the postpartum period, many women experience inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, even if such pathologies had never bothered them before. Pumpkin oil helps relieve inflammation and get rid of these problems.

In addition, during pregnancy and after childbirth, the female body is often faced with a lack of vitamins, which is not surprising, since at first all the elements supplied with food are spent on the development of the child's body, and later on on the production of milk.Because of this, the condition of the skin, hair and nails worsens. The use of pumpkin oil helps to restore youthfulness to the skin and make it more elastic and supple. This product also strengthens hair and stops hair loss, makes it shiny and silky.

The use of pumpkin oil in the postpartum period is very beneficial for the digestive system, mainly for the treatment and prevention of constipation. Moreover, the product not only enhances intestinal motility, but also improves the absorption of nutrients.

But you need to drink pumpkin oil with caution, checking if the baby has an allergic reaction. You should start with the minimum dose, gradually increasing it.

For children

Pumpkin oil can be used not only for adults, but also for children of the first year of life. However, for babies of this age, only external use is allowed. In such cases, pumpkin seed oil is used as a mild laxative for constipation, and skin irritations are also lubricated. But you still need to use it with caution. If the skin turns red, a rash occurs, pumpkin oil will have to be abandoned.

It can’t be introduced into a child’s diet until three years old, and even after reaching this age, the baby can be given no more than 2-3 ml of oil per day, adding to vegetable dishes or porridge. As a medicine, for example, to improve vision, it is given only to children and adolescents over 12 years old.

When losing weight

The unique chemical composition of pumpkin oil described above makes it an ideal tool for weight loss, since the substances contained in this product break down fats and normalize lipid metabolism. Moreover, they prevent the appearance of fat in the most problematic areas - for example, on the buttocks and hips, in the abdomen, etc. In addition, due to the normalization of digestion, this oil helps to actively remove toxic substances from the body. It improves all metabolic processes, including in the lymphatic system, so that its use avoids cellulite.

For weight loss, pumpkin oil can be taken in several ways. But in any case, it should remain cold, because when heated, its beneficial substances simply collapse.

The main ways to consume pumpkin oil for weight loss:

1. On empty stomach. This method is suitable only for those who can consume oil in its pure form, without washing it down. You need to take the medicine on an empty stomach, the maximum amount is 1 tsp. After 15-30 minutes after that, you can have breakfast, while there should not be any buns on the menu. The taste of pumpkin oil is not liked by everyone, so you can add a little honey to it. The optimal duration of the course of such treatment is three weeks. After this, you will have to take a break for a month, during which you should also monitor the nutrition. Then, if necessary, the course can be repeated.
2. Dressing for salads. If it’s physically difficult to drink pure oil, it can be used to dress salad. But then it will be the only dish that can be eaten for dinner. Therefore, it is better to choose recipes where not only vegetables but also lean meat are used as ingredients. The duration of the course is three weeks. Then you should take a break for two weeks, then you can return to such a diet again.
3. As an additive to dairy products. Given the laxative effect of pumpkin oil, adding it to kefir is clearly not worth it. But you can mix it with honey and apple cider vinegar and use it with low-fat cottage cheese. Oils should be taken no more than 1 tsp. It would be a great breakfast option. A small amount of oil can also be added to a smoothie with yogurt. Duration of use - the same as for salads.
4. As an additive to freshly squeezed apple and carrot juice. Here, oil can be added directly to the glass, not more than 1 tsp. It will not spoil the taste of the drink, but it will be beneficial for the cardiovascular system and help to lose weight.

Nutritionists argue that this use of pumpkin seed oil helps to lose up to 5-6 kg per month relatively easily, and this is true. But we should not forget that such an effect can be achieved only if you refuse at the same time from sweet and starchy foods. The advantage of the method is that you do not need to sit on a strict diet, which robs the body of energy.

The benefits of pumpkin seed oil in capsules

Pumpkin oil in capsules is useful, because it retains its healing properties. In addition, this is a very convenient form when taken orally, since not everyone can just drink liquid oil. Gelatin capsules are safe, they are perfectly processed by the body. However, they are prescribed exclusively for hyperlipidemia (that is, obesity), for liver damage and for the treatment of prostate adenoma. With periodontal disease, urological and gynecological diseases, this form will not give anything. But in the cases described above, it is taken orally:

• with adenoma and chronic prostatitis, 1-2 capsules three times a day;
• obesity - 1-2 capsules, also three times a day, regardless of food intake;
• liver damage - 3-4 capsules three times a day, but always after a meal;
• for the prevention of atherosclerosis - no more than 1-2 capsules per day.

The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. In most cases, take capsules 3-4 months. But for the prevention of atherosclerosis, they can be prescribed for a longer period, and in the treatment of liver diseases, the course can be designed for 3-4 weeks. It all depends on the specific pathology.

Capsules can not be taken if there is an ulcer of the stomach and intestines in the acute stage, with gastritis, duodenitis, other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, with calculous cholecystitis (that is, in the presence of stones). Also, oil in this form is not recommended for pregnant women.

Pumpkin seed oil in medicine

Pumpkin seed oil is recognized as official medicine. It is used in complex therapy for many diseases. Back in the early 2000s, studies were conducted that proved that the use of pumpkin oil exceeds the hypotensive effect of such popular drugs as captopril and felodipine.

Sometimes it is used as an independent tool. For example, on the basis of pumpkin oil, applications are made for periodontal disease, for hemorrhoids and constipation, it is prescribed rectally for microclysters. It is also used to treat gynecological diseases - vaginal tampons are made on its basis. And pumpkin oil is used as a wound healing agent. They lubricate the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day.

With diabetes

Pumpkin seed oil is also considered beneficial for diabetes. It helps to combat its complications, healing ulcers and wounds and improving eyesight, eliminates the causes of the disease associated with obesity. In addition, pumpkin seed oil contains a component such as D-chiro-isonitol, which increases insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood glucose levels. Due to this, with type 2 diabetes mellitus, pumpkin oil is considered a very useful product that is used both internally (to normalize glucose and lipid metabolism), and externally for wound healing.

But for the same reason, pumpkin seed oil is not recommended for type 1 diabetes. In some cases, the doctor may allow a small amount, but, as a rule, this product is contraindicated. So it is impossible to introduce it into the diet without the consent of a specialist.

With pancreatitis

It would seem that since pumpkin seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it can be safely used for pancreatitis. But actually it is not. Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, and the diet in its treatment is built in such a way as to reduce the amount of fat in the diet without increasing the load on this organ. For this reason, you can’t even eat raw pumpkin seeds, only dried, which contain less fat.

Pumpkin seed oil is contraindicated in acute pancreatitis and exacerbation of its chronic form.At the same time, you can use it only with persistent remission - then the product will even be useful, since it will help restore tissue. But even during this period it is not recommended to use more than 1 tsp. oils per day, and best of all - as part of other dishes.

With gastritis

It is believed that pumpkin oil has a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa due to its anti-inflammatory properties, heals its surface. This is partly true, but it should be remembered that with an acute form of gastritis with high acidity, as well as with an exacerbation of a chronic disease, pumpkin oil should not be consumed. It can be taken orally only in remission, 1 tsp. an hour before each meal.

In the form of capsules, it can not be used even in remission of the disease - it will not bring the expected benefits, but can cause side effects.

For the intestines

For the intestines, pumpkin oil is useful in that it has a healing effect and also gives a laxative effect. But you need to take it with caution - so, with an acute form of peptic ulcer or its exacerbation, this oil is prohibited.

For constipation

Pumpkin seed oil eliminates various causes of constipation. If it is used as a microclyster, it perfectly fights hemorrhoidal nodes and heals fissures of the rectum. To do this, you need only 5 ml of oil for one procedure, even diluting it is not necessary.

On the other hand, pumpkin seed oil, when taken orally, helps eliminate intestinal motility disorders and normalizes digestion. To do this, take this medicine for 1 tsp. in the morning on an empty stomach, without washing down. During the day, you no longer need to drink it. The duration of treatment is 10 days. Repeat such a course if necessary will be possible in a month.

With colitis

In this disease, during an exacerbation, drinking pumpkin oil is not recommended, so as not to provoke a worsening of the situation. However, during the period of remission, this product is necessary to eliminate all the consequences of inflammation and prevent its recurrence.

For the liver

Pumpkin oil is good for the liver in that it has a hepatoprotective effect. It should be drunk in order to normalize the work of this body. This product is prescribed for the treatment of hepatitis, non-alcoholic cirrhosis, and other similar diseases. In general, it is recommended to adhere to general recommendations, that is, no more than 1-2 tsp. three times a day and only after consulting a doctor.

In addition, pumpkin oil is taken in order to protect liver cells during chemotherapy. It is also used to accelerate the rehabilitation of this body after some operations. In such cases, it is enough to take pumpkin oil, regardless of the meal, 1 tsp. once every two days, but for a long time - most often not less than a year.

With hemorrhoids

With this disease, it is recommended to use pumpkin oil as a microclyster - not more than 5 ml at a time. If itching or burning occurs, it is recommended that you stop using this product.

With cholecystitis

In the acute form of this disease, pumpkin oil is contraindicated. Also, it can not be taken if stones have formed in the gallbladder - this will only lead to a worsening of the situation. In a chronic form in a state of persistent remission, oil can eliminate stagnation of bile and establish metabolic processes. But you can use it only after consultation with your doctor and in small quantities.

With prostatitis

In the acute form of prostatitis, antibiotics are prescribed, pumpkin oil is only an adjuvant. But with a chronic form, it is already considered as a full-fledged medicine. It can be taken in liquid form for 1-2 tsp. three times a day, and you can choose capsules and take 1-2 pieces three times a day. However, the decision about which form is more effective and at what dosage remains with the attending physician.

From worms

Unfortunately, completely getting rid of worms exclusively with pumpkin seed oil will not work. But it will enhance the effect of pharmacy drugs and can reduce side effects from their use. The advantage of this product is also that, unlike many pharmaceutical preparations, pumpkin seed oil can also be used for children (although for babies who are not yet three years old, it is still not recommended to use it).

Pumpkin seed oil contains substances that help remove various parasites, including worms. Strengthen the effectiveness of this tool helps caraway seeds. It is recommended to crush the seeds of this spice in a mortar to get 1 tablespoon. raw materials. Then pour this amount with a glass of pumpkin oil. Pour the mixture into a dark glass bottle and insist in a cool place for several days, periodically shaking the container. In principle, after 2 days, the product can already be filtered. Adults are recommended to give 1 tsp. infusion in the morning (on an empty stomach) and in the evening (several hours after the last meal). A half dose is enough for children.

Pumpkin oil in cosmetology

Pumpkin oil is used in cosmetology for face skin, for the care of hands and nails, it is also added to the composition of ready-made hair masks.

For face

In cosmetology, pumpkin oil is often used for dry and aging skin. In this case, it is simply applied with a thin layer on previously cleansed face skin, including the area under the eyes and around the mouth. The product is left for half an hour and is not washed off, but simply remove the oily surplus with a paper towel.

But this is only one of the directions of its application, and there are others:

1. Pumpkin seed oil is used as a lotion that lubricates the skin of the face and body after sunbathing to get a beautiful tan.
2. To treat a coal rash, make the following mask: take a clean gauze napkin, fold it several times, moisten it in pumpkin oil and apply to problem areas of the skin for 7-10 minutes. Then the residue is washed off with cool water. This helps relieve inflammation.
3. Nutritious mask with avocado. Take a quarter of this fruit, knead in mashed potatoes, add 2 tsp to this. pumpkin oil and 1 tsp. cocoa powder and mix thoroughly. The resulting mixture is applied to the skin for 30–35 minutes. The mask is first removed with a wet gauze, then wash your face with cool water.
4. Anti-aging mask. For it, take 1 tablet of ascorutin, grind it to a powder, mix with 3 tsp. starch and 5 ml of pumpkin oil. The resulting mixture is applied to steamed face skin (it is better to make a mask after a bath), leave for 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Such a tool perfectly smoothes fine and expression lines, tightens the oval of the face.

By the way, pumpkin oil can treat burns, including from prolonged exposure to the sun.

For hair

Pumpkin oil nourishes the scalp, improves microcirculation, thereby ensuring blood flow to the hair follicles. It improves the condition of the hair, stimulates their growth, makes the curls more shiny. To get the desired effect, you can simply rub a small amount of oil into the root system half an hour before washing your hair, and then rinse with regular shampoo.

However, experts claim that in fact a more pronounced effect can be obtained if the oil is first heated in a water bath. It should be warm, not hot. The tool is applied not only to the scalp, but also to locks of hair along the entire length. After this, the head is covered with plastic wrap, and wrapped with a terry towel on top. The product should be kept for at least 2 hours, if desired, you can even leave it overnight, but then rinse it very thoroughly with ordinary shampoo. In order for the mask to give a result, it must be done every other day at least for a month.

As an option - you can take 1 tbsp. 4 tbsp pumpkin oilburdock, which in this case acts as a base, add 5-6 drops of peach oil and 2-3 drops of rosemary and jojoba essential oil. The mixture is applied to dry hair, put on top of a plastic cap and wrap your head with a bath towel. For optimal effect, keep the composition for 1-2 hours, then rinse it off with ordinary shampoo.

The use of pumpkin oil in cooking

Pumpkin oil has a very pronounced, even pungent odor. Therefore, in cooking it is used in small quantities so that it does not interrupt the aroma of other products. Pumpkin seed oil can be added to any sauces, including sweet ones. A small amount is used for already prepared meat and fish dishes to make the taste more vibrant. In addition, pumpkin oil is added to salads, vinaigrette, a ready-made side dish of various cereals or pasta, in mashed potatoes. They watered baked potatoes. A little pumpkin oil can be added to pumpkin, carrot, lentil or pea soup.

In fact, it is a wonderful ingredient for both everyday and festive menus. For example, you can cook one of the following salads, which are quite suitable for diet food.

Beetroot Salad

You need to take two beets, baked slices, 1 tbsp. pumpkin seed oil, a bunch of regular green salad, 50 g feta cheese (you can take homemade soft cheese), 30 g pine nuts, 1 tsp. mustard, balsamic vinegar and liquid flower honey - the same amount of salt, pepper, oregano, garlic - to taste. Cloves of garlic are crushed, mixed with other ingredients of the sauce (oil, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper). Pine nuts are dried in a pan. Lettuce leaves are laid out on a plate, crumbled cheese and beet slices are placed on top, then watered with the resulting sauce.

Pumpkin Butter Chicken Salad

To prepare 400 g of boiled chicken, you need 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons pumpkin oil, 2 hard-boiled eggs, 2 red sweet peppers, 1 tbsp. capers. Mix vinegar with pumpkin oil, add capers, salt and pepper to taste. Chicken meat is cut into portions, then left for 15 minutes in the marinade. Pepper is cut into half rings, eggs - into thin slices. Chicken meat with the described sauce is laid out in a plate, on top - pepper and eggs. If desired, you can decorate with herbs and onions.

In general, in Austrian and German cuisine, pumpkin oil is often mixed with apple cider vinegar. The resulting sauce is used for dressing salads not only with meat and vegetables, but also with berries and fruits.

Is it possible to fry in pumpkin oil

In no case should this product be subjected to serious heat treatment (in this case, calcination), from which all its beneficial substances are destroyed. Therefore, nothing to fry in pumpkin oil.

Harm and contraindications

Pumpkin oil, when consumed in large quantities, can give a sufficiently strong laxative effect, cause abdominal discomfort and various dyspeptic symptoms. With external use, a side effect is allergic skin reactions like itching, redness, and rash.

It should also be borne in mind that, in addition to useful components, pumpkin seeds contain salts of heavy metals, especially lead and cadmium. Their content in raw materials is strictly regulated by sanitary standards. If we are talking about the use of pumpkin oil as a medicine, then you need to strictly observe the dosage, and everything will be in order - even at 6 tsp. contains very few harmful elements. It is more difficult to control the amount of pumpkin oil used in cooking, so it is simply important not to get involved.

In addition, it should be remembered that there are a number of absolute contraindications for the use of this product. Pumpkin oil is prohibited in the acute form of gastritis, pancreatitis, colitis, other inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as in cholelithiasis.

How to choose and store pumpkin oil

High-quality pumpkin oil has a dark green hue, sometimes even almost black, which is why at one time it was even called “black gold” because it was really expensive. The color is explained by the fact that the seeds themselves contain a lot of carotene and chlorophyll. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to consider the shade in the store, since oil should be sold exclusively in dark glass bottles so as not to deteriorate in the light. You can only slightly turn the bottle and see how viscous oil slowly flows down the walls - in no case should it be liquid.

If possible, you need to taste pumpkin oil. But even visually it is possible to determine its quality - it is enough to spray a drop on a salad leaf. Quality oil does not spread. As for his taste, he has a nutty note, in no case should there be bitterness. The flavor is also very important. At first glance, the smell may seem harsh, but it can not be called unpleasant. Much depends on the technology of roasting the seeds, but in any case, the smell of the oil should be just them, not the pulp and, of course, not spoiled fat.

It should be remembered that due to the relatively small yield of the product and the complexity of its manufacture, pumpkin oil simply cannot be cheap. If in the store its price is lower than the cost of olive oil, this should already be alarming.

It is clear that the manufacturer of this product must be indicated on the label - and not just the brand name, but all the contact details of the company. In addition, the bottle indicates the date of manufacture and shelf life.

Even the best quality pumpkin seed oil is stored for no more than 10 months and only subject to all the rules. It does not tolerate light and sunlight, so it must be kept in a cool dark place where the temperature does not exceed + 15 ° C. In this case, the oil should be stored in a tightly sealed container made of dark glass. It is recommended to add it to the dish just before serving. After all, if a salad with such dressing stands a little in the sun, it will begin to be bitter.

How to drink pumpkin oil

This oil is considered a great alternative to animal fats. It contains many vitamins and minerals, some of which no other products can provide. At the same time, pumpkin oil is one of the champions in unsaturated fats. But the body receives benefit from it only when consumed in a relatively small amount, which is also associated with the features of the chemical composition of the product described above.

The maximum dosage of pumpkin oil is 3 tsp. in a day. This number is divided into three doses. Drinking oil is recommended two hours after a meal or an hour before meals. You can not drink it with water. But there are people who find it difficult to take oil without drinking. They experience some discomfort at the same time. In such cases, you can drink the oil with freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice, and it is better to seize it with a small piece of yesterday's bread.

Can I drink at night and on an empty stomach

Many people find it best to take pumpkin seed oil on an empty stomach. There is a certain logic in this - it is easier to drink oil on an empty stomach, in addition, during this period the maximum amount of nutrients will be absorbed from the product. But you need to understand that not every person tolerates fasting oil intake. Therefore, you should start with a very small dosage, gradually increasing it, otherwise you can get side effects in the form of nausea.

As for the maximum dosage, there is no consensus. Some experts say that you can take only 1 tsp. on an empty stomach, and the rest of the volume is divided into two doses. Others claim that you can take 1 tbsp in the morning.oil, and refuse the next two tricks. The best thing is to focus on your own body and the tolerance of this product as a whole.

In principle, you can take pumpkin oil before bedtime. But you need to consider that it has a mild laxative effect. If a person suffers from constipation, then this is even useful - in the morning he will have the opportunity to normalize the situation. But if there is no such problem, then a quiet sleep will definitely be disturbed.

How to make pumpkin oil at home

Oil production algorithm:

1. Choose raw materials, sort out the seeds, dry them naturally and peel.
2. Pour the seeds with purified water, while making sure that it completely covers them.
3. Warm the container with water and seeds over a fire for several minutes, but do not bring to a boil.
4. Drain the liquid, transfer the seeds to a food processor or blender and grind.
5. Transfer the resulting mass to a previously prepared clean gauze, folded in several layers, and squeeze the oil by hand.

The resulting product should also be kept in a tightly sealed container of dark glass. It will have a shorter shelf life than industrial oil, but given that a very small amount is obtained, this is not so important. Moreover, the oil can be immediately used for cosmetic or medical procedures, and in this case, you can be completely sure that it does not contain any harmful substances.

Interesting facts about pumpkin

Legend has it that in the Middle Ages, a small bottle of pumpkin oil would have to be paid as much as for a real full-weight golden ring. Most likely, this is a beautiful myth, since in reality pumpkin spread widely in Europe only after the discovery of America. But in the old days really pumpkin oil was called "black gold". Today, of course, this product does not have fabulous value, but it is still one of the most expensive types of vegetable oil, because it requires special raw materials, and in its production mainly manual labor is used.

Pumpkin oil was first produced in Austria. Today, a unique variety of this vegetable is cultivated here - Styrian oil pumpkin, which got its name from the name of the federal land where it was grown. The peculiarity of this variety is that its seeds are devoid of husks. Of these, Styria produces the most delicious oil in Europe with a delicate aroma and a light nutty taste. In Russia, pumpkin oil began to be produced only in the 19th century. But, although many breeders have achieved some success, not one variety can be compared to the Styrian butter pumpkin.

However, growing this pumpkin in bulk would still be unprofitable. To get 1 liter of oil, you need to process 2.5 kg of seeds, this is about 30 pumpkins. That is, in order to get 80-160 liters of oil, you would have to grow 5 thousand pumpkins, and this is a huge sown area. The seeds in each pumpkin contain only 150 g, and the rest is pulp, which is not used in any way, but left on the field so that it rots naturally and becomes fertilizer for next year's crop. This can be considered a terrible waste, since the pulp also contains vitamins, pectins and many useful substances.

Interestingly, the weight of Styrian oil pumpkin is only about 8 kg on average, although there are varieties in which the weight of the fruit is tens of kilograms. There are even giant varieties in which the weight of one pumpkin reaches 800 kg, and in diameter they can be 4 m, but this, of course, is rare. And the oily pumpkins are small and have tender flesh.

As for the production of oil, in traditional regions of growing oily pumpkins, manufacturers keep the recipe secret. The fact is that the resulting taste and aroma largely depends on the temperature of roasting the seeds and the duration of this process.So both of these indicators remain a mystery.

Photo of pumpkin oil