The culinary and medicinal value of pumpkin seed oil dates back hundreds of years. Pumpkin seed oil was a staple in the diet of ancient Aztecs, while Native Americans used the oil to treat kidney maladies and to eliminate intestinal parasites. In addition to providing the
antioxidants vitamin A and E, pumpkin seed oil is a good source of
magnesium,
manganese,
phosphorus and
zinc. Fatty acids in pumpkin seed oil also provide lubricatio
n to joints, thereby protecting against inflammatory conditions such as joint disease and arthritis. Pumpkin seed oil is also rich in
phytosterols, which have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. The nutty-flavored, dark green cold-pressed oil isn't widely available, but may be found in health food stores or where gourmet food products are sold. The oil is best used raw, however, as the nutritional value is lost through heating and cooking. Raw cold-pressed oil is a healthy addition to
salad dressings or for
dipping breads. ~ Chef Wilkinson ~
The culinary and medicinal value of pumpkin seed oil dates back hundreds of years. Pumpkin seed oil was a staple in the diet of ancient Aztecs, while Native Americans used the oil to treat kidney maladies and to eliminate intestinal parasites. In addition to providing the antioxidants vitamin A and E, pumpkin seed oil is a good source of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. Fatty acids in pumpkin seed oil also provide lubricatio
n to joints, thereby protecting against inflammatory conditions such as joint disease and arthritis. Pumpkin seed oil is also rich in phytosterols, which have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. The nutty-flavored, dark green cold-pressed oil isn't widely available, but may be found in health food stores or where gourmet food products are sold. The oil is best used raw, however, as the nutritional value is lost through heating and cooking. Raw cold-pressed oil is a healthy addition to salad dressings or for dipping breads. ~ Chef Wilkinson ~ 
