Pumpkin Seed Oil Is Good For Your Health

By Darrell Miller

Pumpkin seed oil, as the name suggests, is obtained from pumpkin seeds, which can also be eaten roasted in the same way that people eat sunflower seeds. When roasted, they are coated in a sauce such as Worcester sauce and then heated in low oven for a long period of time. The secret of roasting them to maintain their nutritional value is to keep the temperature low and the cooking time high.

The seeds are regarded as a ‘superfood’ that is rich in vitamins A and E, the essential fatty acids known as Omega 3 and Omega 6, zinc, iron, magnesium and potassium. The seed is known as a pepita in North and South America.

The oil is reddish green and many people find it delicious. It is best when used raw, and can be drunk in the form of smoothies or shakes, or used as a salad dressing. Some also enjoy drinking it raw, and using it as a spread instead of butter or margarine. The benefits it provides to the human body are a healthy brain function, increased energy and it has a special use in maintaining a healthy prostate gland.

The vitamin E content is high, especially gamma-tocopherol, and it has a high antioxidant effect with consequent anti-inflammatory properties. Its effect on arthritis, and inflammatory disease, has been investigated and the inclusion of pumpkin seeds in the diet has been found to reduce the inflammatory symptoms of the condition with a consequent reduction in pain. In fact, in a comparison test with indomethacin, a common arthritis treatment, pumpkin seeds compared very well and in fact had a more positive effect on the damage to the fats in the joint linings than did indomethacin, which tends to increase the concentration of lipid peroxides rather than reduce them.

Its effect on the prostate gland is partially due to its high zinc content that is present in a higher concentration in the prostate than in any other gland in the body, and also to its effect on the hormones that cause the gland to grow and swell to the extent that it constricts or completely blocks the urethra, the tube connecting the bladder to the outside of the body. This is caused by an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the over-proliferation of the prostate cells.

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The reason for the effect of pumpkin seed oil on DHT is still under discussion, but some believe that it is connected with the zinc content and others with the high level of delta-7-sterine in the seed. The sterine appears to neutralize the effect of the DHt on the growth of prostate cells.

In addition to prostate enlargement, Osteoporosis is another problem associated with aging in men. It has been estimated that men over 50 have a 12.5% chance of suffering a fracture due to brittle bones, and it is though that this is connected with a deficiency of zinc. In fact a clear correlation has been established between osteoporosis in older men and low levels of zinc and the diet and in the blood. Pumpkins seeds, as already mentioned, are rich in zinc, and the benefits of their use as a supplement to avoid an enlarged prostate is reinforced by their effect in protecting against osteoporosis.

Pumpkin seeds contain a high concentration of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. These are specifically useful in protecting the cardiovascular system and prevent atherosclerosis. They also contain plant sterols known as phytosterols that are believed to help reduce the blood concentration of cholesterol. This types of sterols are the basis of the ‘cholesterol busting’ drinks that are sold in supermarkets. They also help to strengthen the immune system and are believe to help reduce the risk of contracting some types of cancer.

Pumpkin seed oil is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, an important unsaturated fatty acid that some studies have indicated can be used to prevent metastaes (the spread of the disease) development in patients with breast cancer. The most prized type of oil is that from Syrian oil, from the province of Steiermark in Austria. Such pumpkins are also grown in parts of North America, and the best oil is said to come from the first pressing, the so-called ‘virgin’ oil. If used in cooking, the temperature must be kept low, since many of the nutrients are destroyed much over 100 Celsius.

A little known use for pumpkin seed oil is in eradicating intestinal parasites. Many people are embarrassed at requesting professional help for worms, and pumpkin seeds are the ideal home remedy. The act almost immediately, and two or three hours after taking them, or the oil, then you should take a laxative. You should the parasites being removed with the bowel motions.

The worms are not actually killed, but are paralyzed, and cannot prevent themselves being removed with the bowel movement. If a laxative is not taken, however, they will recover and there will be no effect. As with any remedy for a health condition, therefore, it is necessary to understand how the seeds or oil work to help to remove the horrible parasites from your body. They are very common, and any self-help or natural remedy that actually works will undoubtedly be very popular, but if it is not understood that these creatures must be expelled from your body while paralyzed, then pumpkin seeds or oil will not work.

Those that failed to understand the process would then complain that the treatment does not work. In fact, it does work, and if the worms are expelled when they are unable to remain in your intestines then they will be removed. You must ‘read the instructions on the bottle’ for the contents to work.

Pumpkin seed oil is a very potent mixture of chemicals that can cure or control a large number of conditions, and it is essential that you understand why you are using them. They can be used as a supplement to your diet, though it is easy to wonder why you should take this antioxidant rather than another.

Find out what pumpkin seed oil can do for you, and if it applies to you then use it. There are stronger antioxidants, and better foods to take in an attempt to protect from certain conditions. However, there are certain circumstances when pumpkin seeds will do the job better than most other supplements, and if you can fit them into your regular diet then they will not only do you ‘no harm’, as they say, but will do you a great deal of good. Look for organic pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil at your local health food store.

About the Author: More information on pumpkin seeds and their health benefits can be found at http://vitanetonline.com/ where one can find organic pumpkins seeds and oil available for purchase.

Source: isnare.com

Permanent Link: isnare.com/?aid=194877&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Remove Unwanted Hair With Laser Hair Removal

byAlma Abell

Removing unwanted hair can cause you to invest in a wide range of products from hair removal creams, razors, and even devices that pull hairs from the root. Not only do they take a lot of time and money, but some of those options can be painful. You may not want to use some of those options on every part of your body either. What you need is a way to remove hair that is easy, affordable and proven to work. Laser hair removal is the perfect way to get rid of unwanted hair anywhere on your body. People that want to try services for hair removal in Cincinnati, OH, should locate a facility that has had many years of experience using laser hair removal systems.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

State of the art laser hair removal systems include EpiLight. EpiLight uses an intense pulsed light that is more adaptable, and called IPL for short. When IPL is compared to older lasers, it is clear to see why it is a desired hair removal choice. IPL emits a spectrum of various light wavelengths which equates to more hair removal possibilities. Treatments are flexible and can be adjusted for different skin types and hair colors. It can also be used on any part of the body or face. The IPL works the same as a laser in that it emits energy in the form of a light that the hair follicle, shaft and the hair itself absorb, which is then heated so it can be destroyed. The procedure feels much like a rubber band snap that can immediately be treated with a cooling gel to ease the discomfort. Clients can apply make-up directly after a treatments and return to their daily lives looking normal. The beauty of using IPL procedures is that they are FDA approved and have lasting effects for hair reduction. These types of treatments should only be performed by professionals that have many years of experience so they can provide you with the best care in a private and comfortable environment.

Hair Grows in Cycles

It is important to understand that hair removal should be a part of your continuing beauty regime. You weeks. Treatments all depend on your skin tone, the color of the hair, density and texture.

Anderson Cosmetic and Vein Institute offer professional and expert treatments for hair removal in Cincinnati, OH. When you want to get rid of unwanted hair, contact them to set up a consultation.

Benefits Of Dog And Cat Pet Massage

byAlma Abell

Your pet is your close companion. He or she is your friend and a member of your family. Some days, the best reward for your pet is to treat him or her to a massage. In Middleburgh a veterinarian should understands the need to pamper your pet. This is particularly true if the animal is a working one.

What Is a Pet Massage?At its most basic, a pet massage is upgraded petting. When you notch it up, it becomes a diagnostic tool for discovering health issues; it also becomes a therapeutic method to address pain issues in your pet. While a Middleburg veterinarian may not be part of an alternative veterinarian clinic, he or she does recognize the effects of certain holistic and complementary practices.

Canine and Feline MassagePet massage is one way to help you bind with a new animal and increase your bond with your current pet. It also allows you to spend quality and even fun time with your favorite four-legged friend. You can give him or her the best massages possible if you master a few basic techniques.

Several books and videos exist to help guide you through the practice. In general, the texts provide clear instructions accompanied by pictures to help guide you through the process. They remind you to always speak softly, never raising your voice. This helps to soothe and calm the pet during the process. They will show you how to apply slight pressure (acupressure) to certain areas. This will help to relieve tension and any strain or stress to the muscles. Moving your hands over a dog or cat in this fashion will help you find any lumps or unusual growths.

Hire a ProfessionalIf you are not sure or confident and do not put faith in correctly interpreting the images and direction in books or videos, a Middleburg veterinarian would recommend you take your pet to a professional. A professional pet masseuse is aware of all the techniques. They can relax your pet effortlessly and help your pet enjoy the entire procedure from start to finish.

Seeing, as recommended by a Middleburg veterinarian, a professional will ensure your pet receives a correct massage. It also gives you a chance to observe the technique and learn from it. Pet massage borrows from the best of human massage. It adapts the techniques used in Swedish Massage including:

*Effleurage*Pétrissage*Frictions*Vibrations,

In the end, you will get back one happy, relaxed cat or dog.

Talk to a Middleburg Veterinarian

Research indicates the power of massage. It can act as an early warning system of various health issues such as cancerous tumors and lumps. It can aid in recovery from surgery through its ability to increase the blood and lymph flow. If you massage your animal, your Middleburg veterinarian will applaud you. If nothing else, it makes his or her job so much easier. Massaging is, after all, one means of increasing your cat or dog’s acceptance of being handled.

If you are looking for a vet who is there for you when you need him or her, contact a Middleburg Veterinarian at the Argyle Animal Clinic. Their professional staff has been helping pet owners with the care of their pets for more than 25 years. From cats and dogs to the exotic, we can provide the best in veterinarian care. To learn more about our unmatched bedside manner and approach, visit us online at