Pumpkin turns out to be a hit. Not only on Halloween! Rich in fiber, antioxidants, set of minerals and nutrients. The kitchen isn’t the only place where it’s beneficial. Why it pays off to regularly reach for pumpkin seeds (not just in form of a snack)?
If you had asked me about the properties of pumpkin seeds 2-3 months ago, I wouldn’t have known what to say. I guess I would have said something about muesli, frying and adding them to a salad, maybe baking a pumpkin pie? It used to make me think of cooking only. I guess it is because it’s my favorite snack.
I had one thought at the back of my head – what I eat affects how I look. I had no idea that pumpkin seeds conceal so many valuable ingredients.
Great things in a tiny seed
What do pumpkin seeds contain? Fall in love with a pumpkin! If you don’t like its taste, love it for the set of ingredients:
- vitamins A, B1, B, B6, C, E and K;
- lots of fiber and protein;
- minerals: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnesium;
- healthy unsaturated acids.
What benefits do pumpkin seeds have?
Most of all, it’s the taste but it isn’t the biggest benefit. They work in beauty care as well. Make a DIY mask or scrub using them. What’s more, a highly-valuable and multitasking oil is pressed from pumpkin seeds.
I’m not going to tell you what works better. Surely, fresh pumpkin seeds have more nutrients yet it is more difficult to use them for beauty purposes. On the other hand, pumpkin oil can be used in a variety of ways.
Personally, I like to make use of the pumpkin beauty benefits in two ways – eating tasteful snacks/ delivering valuable ingredients from within, as well as applying a pumpkin seed oil.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Even though extracting a pumpkin seed oil might be fun, you don’t have to do it at home. It is available in every healthy food store. Online shopping is an option for the lazy ones.
Pumpkin oil, valued for its healthful properties, looks the same as other oils. It is a natural product without preservatives so keep it in a cool, shadowy place e.g. in the refrigerator. High temperature and strong sunlight are two things making pumpkin oil lose its qualities.
Pumpkin Seed Oil Uses
Both hair maniacs and natural skin care fans appreciate the way it works. You can use it without any limitations, even to treat cracked skin on elbows, knees and heels. Why? Because it:
- moisturises,
- fights bacteria,
- has antioxidant effect,
- nourishes.
Pumpkin Seed Oil for Face Skin
It works on all skin types, especially skin bothered by acne, scars or discoloration. These skin imperfections can be reduced thanks to pumpkin which accelerates skin repair. Pumpkin oil brightens discoloration, brilliantly moisturizes skin and soothes irritations.
Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair
Owners of weak, damaged hair and hair loss fighters are gonna love it because unsaturated fatty acids make up 80% of its composition. Pumpkin seed oil strengthens and nourishes hair bulbs so considerably less hair falls out. Strands become stronger, thicker, more elastic and luminous. Hair is resistant to damage.
Pumpkin Seed Extract
Pumpkin seed extract is a common ingredient in skin products. It enhances the cellular renewal and is rich in squalane – natural component of a skin hydro-lipid coat. Pumpkin extract-infused products improve moisture, blood flow and elasticity.
It is popular among people whose skin:
- has broken blood vessels;
- is sensitive;
- is dehydrated.
Pumpkin seeds in beauty care – DIY skin products
Oils and extracts aren’t the only products to be used in beauty care routine. I use pumpkin seeds in various ways.
DIY Anti Acne Face Mask
Soak a handful of pumpkin seeds in water. Next, smash (in a mortar) or blend them. Apply the pulp to face skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it out using lukewarm water. Enrich the mask with a few drops of your favorite oil e.g. almond oil or… pumpkin oil.
Irritation- Soothing Facial Toner
Pour boiling water onto a handful of pumpkin seeds. Put them aside for 15 minutes. Strain the seeds or leave them. Use the toner after a face wash to soothe irritation and minimize acne lesions.
Recommend it <3
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