Is Pomegranate Seed Oil Edible ?

The pomegranate is a fruit rich in nutrients and many other “good stuff” the body needs. It has been linked to cancer prevention, treating arthritis, aiding digestion, preventing heart disease, and so many other health benefits. It also makes some delicious juices and is a welcomed addition to any salad, meat dish or baked goods.

So, since the fruit itself has so many proven benefits to human health, could the oil from its seeds be just as beneficial, and is it edible?

To learn this, you will just have to read this article. You will also learn more about its uses and what you stand to gain from adding this oil to your cupboard.

Where does it come from?

Pomegranate oil, or pomegranate seed oil, is derived from the seeds of the pomegranate fruit. This fruit has been used by humans for centuries as a food source, for medicinal purposes, and even as an ingredient for fabric dye. Many of these practices continue today, and persons all over the world have adopted pomegranate and its by-products into their daily lives.

To make pomegranate oil, the seeds are removed and dried to prepare them for extraction. At the extraction phase, the seeds undergo a process known as cold-pressing. This produces an unrefined or “extra virgin” form of pomegranate oil which retains the bulk of the seed’s phytoactive compounds and nutrients.

The seeds may be further processed by using chemical solvents to expel oil that could not have been extracted by cold-pressing alone. This produces refined pomegranate oil which is bleached and deodorized to remove harsh smells, taste, and chemicals before it gets shipped to customers.

What is it used for?

The Pomegranate fruit tree is one of the most cultivated fruit trees in all of human history. As a result, humans have found many uses for pomegranate over the years.

Here are some ways pomegranate seed oil has been used:

Hair and skincare

Pomegranate seed oil has been used for hair care because it has a large concentration of punicic acid. This acid helps to fortify and strengthen hair, and improve scalp health. The oil is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E which promote proper blood circulation in the scalp, which helps to strengthen blood vessels and hair follicles, which fosters healthy hair growth.

Pomegranate oil can also act as a moisturizer for the hair and scalp to help treat conditions such as dry scalp and dandruff, and reduced flakiness and itchiness. It can also be helpful in reducing thinning and turning limp, lifeless hair into beautiful tresses.

As it relates to skincare, pomegranate oil is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenol which enable it to act as a natural barrier or shield from UV rays and free-radical damage. These same antioxidants also support cell regeneration which in turn repairs damaged skin, prevent wrinkles and blemishes, and helps to improve the overall appearance of the skin. It is also able to provide moisture and hydration to the skin, making it softer and more radiant.

Pomegranate oil is also said to have antimicrobial properties which help to prevent acne and inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria, virus, and fungi. Its anti-inflammatory properties are useful for reducing swelling and redness.

Cancer prevention

Antioxidants present in pomegranate oil helps to protect the cells against damage. This is important because DNA damage can promote the growth of cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate. Pomegranate seed oil may also be beneficial in retarding tumor growth.

Preventing cardiovascular disease

Consuming certain oils can increase your chances of developing cardiovascular disease due to the presence of saturated and trans fats which increases bad cholesterol levels.

Pomegranate seed oil, on the other hand, contains phytochemicals which can help to regulate and lower bad cholesterol levels. This lowers your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It can also help to prevent obesity.

Strengthening the immune system

Between the phytoestrogens present in pomegranate seed oil which helps to prevent hormone imbalance, and the vitamins B, C, and other minerals, consuming this oil helps to strengthen the immune system and helps the body to fight against infection.

Treating muscle aches and inflammation

Pomegranate seed oil naturally has anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial to persons who suffer from occasional muscle and joint pains, or more serious conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. This is allowed to the fatty acid conjugates such as punicic acid present in pomegranate oil which helps to reduce swelling and ease muscle pain and soreness in the body.

Nutritional facts

Pomegranate oil is an excellent source of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is responsible for blood calcium regulation and bone metabolism. It is also crucial for blood clotting. It is also rich in Vitamin C which helps the body to absorb iron and repair body tissue.

Vitamin B5 is also present in pomegranate oil is responsible for making new red blood cells and converting the food you eat into energy. Vitamin E in the form of tocopherols provide antiaging benefits and improves the appearance of the hair and skin.

This oil also contains several protective polyphenolic compounds such as punicic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanidins and tannins which help to neutralize feed radicals which can cause cancer and damage to other body cells.

Other constituents include oleic acids (or omega-9 fatty acid), linoleic acids (or omega-6 fatty acid), stearic acid and palmitic acid

Type of Fat

Pomegranate seed oil is higher in unsaturated fat, being 68% polyunsaturated fat, and 5% monounsaturated fat. Its fat composition is only 6% saturated fat.

Taste and smell

Extra virgin pomegranate seed oil has a sweet and sour taste and a fruity or tangy smell. When refined, it loses much of its flavor and becomes bland with a light-oily smell.

Smoke Point

Pomegranate seed oil has a smoke point of around 340°F (or 170°C) and therefor is not suitable for high heat.

Pros

Using pomegranate seed oil has the following benefits:

• It is great for skin and hair- Since pomegranate seed oil contains Vitamin E and other antioxidants, using it as a part of hair and skincare routines can improve their health and appearance

.• It has anti-inflammatory benefits- Using pomegranate seed oil can reduce swelling and pain caused by numerous conditions, from acne and psoriasis to arthritis and osteoporosis

.• It can boost the immune system- Pomegranate seed oil contains several vitamins and minerals which can help to ward off infection and prevent disease.

Cons

Using pomegranate seed oil has the following drawbacks:

• It can cause stomach issues- When ingesting pomegranate seed oil, only a small amount is required to receive its benefits. Consuming more than the recommended amount can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and other gastrointestinal issues.

• It can cause an allergic reaction- Pomegranate seed oil is very concentrated and rich. For this reason, it is recommended that persons dilute it before using it topically. If not, it can cause skin irritation and rashes

.• It is expensive- Pomegranate seed oil is a luxury oil, and the price tag reflects it. This is because approximately 200 pounds of pomegranate seeds are needed to make just one pound of pomegranate seed oil.

What’s the best way to use it?

Pomegranate seed oil is best used as a drizzle for salads, or as a marinade. It may also be used to make juices and smoothies, and wines and cocktails.

You may also use it in baked goods such as cakes and tarts for added aroma and flavor.

It is not advised to use it for frying, or any other high-temperature cooking method.

Alternatives

The closest oils to pomegranate seed oil In terms of cosmetic benefits are argon oil and Abyssinian oil.

If you wish to use it as a drizzle or marinade, you can pretty much use any edible oil with a low saturated fat content such as pumpkin seed oil and grape seed oil.

Things to note

While there has been extensive research on pomegranate seeds, the effects it can have in the early stages of pregnancy are still uncertain. However, there are strong indications that it can cause complications and induce miscarriages.

Pomegranate seed oil has been linked to lowering blood pressure, however, if you are already on medication to lower your blood pressure, combining the two can be dangerous. It is best to consult your doctor before adding pomegranate oil or its supplements to your diet.

Pomegranate oil has also been linked to treating symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and sleeplessness but more research is needed in this area.

Pomegranate seed oil has a shelf life of 6 months to up to two years when stored properly. Since this oil is prone to oxidation, you should probably refrigerate it to extend its shelf life.

Pomegranate oil is a pretty good carrier oil and can be added to serums, face creams, and balms for added benefits.

Conclusion- Healthy or Unhealthy?

By now you have probably gathered that pomegranate seed oil is healthy and edible. However, not all pomegranate oil is suitable for consumption, as some are made solely for cosmetic purposes.

Your best bet is to go with cold-pressed pomegranate seed oil. This way, you can ingest it and use it topically.

Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits That Might Surprise You

Also known as pepita oil or ‘green gold’, pumpkin seed oil is loved by professional and home chefs all over the world for its remarkable health benefits and amazing smell and flavor when used when cooking.

If you are a bit iffy when it comes on to pumpkin seed oil, then take a moment to learn all there is to know about pumpkin seed oil benefits. You might be surprised by what you will discover!

Where does it come from?

Pumpkin seed oil, like the name suggests, comes from the seed of a pumpkin, but not any kind of pumpkin can make the cut. This oil is made from a special type of pumpkin known as the Styrian pumpkin which is native to Austria.

Traditionally made in Europe for over 300 years, the unhusked seeds are dried, roasted and pressed using a mortar and pestle until the dark oil begins to form. This oil can take on a dark green or dark orange-red color, depending on its thickness, and is bottled and sold in many parts of the world, including the US.

What is it used for?

Pumpkin seed oil is used widely in the culinary arena in salad dressing, desserts, stews, and soups. Aside from cooking, pumpkin seed oil has many other applications. These include:

Hair and skin care

Many persons who suffer from hair loss and balding, especially men, use pumpkin seed oil capsules to stimulate hair growth without experiencing any adverse effects. Some women who suffer from traction alopecia also find this oil to be useful.

And, since pumpkin seed oil is a natural antioxidant, it is used to reduce skin inflammation along with the appearance of age-related wrinkles and blemishes.

Heart health

While many people think of fats and oils as being unhealthy, the “good” fats such as pumpkin seed oil which contain oleic and linoleic acids are necessary for regulating blood pressure and cholesterol which helps to prevent various heart conditions such as heart attacks, stroke, and atherosclerosis.

Cancer prevention

Over the years, a number of studies have been conducted which support the idea that pumpkin seed oil may be useful in reducing the chances of developing colon cancer, breast cancer and even prostate cancer due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Mental health

Pumpkin seed oil is great for reducing the number of stress hormones present in the body and boosting mood. If you suffer from anxiety and/or depression, it is a great natural remedy and is a much better alternative to antidepressants that have many negative side effects.

Menopause

Women who are going through menopause use pumpkin seed oil to treat many of the symptoms associated with it as such as cramps, joint pain, hot flashes, and headaches. There have also been noticeable increases in HDL cholesterol levels and decreased in diastolic blood pressure.

Nutritional Facts

Unlike many other oils, pumpkin seed oil is not just 100% oil. In fact, its fat concentration is just about 30% to 50%.

In a serving size of 2 teaspoons, organic pumpkin seed oil has:

Calories: 120

Calories from fat: 122

Total Fat: 14g

Saturated fat: 1.5g

Monosaturated fat: 2.0g

Polyunsaturated fat:5.5g

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Carbohydrates: 0g

Dietary Fiber: 0g

Sugars: 0g

Proteins: 0g

Of Note : Despite the presence of carbohydrates in pumpkins and pumpkin seeds, there are none present in pumpkin seed oil.

Pumpkin seed oil also contains many different carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lutein, which are a form of vitamin A. These account for the deep yellowish or reddish color and can benefit the skin and cancer patients.

Tocopherols and tocotrienols which are a form of Vitamin E are also present which account for some of the antioxidant properties of pumpkin seed oil.

Type of Fat

Pumpkin seed oil is comprised predominantly of polyunsaturated fat, mainly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are “good” fats as they help to raise HDL cholesterol and prevent heart disease.

Taste and smell

In its pure form, pumpkin seed oil has a nutty taste and is added to plain flavored desserts such as vanilla ice-cream to give it a little kick. The browned oil has a bitter taste.

Pumpkin seed oil doesn’t smell too oily, in fact, it won’t be as noticeable as say soya bean or vegetable oil, and won’t throw off the overall presentation of your meal.

Smoke point

Because pumpkin seed oil is so rich in polyunsaturated fats, it becomes unstable when heated and has a very low smoke point, at about 320°F or lower. For this reason, it is not used in cooking and is added to food in its raw state.

Pros

If you used pumpkin seed oil, you stand to reap several benefits. Here are some advantages associated with using pumpkin seed oil:

It is a diuretic- Pumpkin seed oil is a great solution for problems related to urination. What it does is cause the excess salts and water stored in the body to be released thereby decreasing the pressure on the bladder and increasing overall urine production. It can also help with blood wetting in young children
It is a great moisturizer- Like coconut oil, pumpkin seed oil is a great way to moisturize the skin, especially the face to keep it hydrated for a long time. It also kills bacteria and keeps your skin smooth and clear. Pumpkin seed oil is also pretty dense. That makes it a great option for a massage oil.
It lowers blood sugar- if you are like many persons who develop diabetes later on in life, it is possible due to your poor diet and lifestyle choices. By introducing pumpkin seed oil to the diet, diabetes can be managed as it lowers blood sugar.

Cons

Though there are no known negative effects when combined with other medicines, or when used in its pure form, pumpkin seed oil still has a few drawbacks. These include:

Low smoke point- When heated too much, the oil loses the essential fatty acids that make it so beneficial to health.
Impurities- When going to buy pumpkin seed oil, ensure that it is cold-pressed. Otherwise, you can end up with hydrogenated fat molecules, or worse, carcinogenic compounds, chemicals, and toxic impurities.
Allergies- If you have sensitive skin and/or allergies, you should be extra mindful when using pumpkin seed oil as it could cause irritation, redness and even contact dermatitis.
Quality- The quality of pumpkin seed oil can diminish if not stored properly. After a year to eighteen months, it can cause an upset stomach due to its short shelf life.

What’s the best way to use it

As aforementioned, pumpkin seed oil has a low smoking point. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use it for frying, sautéing, stir-frying or any kind of cooking which will require high heat. Your best bet is to use it as a marinade, salad dressing or topping for dessert.

In fact, it is better to use pumpkin seed oil that has been cold-pressed to extract the oil, rather than using pumpkin seed oil that was extracted using heat as it loses its antioxidant properties and other benefits when heated.

When received, you should store it in a cool, dry place such as a cupboard, away from direct sunlight. This can last for up to two years.

Alternatives

If you don’t have pumpkin seed oil, avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil can be used as salad toppers. If you want a similar flavor or one that’s close enough to its nutty taste, your best bet would be walnut oil or toasted sesame oil.

Sea buckthorn or buriti oil with a bit of jojoba oil should get you that pumpkin seed oil color.

Things to note

The first thing you should note is that this oil can stain your clothes if it isn’t dealt with properly. Pro tip: DO NOT WASH OR SPOT TREAT THE STAIN. Instead, lay your blouse or whatever it messed up in the sun and it will disappear on its own.
Pumpkin seed oil can also come in a capsule form if you don’t wish to use it as a finishing oil, or just simply hate the taste. Therefore, you can get all the health benefits in a simple, convenient way.
Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should probably stay away from it because there hasn’t been enough research conducted to confirm if has any effects on unborn babies or newborns.
When going to buy pumpkin seed oil, look for anything to indicate that it is Styrian grade. Many companies are coming out with different pumpkin seed oils, but nothing can beat the tradition and quality of pumpkin seed oil made from Styrian pumpkins. Otherwise, you might end up with something less impressive than what has been discussed.

Conclusion- Healthy or Unhealthy?

To sum everything up, pumpkin seed oil is a pretty healthy oil. And, the best part is, it can be used for many different purposes so it won’t just be another fad that is here today and gone tomorrow. From your food to your skin, you’ll be surprised by how quickly you will use it all up.