Pumpkin seed oil, Avocado oil, Sunflower seed oil. Which one is better? What should you use? Know all that and much more.
Voluminous hair, clear skin, healthy food, and what else drove people to be conscious about choosing suitable oils for their application in different purposes. There are various types of oils available in the market with different pros and cons. In this article, we will discuss three oils- Pumpkin seed oil, Avocado Oil, and Sunflower seed oil.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil: Oil from pumpkin seed is extracted to be used for different purposes. Nutty in taste, the pumpkin seed oil is a good source of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. It also contains potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. One tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil contains 120 Calories and 14 grams of Fats.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil: Obtained from the pulp of avocados, this oil has many applications. It is known for its high smoke point in cooking. One tablespoon of avocado oil consists of 124 calories and 14 grams of fats. It is used widely in beauty products for its high containment of vitamin E.
Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower seed oil. The seeds of pumpkins are pressed to acquire oil from them. A 100 grams of sunflower seed oil contains 100 grams of monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and saturated fats. It is filled with essential vitamins and acids. Ukraine, Russia, and Argentina are the lead producers of this oil.
Which one is better?
Heart health:
Being healthier alternatives to unhealthy fats, pumpkin seed oil, avocado oil, and sunflower seed oil are highly profitable for the health of the heart.
The pumpkin seed oil contains unsaturated fats and phytosterols that prevent cholesterol from being absorbed thereby lowering the levels of cholesterol in the body. Its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to accelerate nitric oxide functions enhance blood flow, strengthen arteries, and hence avoids heart issues. The sunflower seed oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid and Linoleic acid that protect our hearts in many ways. Avocado oil’s antioxidant properties prevent harmful radicals from oxidizing the body’s cholesterol. All these oils control blood sugar spikes and lower blood pressure that prevents risks of heart diseases.
Arthritis inflammation:
Oils rich in omega-3 fats, antioxidants, and fiber helps to reduce inflammation, especially in arthritis and rheumatism pain.
High in monounsaturated fats, these oils are effective in treating joint pains.
Avocado oil has anti-inflammatory effects and sunflower seed oil along with pumpkin seed oil contains Vitamin E antioxidants to fight free radicals. These oils have the ability to lower the intensity of joint pains.
Cure cancer:
Phytochemicals and antioxidants like carotenoids in the pumpkin seeds protect the body from lung, stomach, prostate, breast, and colon cancers.
Avocado oil contains omega 9 EFA, monounsaturated oleic acid that reduces the risk of cancers. The Omega 3 fatty acids in anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammation, antioxidant glutathione lower the growth and spread of the cancer cells in our body.
Summer seed oil is equally high in antioxidants, however, it is not recommended to cancer patients as the heated oil releases toxic chemicals called aldehydes that increase the risk of cancer in the body.
Skin:
Pumpkin seed oil, avocado oil, and sunflower seed oil contain essential vitamins that help to smoothen, nourishes, and enhances the complexion of the skin.
The vitamins are potent antioxidants that fight oxidative stressors and protect our skin from being damaged. It is highly effective to prevent premature aging.
Avocado oils have anti-inflammatory abilities to treat redness and acne in the skin. It also carries beta carotene and lecithin that cures sunburns. However, avocado oil is basically a carrier oil that might not be beneficial for oily skin. Sunflower seed oil can be used for all skin types. Additionally, it unclogs pores and retains the good health of the skin.
All three oils contain potassium that keeps the skin hydrated. Moreover, Omega fatty acids are linoleic acid balances skin oil, provides elasticity, and regulates moisture levels of the skin. Tocopherols and sterols help in wound healing. Zinc together with magnesium repairs the tissues creates cells and contributes to the overall health of the skin.
Hair:
Monounsaturated fats present in all three oils strengthens hair from roots and avoids the loss of hair. These oils are beneficial for people with dry scalp as the oleic acid in them moisturizes the scalp deeply which further treats dandruff and psoriasis. Phytosterols in pumpkin oil promote the healthy growth of the hair. In addition to this, pumpkin seed oil produces Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and maintains the testosterone and androgen levels that treat hair fall and keeps the hair strong. While avocado oil contains biotin, and vitamins that do wonders to keep the hair healthy. Sunflower seed oil is a light non-polar solvent that balances water level and keeps the scalp hydrated. The light texture of this oil is suitable for all hair types.
The high concentration of vitamins in these oils protects the scalp from harmful rays. Apart from this, other important nutrients contribute to repairing cells, prevent itchy scalp, treats flaking, and heals wounds.
Eyes:
Pumpkin seed oil, avocado oil, and sunflower seed oil are filled with zinc and vitamins that play a crucial role in maintaining good eyes. Zinc and Vitamin C is effective to reduce age-related macular degeneration that may cause adult blindness. It also allows vitamin A to form melanin that protects the eye. Vitamins are potent of Lutenin and carotenoid such as zeaxanthin, antioxidants, that protects from various chronic eye diseases. It also prevents infections in the eyes, impaired vision, cataracts, and maintains good eyesight.
Avocados are highly used for curing dark circles and eye bags as the vitamin K in them shrinks blood vessels and improves the circulation that lightens darkness under the eyes and improves elasticity.
The containment of fibers, proteins, vitamins, and other essential nutrients in these oils also aids in weight loss, healthy digestion, and boosting immunity. However, there are possible side effects of these oils that should also be considered while applying them for various purposes.
Cons:
Pumpkin seed oil, avocado oil, and sunflower seed oil might not suit well to everyone. They can cause skin allergies, redness, rashes, or skin irritation. It is always advisable to test them before using them anywhere. The shelf life of pumpkin seed oil depends upon its quality but it needs to be stored properly in a cool place and far from direct sunlight to avoid it from being spoiled. People with lower blood pressure are not recommended to consume it else it might lead them to hypotension. Moreover, if consumed in a high amount, pumpkin seed oil can increase the calories count.
Hypersensitivity, Latex sensitive people, and pregnant women are strictly forbidden to consume any avocado products. If the intake of avocados is not planned properly, it might cause liver damage, blood thinning, fever, gastrointestinal disorder, and weight gain. It can also interact negatively with the medicines you take.
The sunflower seed oil contains fatty acids like omega-6 and the overconsumption of this substance might give rise to inflammations in the body. It is also likely to increase weight and blood pressure which leads to obesity and diabetes. In addition to this, the release of toxic chemicals might increase the production of cancer-causing cells.
Natural oils are nutrient-dense and are said to be more effective than artificial chemicals. It is less harmful than processed and refined substances. Tested and consulted oils will eliminate half of the problems without causing you harm. Properly planned usage of these oils hold the potential to bless your physical and mental health in many ways.
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