Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Hair
Pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Pumpkin seeds make a powerpack ingredient, which is loaded with iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, zinc, and manganese. With essential amino acids such as arginine, tryptophan, lysine, and glumatic acid, regularly using pumpkin seed can improve hair quality. Let’s take a look at some benefits of pumpkin seeds for hair.
1. Anti-bacterial
Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin (an amino acid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties). This can benefit those suffering from hair and scalp issues such as dandruff. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in vitamin C, promoting hair growth and health.
2. Encourages Hair Growth
According to this study, pumpkin seed oil contains phytosterols, which promote hair growth. They are similar to cholesterols but only offer positive health benefits. Phytosterols blocks enzymes and hormones that cause hair loss. Several studies attest to phytosterol-rich plant-based oils and omega3 fatty acids helping hair growth.
The best way to use pumpkin seeds for hair growth is by applying pumpkin seed oil to your scalp. You can even eat a handful of pumpkin seeds every day.
3. Prevents Thinning of Hair
Eating pumpkin seeds daily can help counter hair loss and hair thinning. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, copper, magnesium, selenium, calcium, and Vitamins A, B, and C. These nutrients help with thinning hair, especially in men who suffer from baldness caused by excess testosterone.
4. Improves Hair Health
The proteins and amino acids such as arginine, lysine, and glutamic acids present in pumpkin seeds are good for hair health and help prevent hair breakage. They also have a high level of iron which helps strengthen your hair. The magnesium in pumpkin seeds also contributes to hair strength and health.
5. Fixes Damaged Hair
Using pumpkin oil benefits for hair can help revive damaged hair by providing moisture and hydration. Apply a hot oil hair treatment once a week or 2-3 times a month. A pumpkin seed hot oil treatment can benefit brittle, dry, frizzy, colour-treated hair or hair prone to split ends. The hot oil will seal the hair cuticle, and the oil will protect your hair from damage.
Pumpkins are a good source of fatty acids, which can hydrate your hair and make it stronger.
6. Darkens Hair
Roasted pumpkin seeds are rich in copper. Copper contains melanin stimulating properties. Melanin levels control the darkness of your hair. The higher the melanin, the darker the hair. Therefore, eating pumpkin seeds can prevent premature greying of your hair.
7. Makes Hair Shinier
Regularly using pumpkin seed oil adds a coat of shine on the strands making it look naturally healthier and shinier. The vitamin A, E, fatty acids and minerals present in the pumpkin seeds treat dry hair and make it look fuller and shinier.
8. Adds a Layer of Protection
If used consistently, pumpkin seed in oil can add a physical layer of protection to the hair. It can act as a buffer to pollution, dust and stress. Many also prefer using it as a pre-shampoo treatment or when styling.
References
- Valiollah Hajhashemi, December 2019; Beneficial effects of pumpkin seed oil as a topical hair growth promoting agent in a mice model - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6823528/
- Federica Zanzottera, January 2017; Efficacy of a Nutritional Supplement, Standardized in Fatty Acids and Phytosterols, on Hair Loss and Hair Health in both Women and Men - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318354495
