Comparative Study Finds: Pumpkin Seed Oil Is Healthier Than Other Oils

Pumpkin seed oil has the highest protection level against undesired "free radicals" - aggressive molecules, compared to other non-refined edible oils.

Albin Hermetter from the Institute of Biochemistry of Graz University of Technology explains:

"All previously characterized Styrian pumpkin seed oils had the highest antioxidant capacity compared to the other studied edible oils. The antioxidant potential protects the organism from "free radicals". "

Free radicals are aggressive oxygen compounds that are produced, among other things, as a breakdown product in the body. They are responsible for the development and course of diseases such as atherosclerosis, which in turn can be a trigger for cardiovascular disease.

"The study results show that Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil is particularly rich in these effective protective substances, which can thus make a valuable contribution to stay healthy," says Hermetter.

In addition to the already known fat-soluble antioxidants (for example vitamin E), the Graz scientists have also discovered yet unknown water-soluble antioxidant ingredients, which will now be analyzed in more detail.

A total of 28 Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil products were tested and compared with just as many other edible oils. However, some Pumpkin Seed Oil samples were also drawn that had similar high antioxidant capacities to conventional, commercially available unrefined edible oils. All investigated Styrian pumpkin seed oils came from protected geographical cultivation and are therefore subject to the highest origin and quality criteria.