Healthy Living (1) ~~~Pumpkin Seed Oil for Sleep
In recent years in the eastern and central Europe have invested many research projects of pumpkin seed oil; it may reduce the enlargement of the prostate by inhibiting testosterone-induced prostate growth.Studies have pointed out that pumpkin seed oil is very significant as a preventative measure, such as improving stress urinary incontinence; pumpkin seed oil has been proven a significant benefit to female who suffer from overactive bladder and pelvic floor muscle stress that can lead to urinary incontinence.
Research aimed at improving eye health aspects, epidemiology studies at the Southampton University in the UK alleged zeaxanthin may prevent macular degeneration of the eyes significantly, pumpkin seed oil contains large amounts of zeaxanthin and is the protection and delaying the retinal and macular degeneration.
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid. Tryptophan has been used to treat chronic insomnia because the body converts it into serotonin, the “feel-good” or “relaxing” hormone, and melatonin, the “sleep hormone.”
A study published in 2005 in Nutritional Neuroscience suggested that consuming tryptophan from a seed alongside a carbohydrate source was comparable to pharmaceutical grade tryptophan for the treatment of insomnia. Having a few pumpkin seeds or oil before bed, with a small amount of carbohydrates such as a piece of fruit, may be beneficial in providing your body with the tryptophan needed for melatonin production.
Interventions Targeting Sleep Behavior” published on April 21, 2016 reviewed 21 studies that analyzed the effectiveness of improving the nutritional intake as a treatment method of improving sleep.
In its findings, the study reported that pumpkin drinks can significantly reduce the time awake at night due to insomnia. It uses rigorous research methods of randomized controlled trials (RCT), showing midnight wake up time reduced by 39%; diet can help sleep concept is not new but an important area of research. This research review demonstrates there is evidence that changes to diet holds the promise of a simple and effective way to improve sleep.
The seeds are cold-pressed to remove the oil and blended in a powder formulation that promotes sleep naturally. The tryptophan found in the pumpkin seeds could be extracted to create a powder which, when mixed with warm milk or water induces sleepiness.
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid our bodies only obtain from food sources, is light sensitive and metabolizes differently in light versus dark conditions. "When taken during the day, the tryptophan becomes serotonin, which regulates mood, emotion and appetite. When taken at night, it turns into serotonin, which then metabolizes into melatonin, a hormone that activates the brain’s sleep mechanisms."
There are a number of methods that can be combined to help people sleep better, including breathing techniques and visualization; however, this study supports the idea that ingesting certain foods can also be a significant aid.