I Tried the King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe and I'm Never Making Chicken Another Way
This cheesy potluck dish is a Texas staple! The post How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole, an Iconic Texas Recipe appeared first on Taste of Home.
Pumpkin seed oil basics
People associate pumpkin as a fall baking and cooking staple or festive decoration, with its seeds commonly touted as a healthy snack.
But pumpkin's uses go far beyond those, with pumpkin seed oil even providing various health benefits.
Here's all you need to know.
What is pumpkin seed oil?
Cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil comes from shelled pumpkin seeds and is commonly used for cooking.
You can find it at most grocers, or even at discount stores like Home Goods, according to Gabrielle Mancella, a registered dietitian in Orlando, Florida.
It's also sold in pill or capsule form in some health stores, which is a more common way for people to consume it if they want the health benefits.
7 Adorable Pumpkin Planters to Showcase Your Plants in This Fall
These pots are perfect for your succulents. bhg - 25 Available at Etsy bhg - 28 Available at Etsy bhg - 20 Available at Etsy bhg - 34 Available at Terrain bhg - 11 Available at Michaels bhg - 9 Available at Etsy bhg - 20 Available at Amazon As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to change colors in the fall, it's the perfect time to update your home with some cozy autumn decor.
Unsurprisingly, pumpkin seeds, along with their oil, contain nutrients just like the vegetable is in its original form.
"Pumpkins contain a large amount of vitamin A due to their rich orange color, so this is essentially what they get the most kudos for but when it comes to their fat source, it contains arguably more nutrients per serving," Mancella says.
Just one tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil is also packed with most of the electrolytes adults need, which include potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, making it a great mechanism for promoting hydration, Mancella says.
"You can add it to water or smoothies to ensure you are obtaining the most minerals from your diet, [while also helping ward off] bloating and water retention," she says. "It also contains zinc which can aid our immune system to better prepare us for times of illness."
The Internet Is OBSESSED with This Over-the-Sink Drying Rack—Here's Why
If you're low on kitchen counter space you're going to LOVE this over-the-sink drying rack. The post The Internet Is Obsessed with This Over-the-Sink Drying Rack appeared first on Taste of Home.
Pumpkin seed oil also contains 3 grams of monounsaturated fat and 7 grams of polyunsaturated fat, both of which are heart-healthy fats, per tablespoon, says Amy Gorin, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Plant-Based Eats in Stamford, Connecticut.
Pumpkin seed oil uses
As with most other cooking oils, there are various ways you can incorporate pumpkin seed oil into your cooking routine to reap both its health benefits and appealing flavor.
"Pumpkin seed oil has a lower smoke point of 320 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that it makes a better finishing oil for salad dressings or even for adding to smoothies or to make a vinaigrette to spoon on top of roasted vegetables," Gorin says.
Keep in mind that pumpkin seed oil goes rancid easily, so be sure to store it in a cool, dark place, or keep it refrigerated to extend its shelf life.
Pumpkin seed oil health benefits
Pumpkin seed oil has a variety of positive effects on health.
Castor Oil Might Be The Key To Achieving Mermaid-Length Hair
Hair experts weigh in on this miracle ingredient.If you’ve ever struggled with restoring your edges, excessive shedding, or thinness, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the alleged miracle hair growth properties of castor oil. A quick search on YouTube yields dozens of positive testimonials that show brows restored to Cara Delevingne status and edges even Alicia Keys would envy. But is there any scientific evidence to back castor oil’s growth stimulation claim? To find out, we talked to two hair experts: board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration expert Dr.
One such example is urinary health. One study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that people who took between 500 and 1,000 milligrams of a pumpkin seed oil extract saw an improvement in their overactive bladder symptoms after 12 weeks, including urinating while asleep at night.
Similarly, some consider pumpkin seed oil an alternative treatment option or supplement for enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), which can cause pain and block urine flow.
One study in Nutrition Research and Practice looked at 47 people over 12 months with an enlarged prostate. They found that people who experienced this condition saw an improvement in their symptoms when taking pumpkin seed and palmetto oils, with no negative side effects.
Other research has also found that pumpkin seed oil, which is an unsaturated, or "good," fat, can help to promote good heart health, as well as potentially aiding in lowering cholesterol, according to the journal Circulation.
"There's also research to suggest that pumpkin seed oil may help increase 'good' HDL cholesterol levels in women," Gorin says. "In one study, women who had undergone menopause who received pumpkin seed oil daily for three months had higher HDL levels and lower diastolic blood pressure levels."
9 Gluten-Free Grains You Should Know About
Looking for a gluten-free grain? Here's a list to choose from, including gluten-free whole grains. The post 9 Gluten-Free Grains You Should Know About appeared first on The Healthy.
Pumpkin seed oil also has some other potential benefits. Animal studies in the journal Nutrition and Cancer suggested it may aid in the prevention of breast cancer. Still, there is currently no research confirming this benefit in humans.
Is pumpkin seed oil good for your hair and skin?
If you're on the hunt for hair growth solutions, pumpkin seed oil may be worth trying, as it's been tied to this benefit in men.
In one 2014 study in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicinem, men who took four 100-milligram supplements containing pumpkin seed oil and other ingredients daily for a period of 24 weeks experienced 40 percent more hair growth than the men in the placebo group, with no adverse effects while consuming it. (The study was funded by the supplement manufacturer, so additional research is needed to confirm the findings.)
When it comes to other possible skin benefits, pumpkin seed oil may help acne.
"Pumpkin seed oil also has antimicrobial activity and has been touted as a beneficial spot treatment for acne," says Patricia Farris, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology in Metairie, Louisiana.
While it's generally believed to be safe to apply oils directly to the skin, Dr. Farris notes that it's key to be mindful of potential contact allergies and seek them out in products formulated with other ingredients to stay on the safe side.
8 Best Menstrual Cups to Try When You’re Ready to Ditch Tampons
The best menstrual cup is the one that fits and is easy to remove. Here are some great options—DivaCup, June, Flex, Saalt, and more—and how to pick one, according to OB-GYNs. The post 8 Best Menstrual Cups to Try When You’re Ready to Ditch Tampons appeared first on The Healthy.
The bottom line
Similar to other oils, pumpkin seed oil is a versatile cooking option that can provide various health and beauty benefits, in addition to delicious flavor.
Consider picking it up the next time you're perusing the cooking oil selection or browsing a health foods store.
Even if you're not eating a completely plant-based diet, chances are you're looking for new ways to add flavor to your favorite roasted veggies, stir-fries, and salad dressings.
If you haven't tried sesame oil yet, you might be pleasantly surprised.
And you have your choice between sesame oil, primarily used for cooking, and toasted sesame oil. The latter is darker and has a yummy nutty flavor. It's pretty potent, so it's most often used as a condiment.
Here's a closer look at sesame oil nutrition, the smoke point and how to use it for cooking, and the health benefits
The sesame plant is just over three feet tall, but it sure yields a wealth of uses. It thrives in hot and dry conditions. The top three sesame seed oil growing countries are China, Myanmar, and India.
The elongated pods that grow on plants hold the coveted edible seeds. During harvest time, the stalks are bundled, and the seeds are hulled and cleaned from the pods. From there, they go through an electronic sorter.
The seeds that are off-size or immature are used for sesame oil production. The toasted variety is pressed from roasted sesame seeds, giving it a darker color and nutty flavor.
21 sweet and savory pumpkin recipes for National Pumpkin Day
These comforting recipes highlight the earthy, rich sweetness of pumpkin — real pumpkin.Now, autumn is considered pumpkin spice season, boasting a plethora of pumpkin spice products that often have little to no real pumpkin in them whatsoever.
Seeds pressed into oil without using heat are sold as "sesame oil." This lighter-colored variety is relatively bland and often used for salad dressing or cooking.
Sesame seeds have a myriad of possibilities once they leave the seed pod. Besides sesame oils, the seeds are a tasty topping for everything from salads to breads.
Sesame oil is also in perfumes, cosmetics, creams, lubricants, insecticides, fungicides, and solvents for intramuscular injections.
Fats come in different varieties. Some are better (or worse) for our health. So when it comes to cooking oils, the first thing most of us ask is how bad is it for you?
The good news is sesame oil is rich in "heart healthy" polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats and low in saturated fats.
Still, too much of a good thing applies with sesame oil. One tablespoon is 120 calories.
Here's some notable nutrition facts for one tablespoon of sesame oil, according to the USDA's Food Composite Database.
Calories: 120
Saturated fats: 1.93 grams
Monounsaturated fats: 5.4 grams
Polyunsaturated fats: 5.67 grams
Vitamin E: 0.19 milligrams
Vitamin K: 1.85 micrograms
Get Paid $200 by Signing Up for This New Card (Yeah, Seriously)
Ad Microsoft
Slideshow continues on the next slide
Sesame oil may help improve heart health
About that heart health—sesame oil contains a pretty balanced ratio of omega-3, omega-6 (polyunsaturated), and omega-9 (monounsaturated) fatty acids.
Research in Nutrition Journal found that a diet containing these healthy fats lowers your risk of developing heart disease. Sesame oil may also help improve clogged arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
In a 2018 study published in Nature's Scientific Reports, mice were treated with sesame oil for 30 days and later fed a high-fat diet. The mice developed less plaque buildup compared to the mice who didn't receive sesame oil extract.
How Many Calories Are in a Banana? 7 Nutrition Facts to Know
Registered dietitian Cynthia Sass shares the nutrition and health benefits of bananas, including carbs, calories, protein, fiber, sugar content, and more. The post How Many Calories Are in a Banana? 7 Nutrition Facts to Know appeared first on The Healthy.
Another small study in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine had 48 adults consume either four tablespoons of sesame oil or olive oil a day for one month.
Researchers found that those who had sesame oil daily saw greater reductions in LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides than those who had olive oil.
It's important to note eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, avoiding stress, and other healthy lifestyle choices are your best defense in preventing heart disease.
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeast.
Candida is a yeast that normally lives on our skin, in our mouth, and inside the body without causing a fuss most of the time, but it can get out of control when the conditions are right.
The linoleic acid and oleic acids in sesame oil show antifungal activity against Candidiasisin humans and the harmful fungus on plants, per the Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Botanicals with sesame oil may be used to treat Candidiasis.
Free radicals aren't something we want freely running about in our bodies.
Certain substances like alcohol, tobacco smoke, pesticides, air pollutants, and the food we eat generate free radicals. When there are too many, it causes oxidative stress, which damages DNA, cells, and proteins, leading to inflammatory conditions, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and cancer.
Antioxidants found in foods such as sesamol and sesaminol found in sesame oil can help defend against free radical damage.
A Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research study found after thirty days of ingesting sesamol reduced neurological deficits and restored brain motor activities in rats following an induced heart injury. Sesamol shows promise as an antioxidant, but human aren't rats, so more studies are necessary to confirm the link.
Catching zzz's doesn't come easy for all of us. Sleep experts say a consistent sleep routine can help us ease into snooze town. A healthy bedtime routine with relaxation techniques to quiet the mind and calm the body can help set us up for a good night's sleep.
Self-massage is a fundamental part of an Ayurvedic health regimen, and sesame oil has a benefit for your skin.
Rubbing a teaspoon of sesame oil into your feet may help reduce pain and inflammation and help you get a more restful night's sleep, per the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Just be sure to put on a pair of socks after you apply the oil to prevent slipping.
Have you ever wondered how our ancestors cleaned their teeth before toothbrushes were invented? Some may have used tree bark or sticks, fish bones, or even porcupine quills. No wonder some of our ancestors went with oil pulling to keep their mouths clean. They may have been on to something.
A small study published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research looked at 20 teens with gingivitis swishing with mouthwash or sesame oil for ten days. Both methods reduced the number of harmful bacteria.
According to another small study in the Nigerian Medical Journal, 60 people were divided into three groups and tried either oil pulling, mouthwash, and distilled water.
Oil pulling was found to be safe and may reduce the number of harmful bacteria in saliva that can lead to cavities as effectively as a mouthwash.
Every now and then, constipation happens. Drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of high-fiber fruits and veggies usually keep us fairly regular. But a vacation from our routine—including an actual vacation—can leave us constipated. Over-the-counter laxatives can be harsh on your tummy and unpredictable.
Oils such as sesame, olive, and flaxseed help lubricate bowels and help relieve constipation, but swallowing an oily substance might not appeal to everyone, per the Journal of Renal Nutrition.
Sesame seeds might be a better option for you and just as effective, according to a study published in the International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology. The oily composition of sesame seeds adds moisturize to the intestines, which can help if dry and painful stools keep you plugged up.
Another sesame oil benefit is that it can help get things moving again. Sprinkle sesame seeds on salads or grind them up in a coffee grinder and use them as a seasoning. Amp up your effort and drink plenty of water with them.
Refi Rates at 1.93% APR. Do you qualify?
Ad Microsoft
Slideshow continues on the next slide
Sesame oil helps nourish your hair
We've heard a lot about collagen for hair, but sesame oil? Why not head to your pantry instead of the shampoo aisle for your next hair pampering session?
Sesame oil contains vitamin E, one of the essential nutrients that nourish your hair and scalp, per the Global Journal of Health Science.
Try gently massaging a bit of sesame oil (not the toasted variety) into your hair. Then, sit back, relax, and leave it on your hair for about 30 minutes, and shampoo as usual for a damaged-hair home remedy.
You might be wondering if sesame and toasted sesame oil can take the heat like other oils.
Sesame oil can withstand temps up to 410 degrees, a high smoke point that makes it a good choice for roasting or frying. Its nutty cousin, toasted sesame oil, has a lower smoke point of about 350.
Besides the awful smell and bitter taste, burnt oil isn't good for our health, according to research in BMC Public Health.
Once an oil starts to burn and pass the smoke point, the fat in the oil breaks down and releases free radicals. As we mentioned earlier, sesame oil can help fight free radicals, but not if you burn it.
What's the difference between toasted and regular sesame oil in cooking?
Plain sesame oil is a good cooking oil because it has almost no color, flavor, or scent. It won't overpower or compete with the flavors of other foods. It's also good for frying, especially combined with another oil.
Toasted sesame oil is generally used more sparingly. Its toasty and nutty flavor is a popular flavor enhancer in Asian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern foods. Just a little splash turns ordinary noodles, stir-fries, grains, vegetables, and salads into yummy sides dishes.
One of the outstanding features of sesame oil is its long shelf life. That's due to sesamol, one of the antioxidants in sesame oil.
You should store sesame oil in a cool, dark place. Store any seed oil in the refrigerator to help stave off rancidity. (On the other hand, you should never keep these foods in the fridge.)
The post How Pumpkin Seed Oil Benefits Your Skin, Hair, and Body appeared first on The Healthy.
How Many Calories Are in a Banana? 7 Nutrition Facts to Know .
Registered dietitian Cynthia Sass shares the nutrition and health benefits of bananas, including carbs, calories, protein, fiber, sugar content, and more. The post How Many Calories Are in a Banana? 7 Nutrition Facts to Know appeared first on The Healthy.
This cheesy potluck dish is a Texas staple! The post How to Make King Ranch Chicken Casserole, an Iconic Texas Recipe appeared first on Taste of Home. 
These pots are perfect for your succulents. bhg - 25 Available at Etsy bhg - 28 Available at Etsy bhg - 20 Available at Etsy bhg - 34 Available at Terrain bhg - 11 Available at Michaels bhg - 9 Available at Etsy bhg - 20 Available at Amazon As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to change colors in the fall, it's the perfect time to update your home with some cozy autumn decor. 
If you're low on kitchen counter space you're going to LOVE this over-the-sink drying rack. The post The Internet Is Obsessed with This Over-the-Sink Drying Rack appeared first on Taste of Home. 
Hair experts weigh in on this miracle ingredient.If you’ve ever struggled with restoring your edges, excessive shedding, or thinness, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the alleged miracle hair growth properties of castor oil. A quick search on YouTube yields dozens of positive testimonials that show brows restored to Cara Delevingne status and edges even Alicia Keys would envy. But is there any scientific evidence to back castor oil’s growth stimulation claim? To find out, we talked to two hair experts: board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration expert Dr. 
Looking for a gluten-free grain? Here's a list to choose from, including gluten-free whole grains. The post 9 Gluten-Free Grains You Should Know About appeared first on The Healthy. 
The best menstrual cup is the one that fits and is easy to remove. Here are some great options—DivaCup, June, Flex, Saalt, and more—and how to pick one, according to OB-GYNs. The post 8 Best Menstrual Cups to Try When You’re Ready to Ditch Tampons appeared first on The Healthy. 
These comforting recipes highlight the earthy, rich sweetness of pumpkin — real pumpkin.Now, autumn is considered pumpkin spice season, boasting a plethora of pumpkin spice products that often have little to no real pumpkin in them whatsoever. 
Registered dietitian Cynthia Sass shares the nutrition and health benefits of bananas, including carbs, calories, protein, fiber, sugar content, and more. The post How Many Calories Are in a Banana? 7 Nutrition Facts to Know appeared first on The Healthy. 
