Advisor left the university and student moved to a clinical track

The purpose of this study is to determine if the inclusion of 1.5 ounces of pumpkin seeds per day in the diet of women will alter dietary fatty acid intake or blood pressure.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in United States. Diets high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids have been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oil extracted from pumpkin seeds has been shown to lower blood pressure. One purpose of this study is to determine whether eating 1.5 ounces of pumpkin seeds per day will improve polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acid intake in the diet in healthy adult women. Another purpose of this study is to determine whether eating 1.5 ounces of pumpkin seeds a day will lower blood pressure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female
• Over the age of 18
• Able to read, write, and speak English
• Able to keep a three-day diet diary
• Willing and able to consume pumpkin seeds

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Allergic to pumpkin seeds
• High blood pressure
• Regularly consuming pumpkin seeds (more than 4 times per month)
• Taking blood pressure medication
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Gastrointestinal disease
• History of bariatric surgery
• History of a major cardiovascular event
• Heart disease
• Currently undergoing cancer treatment (except nonmelanoma cancer)
• Following a weight control diet
• Following a disease specific diet
• Following a vegan diet
• Have a diagnosed eating disorder

The study was stopped before data collection began - no data to share.