Pumpkin has been cultivated in Mexico and North America since at least 14,000 B.C. It was reported that roasted pumpkin seeds would improve the nutritional value of seeds, for example, the increases of the sterols and vitamin E.
According to a 2014 study, both pumpkin seed oil and a combination of pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto oil may improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. (Nutr Res Pract. 2009 Winter; 3(4): 323–327)
In the study, researchers used a dose of 320 mg per day over the course of 12 months. The pumpkin seed oil was more effective than the placebo in improving symptoms and quality of life.
Pumpkin seeds contain many nutrients which help to reduce an enlarged prostate. They contain protective compounds called phytosterols, which have been found to help reduce an enlarged prostate. Their rich zinc content is another reason why pumpkin seeds are considered to be good for prostate health.
Zinc is critical to normal prostate function. In fact, a normal prostate has the highest levels of zinc in the body. Results of a 2011 study showed that malignant prostate tissue and prostate tissue from men with BPH had significantly less zinc than normal prostate tissue.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc. One cup provides almost half the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
Other researches showed that the oral administration of high doses of pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil reduced prostate weight in experimental animal models of prostate growth. The injection of pumpkin seed oil caused reproducible effects on urodynamic parameters in rabbits. Prostatic inflammation has been shown to aggravate Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. Therefore, anti-inflammatory effects of pumpkin seed oil as observed in the rat arthritis model may also contribute to clinical improvement.
Pumpkin seeds – for treating benign prostate enlargement
