An old remedy appears to be making a comeback. In the beginning of the last century, pumpkin seed was used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate and other urinary issues.

 

Over half of American men over age 50 have problems due to an enlarged prostate. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) constricts the urethra, causing painful urinary problems. Now in parts of Europe, many young men begin eating pumpkin seeds for prostate protection later in life.

 

Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, protective compounds which may help in shrinking the prostate. They also contain chemical compounds that can help prevent some transformation of the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Elevated levels of DHT are associated with an enlarged prostate. Components in pumpkin seed oil appear able to interrupt this triggering of prostate cell multiplication by testosterone and DHT.

Carotenoids are chemicals with nutritive properties that exist in the pigment that colors plants and animals. The carotenoids that are found in pumpkin seeds, and the omega-3 fats found in pumpkin seeds have shown benefits for the prostate. Men who have a higher amount of carotenoids in their daily diet have a lowered risk for BPH. This connection is what has led to an interest in pumpkin seed carotenoids.

Zinc is another essential nutrient found in pumpkin seeds that can positively impact prostate health. Since pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc, this may contribute to the role of pumpkin seeds can play in support of the prostate. Pumpkin seeds contain several major groups of active components such as essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols (also known as beta-sitosterol) vitamins and minerals. Other major constituents include mucilaginous carbohydrates.

Pumpkin seed oil has been utilized in combination along with saw palmetto in two double-blind trials to effectively reduce many of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Only one of the trials evaluated the effectiveness of using pumpkin seed oil alone for symptoms of BPH. Several animal studies have revealed that pumpkin seed extracts can improve the functions of the urethra and bladder. This could partially account for BPH symptom relief.

A constituent known as Curcurbitin in pumpkin seeds has shown anti-parasitic activity in labratory test tubes. Pumpkin seeds have shown to be helpful for people with acute schistosomiasis, a severe parasitic disease occurring primarily in Asia and Africa that is transmitted through snails, according to human trials conducted in China. Preliminary human research conducted in Russia and China has shown pumpkin seeds may also help resolve tapeworm infestations. Consult your doctor to help diagnose and treat any suspected intestinal parasite infections.

So this fall, you can also get your pumpkin seed benefits in our complete prostate formula for prostate health, Prostate Health Essentials (click here to view). Along with pumpkins seed powder, Prostate Health Essentials contains 30+ natural ingredients that can shrink your enlarged prostate in 5-7 days. It guarantees that you'll get relief from the aggravating symptoms of common prostate problems.