Pumpkin Seeds and Prostate Health

For centuries, pumpkin seeds have been used in the Ukraine, Turkey and Bulgaria to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) – enlargement of the prostate.

Pumpkin Seeds and Prostate Health: Boost Your Health with Zinc and Curcurbitacins

Recent research shows that powerful compounds in pumpkin seeds called curcurbitacins may be to credit. These phytonutrients may prevent some transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which stimulates growth of the prostate.

But the benefits don’t end there. Pumpkin seeds also contain as much as eight milligrams of zinc per half cup serving. This important mineral zinc has been shown to reduce the size of the prostate and is an important factor in preventing the transformation of normal prostate cells to malignant ones.

Getting More Pumpkin Seeds in Your Diet

Pumpkin seeds make a delicious addition to salads, homemade healthy candies and more. Try soaking pumpkin seeds in water overnight, then drain and rinse. Toss saoked seeds with coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari and spices, then roast at low temperature for a nutrient-packed snack.