One can ground roasted pumpkin seeds into a paste to use as alternative peanut butter or regular butter. Pumpkin seed butter is a much healthier option since it is rich in omega-3 as well.
The awareness of men’s health and wellness is pretty much restricted to gyms and workouts.
In the run for attaining an attractive physique, men usually neglect the nuances of a healthy body.
Many men face various issues related to their prostates with dwindling age: men over 50, more so.
Pumpkins are relished across all cuisines, but not many are aware of the health benefits of pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkin seeds, due to their high zinc content, are one of the essentials for prostate health. The prostate is a small gland in men that makes sperm.
Hence, pumpkin seeds can increase sperm count as well.
Zinc benefits for men are related more to the prostate than anything else.
Pumpkin Seeds Benefits
- Pumpkin seeds, especially in their raw form, are packed with potassium, zinc, magnesium, calcium, omega 3, and vitamin E, making them one of the best choices for heart patients.
- Pumpkin seed oil is full of vitamins, anti-inflammatory compounds, linoleic, and oleic acid, which helps treat prostate hypertrophy (BPH).
- Pumpkin seeds also have high protein content, making them an ideal choice for a protein supplement.
- Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium as well, which makes the body active and energetic. Further, it helps regulate blood pressure, supports muscle function, and maintains an ideal sugar level.
- The other nutritional quotient of pumpkin seeds is vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate.
- Pumpkin seeds are effective DHT blockers. The seeds are known to block the production of enzymes that convert testosterone into DHT- a prime culprit for hair fall among men.
- Pumpkin seeds are a source of healthy fats. Good fats or healthy fats increase vitamin absorption and even protect the brain. So if you’re wondering how to incorporate healthy fats into your diet, pumpkin seeds are a good start.
Also read: 6 benefits of Sabja seeds
Is Pumpkin Good For Prostate?
There are numerous benefits of pumpkin seeds for overall health and wellness. Some of them are:
- Pumpkin Seeds for Prostate – As per recent studies, pumpkin seed oil can inhibit the growth of some types of prostate anomalies.
- Consumption of pumpkin seeds has shown positive results in containing abnormal growth and inflammation of the prostate. The phytochemicals in pumpkin seeds help reduce the effect of dihydrotestosterone on the prostate gland.
- The highest levels of zinc are found in the prostate glands of the human body. Thus, zinc plays a critical role in maintaining the health and functionality of the prostate. Pumpkin seed oil benefits are not just restricted to prostate health; they also enhance metabolism and promote healthy hair growth.
Ways To Consume Pumpkin Seeds
Adding pumpkin seeds to your diet is the easiest way to reap their benefits. Although there is no recommended dosage, a handful of seeds every day can help keep your prostate in good health. If you have a pumpkin handy, remove its innards and keep the seeds aside. Clean and dry them thoroughly before storing them in an air-tight container. It is essential to soak the pumpkin seeds before consuming them.
A common question in this regard is how long to soak pumpkin seeds? Ideally, 8 to 12 hours of soaking help remove harmful enzymes and make it easier for you to digest.
You can add pumpkin seeds to your smoothies or grind roasted pumpkin seeds to make your protein shake.
One can ground roasted pumpkin seeds and make them into a paste to use as an alternative to peanut butter or regular butter. Pumpkin seed butter is a much healthier option available since it is rich in omega-3 as well.
How To Consume Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds
Dry roast the pumpkin seeds in a preheated oven. Once the seeds turn light brown, take them out and sprinkle them over your yoghurt, oats, smoothies, etc.
Pumpkin seed butter
Roast pumpkin seeds and grind them in a grinder. Add a little extra virgin coconut oil to make a paste. Do not add any salt or sugar. Store it in an air-tight container and add it to a piece of toast or chapati for a nutritious meal. The health benefits of pumpkin seed butter are numerous.
Pumpkin seed oil
Switch your regular cooking oil with pumpkin seed oil for a healthier alternative. Add it as a dressing to your salads as well.
Pumpkin protein shakes
Roast pumpkin seeds and grind them to form a powder. Add a tablespoon of this powder to a glass of warm milk or water to make your organic protein shake. Pumpkin protein powder benefits are equivalent to those of regular protein shakes.
Salted pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds can also be coated with a dust of salt to enhance their taste. Salted pumpkin seeds are a delicious snack to munch on.
Pumpkin seed flour
Roasted pumpkin seeds can be roasted and then finely grind to make flour. It can be mixed with the regular flour you use.
Pumpkin Seeds Side Effects
Eating pumpkin seeds in moderation, a few handfuls, do not adversely affect an individual's health.
However, consuming them in more than the required amount might lead to gas and constipation. Pumpkin seeds, when consumed in large amounts, may also increase the risk of frequent urination.
The potential of pumpkin seeds to pose as an effective preventive treatment for prostate-related issues.
Consuming pumpkin seeds every day does not ensure a complete reduction of prostate issues; however, it does help prevent them to some extent due to its high nutrient content.
Consuming pumpkin seeds, however, definitely helps enrich your body with many essential nutrients.
Also read: Reasons why you should add Flax Seeds to your diet
References
- Mukesh Yadav, Shalini Jain, Radha Tomar, and GBKS Prasad, December 2010; Medicinal and biological potential of pumpkin: An updated review- (PDF) Medicinal and biological potential of pumpkin: An updated review (researchgate.net)
- Geoffrey Meru, Yuqing Fu, Dayana Leyva, Paul Sarnoski, and Yavuz Yagiz, Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed and Nutrition Profile of 35 Pumpkin Accessions-HS131200.pdf (ufl.edu)
- Sarah E. Edwards, Inês da Costa Rocha, Elizabeth M. Williamson, and Michael Heinrich, February 2015; Pumpkin (Seed)- Pumpkin (Seed) - Phytopharmacy - Wiley Online Library
- Shafiya Rafiq, Sajad Ahmad Sofi, and Aamir Hussain Dar, December 2017; Pumpkin the Functional and therapeutic ingredient: A review- (PDF) Pumpkin the Functional and therapeutic ingredient: A review (researchgate.net)
