Pumpkin seeds contain phytochemicals, or plant chemicals, that may be beneficial for prostate health. They're available as snacks, or you can remove them from pumpkins and roast them at home. Pumpkin seed oil is also available as a dietary supplement. Speak to your doctor before taking pumpkin seed oil or using pumpkin seeds to treat prostate problems.
Phytosterols
Phytosterols are plant chemicals that structurally resemble cholesterol. They may slow down the absorption of cholesterol in your digestive tract and reduce your total cholesterol and LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol levels. Phytosterols may inhibit the growth of breast or prostate cancer or reduce your risk of these cancers. They may also reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Foods high in phytochemicals include unrefined vegetable oils, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds.
The Prostate
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It's a walnut-shape gland that surrounds the upper part of the urethra. Urine and semen are carried out of the body through the urethra. Prostatic fluid is forced through tiny ducts into the urethra during ejaculation, where it mixes with sperm and other fluids to form semen.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is enlargement of the prostate. The prostate generally gets larger as men grow older, so elderly males are at greater risk for BPH than younger men. Symptoms of BPH include dribbling after urination, having a weak urine stream and being unable to urinate. Men may also have trouble emptying the bladder or may be incontinent. Waking at night to urinate is a common symptom, and people with BPH may have pain with urination or blood in the urine.
Pumpkin Seeds and BPH
Pumpkin seeds may reduce the symptoms of BPH by inhibiting testosterone, a male hormone that may be involved with the development of BPH. They also work as anti-inflammatory agents. Pumpkin seed oil may be as effective as saw palmetto for treatment of BPH, according to a study published in 2009 in "Nutrition Research and Practice." The researchers found pumpkin seed oil reduced symptoms and improved quality of life as much as saw palmetto and more than a placebo.
References
- "Nutrition Research and Practice"; Effects of Pumpkin Seed Oil and Saw Palmetto Oil in Korean Men With Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; Heeok Hong et al.; December 2009
- Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute: Prostate Cancer
- Linus Pauling Institute; Phytosterols; Jane Higdon; September 2008
- PubMed Health; Enlarged Prostate; August 2009
