In This Article
Consider the Pumpkin Seed
While pumpkins seeds have become type-cast as the seed for prostate health, exciting new research has been linking pumpkin seeds to health benefits for the heart, bones, bladder, joints, and mood (1).
Support Bladder Function and Urinary Flow
In one study, 53 men ages 50-80 took pumpkin seed extract for three months and saw a 40% improvement in urinary flow and a 30% reduction in nighttime urinary frequency (1).
Support Healthy Levels of Good and Bad Cholesterol
A study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complimentary and Alternative Medicines found that animals supplemented with pumpkin seeds for just 37 days reduced the bad cholesterol (LDL) by 78% and increased the good cholesterol (HDL) by 47% (1).
Support Healthy Bones
Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc, magnesium and phosphorus. A lack of these minerals was found to increase risk of fracture due to osteoporosis (1).
Ease Arthritis
Pumpkin seed oil is loaded with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that may ease inflammation in joints due to arthritis according to a study published in Pharmacology Research (1).
Anxiety Relief
Pumpkin seeds are rich in an amino acid called tryptophan which, according to a study in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, may help alleviate anxiety (1).
