Pumpkin was originally found in North America. This plant is a gourd – like squash which usually has a solid, orange to yellow covering, pleated from top to bottom. Typically, a pumpkin weighs up to 5 to 10 kilograms. It is abundant in seeds and pulp inside. Pumpkin seeds are flat in appearance and green to dark green in color. The taste of the seeds of pumpkin is seemingly sweet and crunchy in texture. Clinical studies on these seeds have revealed that pumpkin seeds are one of the most health beneficial and flavorful seeds worldwide. Some varieties are enclosed in beige or yellow – white husk while other varieties pumpkin plant produce seeds without husks. Other variety of pumpkin seeds include plants belonging to the family of Cucurbitaceae such as cantaloupe, squash, cucumber and the like.
Pumpkin seeds are commonly consumed in many places all over the world to help in the relief treatment and prevention of prostate disorders. Prostate enlargement is basically an age – related disorder which is associated with the declining levels of the male hormone testosterone as the person ages. Too much enlargement of such gland may lead to disturbing symptoms associated with urination such as burning sensation and pain during urination, urgency, incontinence, straining and frequent or repeated urination.
Pumpkin seeds have been popularly used by many elderly males because studies reveal that the seeds have phytosterols which can significantly shrink the prostate gland. Further studies have also resulted to the discovery of important chemicals which can effectively prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is closely related to the enlargement of the prostate gland.
Health experts as well as individuals who have survived Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) highly suggest on consuming about an ounce or a handful shelled pumpkin seeds at least thrice per week. Pumpkin seeds are available in many health and drug stores, grocery and food stores. This kind of food is not only nutritious and good for the prostate but it is also a yummy and enjoyable snack. You may eat it with Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, cayenne pepper or garlic powder or even with sunflower seeds. You may eat it raw, dry – fried or toasted.
Other primary nutrients in pumpkin seeds are lutein, alpha – carotene and beta – carotene. These are the substances necessary for maintaining the health of the eyes and sustaining good eyesight. These nutrients are the precursors of Vitamin A which is responsible for vision and eye health. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in fiber thus facilitating normal bowel movements by adding bulk to the stool. Furthermore, these seeds are rich in the mono – unsaturated fatty acid known as oleic acid. This fatty acid is helpful in lowering the blood level of Low Density Lipoprotein, the bad cholesterol, while increasing the concentration of good cholesterol High Density Lipoprotein. Therefore, pumpkin seeds can also contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases brought about by high cholesterol levels in the blood. Pumpkin seeds also contain many chemicals that serve as precursors to many bodily chemicals necessary for the body’s various functioning.
Guest post by Darrell Miller. Protect your prostate with natural vitamin and herbal supplements. – Darrell Miller