![]() The results showed that the pumpkin seed oil group experienced a 16% increase in HDL cholesterol levels in addition to a nearly 7% drop in diastolic blood pressure level. 13 Measurements of blood lipids and blood pressure were recorded. Researchers randomly assigned 35 postmenopausal women 2 g of pumpkin seed oil or wheat germ oil daily for 12 weeks. Pumpkin seed oil has favorable effects on HDL cholesterol, according to a study reported in the journal Climacteric. While managing LDL cholesterol is often the focal point of many heart boosting regimens, research indicates that increasing HDL cholesterol might play an equally pivotal role in heart protection as higher levels have been associated with a decrease in cardiovascular disease risk. 10 Pumpkin seeds have the third highest phytosterol content among nuts and seeds commonly consumed as snacks. One possible reason for pumpkin seeds LDL cholesterol lowering effects is due to its high concentration of phytosterols, plant compounds that inhibit cholesterol absorption in the small intestine. In a recent study published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, researchers found that rats induced with atherosclerosis and supplemented with pumpkin seeds for 37 days experienced not only significant increases in protective HDL cholesterol but also a 47% decrease in total cholesterol and a 78% reduction in LDL cholesterol. Pumpkin seeds modulate several cardiovascular disease risk factors. Researchers revealed that 53 men ages 50-80 taking a pumpkin seed extract containing mixture for three months produced an over 40% increase in urinary flow and a 30% reduction in nighttime urinary frequency compared with those taking a placebo. 7įurthermore, pumpkin seeds might provide dramatic relief for aging men suffering from urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate. In another study, 45 men aged 65 or older experienced significant reductions in nighttime urinary frequency and improved sleep satisfaction after supplementing with the combination extract for six weeks. 6 At the end of the study, participants experienced significant decreases in the number of daytime and night urinations. Japanese scientists examined the effects of pumpkin seed and soybean germ extracts on urinary frequency during the daytime and night in 39 postmenopausal women aged 52 to 86 over a 6-week period. The promising results of pumpkin seed extract for an overactive bladder were also demonstrated in humans. In an animal study published in the Japanese Journal of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, rats supplemented with pumpkin seed extract significantly improved bladder function and decreased urinary frequency. Several studies have shown compelling data in pumpkin seed extract's ability to support bladder function and combat the symptoms associated with an overactive bladder. 3 Although an overactive bladder poses no threat to overall health, it has been shown to reduce quality of life. 2 Researchers estimate that 16% of men and women suffer from overactive bladder symptoms such as urination urgency as well as frequent daytime and night urination. 1 Improving Bladder FunctionĪmong its unique multitude of health benefits, pumpkin seeds standout for their ability to effectively treat an overactive bladder, a condition characterized by a sudden urge to urinate that may lead to an involuntary loss of urine. The United States is currently the largest producer of pumpkins followed by Mexico, India, and China. Pumpkins, and their seeds known as pepitas, belong to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. Native to North America, pumpkins ( Cucurbita pepo) were first embraced by Native Americans for their multi-purpose properties before the fruit's seeds were passed along to European explorers and spread throughout Europe. 1 Emerging evidence indicates that pumpkin seeds represent a potent functional food in the battle against heart disease, osteoporosis, bladder dysfunction, anxiety, and arthritis. ![]() In addition, they are packed with tryptophan and essential fatty acids. While most people only think of pumpkins on Thanksgiving or Halloween, the seeds of this fruit offer an impressive cocktail of health enhancing and disease fighting compounds, vitamins, and minerals that can be consumed year-round.
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