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Pumpkin

Overview

Pumpkin is a plant. The seed and its oil are used to make medicine.

Pumpkin is commonly used by mouth for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The roasted pumpkin seeds are considered a snack food.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Plant

Primary Functions:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Also Known As:

Calabaza, Citrouille, Cucurbita galeottii, Cucurbita mammeata

How Does It Work?

The chemicals in the pumpkin seed cause an increase in urination (diuretic effect), which helps relieve bladder and prostate discomfort. Some chemicals might also reduce inflammation in the prostate. Pumpkin seed also contains a chemical that might kill intestinal worms.

Uses

  • Male baldness. Taking pumpkin seed oil may help with hair growth in men.
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Taking pumpkin seed oil products by mouth with or without saw palmetto or other herbs, may help BPH symptoms.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For male baldness: 400 mg of pumpkin seed oul per day in divided doses.
  • For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
    • 5 grams pumpkin seed twice daily.
    • 1-2 tablets or capsules of pumpkin see oil or extract products daily.
    • 160 mg pumpkin see oil 1-3 times daily in combination with saw palmetto and other ingredients.

Pumpkin Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is pumpkin seed extract good for?

Pumpkin seeds may help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges, causing problems with urination. One study in 45 men and women with overactive bladders found that 10 grams of pumpkin seed extract daily improved urinary function.

What are the benefits of pumpkin oil?

Pumpkin seed oil is said to help promote urinary health and heart health. It's full of vitamins and anti-inflammatory agencies, along with linoleic and oleic acid.

What are the side effects of pumpkin?

If you eat too many, you may experience gas and bloating. Fiber helps bulk up stool and prevents constipation in the long run, but eating a lot of pumpkin seeds at once may actually cause constipation.

How much pumpkin seed oil should I take a day?

Pumpkin seed oil supplements

Follow label directions for the pumpkin seed oil supplement you purchase. The common dose is a 1000 mg capsule. 1 or 2 of these can be taken by mouth following meals, about 3 times per day.

What happens if you eat pumpkin everyday?

Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, pumpkin is incredibly healthy. What's more, its low calorie content makes it a weight-loss-friendly food. Its nutrients and antioxidants may boost your immune system, protect your eyesight, lower your risk of certain cancers and promote heart and skin health.

Does pumpkin seed extract help with bladder control?

Herbalists traditionally used pumpkin seed extract and pumpkin seed oil to strengthen bladder tissue and help the bladder expand and contract. It helped the nerves of the bladder to regain control after childbirth and helped with the many trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night for people over age 50.

Does pumpkin oil help hair growth?

A significant study about pumpkin seed oil and hair loss was published in 2014. It might be the most rigorous study on a plant-based hair growth alternative thus far. The results showed those who took supplements experienced 30 percent more hair growth than those who received the placebo.

What does pumpkin oil do for your skin?

“Pumpkin seed oil is considered a good oil to use for acne prone skin. It contains a plethora of unsaturated fatty acids which can soothe inflammation and acne-prone skin,” says plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert, Dr. Anthony Youn. It also does not appear to work to break apart skin cells for exfoliation.

What happens if you eat too much pumpkin seeds?

Most people eat pumpkin seeds in moderation without experiencing negative side effects. If you eat too many, you may experience gas and bloating. Fiber helps bulk up stool and prevents constipation in the long run, but eating a lot of pumpkin seeds at once may actually cause constipation.

Who should not eat pumpkin?

But some people might experience allergies after eating pumpkin. It's mildly diuretic in nature and may harm people who take medicines such as lithium. Pumpkin is all healthy but pumpkin based junk foods like lattes, pies and candies are loaded with sugar, which is not good for health.

Is pumpkin bad for health?

Pumpkin contains a variety of nutrients that can improve your heart health. It's high in potassium, vitamin C and fiber, which have been linked to heart benefits. Pumpkin is also high in antioxidants, which may protect “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidizing.

Is pumpkin flower good for health?

With a rich source of vitamin B9, pumpkin flowers are known to be full of health benefits. From enhancing immunity and treating common cold to making strong bones and improving vision, pumpkin flowers are known to be super-healthy.

Is pumpkin seed good for kidney?

For those with kidney disease, it's important to note that pumpkin seeds are high in potassium and phosphorus and pumpkin puree is high in potassium. If you or your child need to limit these ingredients in your diet, check with your doctor or renal dietitian to see if pumpkin seeds and pumpkin purees are okay.

Does pumpkin seed oil increase estrogen?

Phytoestrogens are compounds found in plants and are comparable to human estrogen, capable of producing estrogenic effects. Studies in post menopausal women have demonstrated that pumpkin seed oil, at a dose of 2g per day for 12 weeks can decrease blood pressure and reduce menopausal symptoms.

Is pumpkin seed oil bad?

Effects on heart health

Pumpkin seed oil is actually an unsaturated fat, meaning it's the “good” kind of fat. Unsaturated fats like pumpkin seed oil can actually promote a healthy heart. One animal study found that pumpkin seed oil not only helped lower cholesterol, but it also had anti-inflammatory effects.

Is Pumpkin high in sugar?

Pumpkin is a low calorie food containing many nutrients that support overall well-being and healthy blood sugar levels. One-half cup (120 grams) of cooked pumpkin provides the following nutrients ( 3 ): Fiber: 3 grams. Sugar: 4 grams.

Does pumpkin increase weight?

Nutrient Density and Low Calorie Count May Promote Weight Loss. ... Simply put, pumpkin is a weight-loss friendly food because you can consume more of it than other carb sources — such as rice and potatoes — but still take in fewer calories. What's more, pumpkin is a good source of fiber, which can help curb your appetite.

Why does pumpkin make you poop?

As you can see from above, the soluble fiber in pumpkin slows digestion, which is beneficial in the management of diarrhea. And, since it absorbs water, it “bulks” up the stool, helping to control the loose, watery stools characteristic of diarrhea.

Does pumpkin seed oil really work?

Pumpkin seed oil is actually an unsaturated fat, meaning it's the “good” kind of fat. Unsaturated fats like pumpkin seed oil can actually promote a healthy heart. One animal study found that pumpkin seed oil not only helped lower cholesterol, but it also had anti-inflammatory effects.

Do pumpkin seeds stop hair loss?

The pumpkin seed contains two compounds that can help prevent hair loss: delta-7-sterine and several phytosterols including beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol helps to block DHT in another way: it helps to prevent testosterone from converting to the hair-harmful DHT, so there's less DHT to bother the hair follicles.

What can pumpkin do for your skin?

Pumpkin contains vitamin A, C, and E, and antioxidants, which help fight sun damage and wrinkles. It also has fruit enzymes that help naturally exfoliate dead skin cells. Finally, it contains zinc and potassium to combat redness. Honey locks in moisture to keep your skin plump and glowing.

Does pumpkin seed oil tighten skin?

Increase firmness – the great natural ingredients in pumpkin seeds, to be specific mainly zinc and vitamin C widely helps to firm and tighten skin. Therefore, Pumpkin seed oil helps to protect skin from environmental stressors.

Does pumpkin help acne?

Some dermatologists embrace the use of pumpkin seed oil for acne. “Pumpkin seed oil is considered a good oil to use for acne prone skin. It also does not appear to work to break apart skin cells for exfoliation. However, it may help reduce redness or inflammation that comes from acne, to make it appear less inflamed.

Are pumpkin seeds good for erectile dysfunction?

One study found that pumpkin seeds are a great libido booster. Pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which act as a precursor of prostaglandins - hormonelike substances important for sexual health.

Is pumpkin a diuretic?

The chemicals in the pumpkin seed cause an increase in urination (diuretic effect), which helps relieve bladder and prostate discomfort. Pumpkin seed also contains a chemical that might kill intestinal worms.

Is pumpkin good for your stomach?

Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which slows digestion. "Pumpkin keeps you feeling fuller longer," says Caroline Kaufman, MS, RDN and an upwave diet and nutrition expert. "There's seven grams of fiber in a cup of canned pumpkin. Pumpkin may be filling, but it's also a low-calorie superstar.

Is pumpkin a probiotic?

Fiber also acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are different from probiotics. In some cases, they may also recommend adding probiotics, which are supplements that contain live beneficial bacteria. Pumpkin acts as a prebiotic booster for these probiotics.

Clinical Studies