Pumpkin for Prostate Problems
- Angela Lagarra
- Aug 23, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 25, 2024
Contents
Pumpkin Shows Promise for Those with Prostatitis, BPH and Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in men in America and also worldwide.
Substances in pumpkin that may reduce the incidence of prostate disorders.
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) contains alpha carotene, beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, and zinc. All shown to be low in prostate cancer patients and high in pumpkin or its seeds.
Alpha and beta carotene are precursors to vitamin A. That means that the body can normally convert those substances into vitamin A.
Lutein and lycopene are phytonutrients (while not required nutrients) they offer many health benefits.
Zinc is a required mineral. Low levels of zinc may show up as “stretch marks” during rapid growth spurts in both men and women. Rapid growth includes fast growing teens, pregnant women and those who become overweight in a short period of time.
A zinc deficiency can also show up as white spots on fingernails.
The prostate contains more zinc than any other body part and most body tissues.
Zinc is low in prostate cancer patients and those with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc.
Zinc inhibits prostate enlargement and helps shrink an already enlarged prostate.
Adequate zinc levels lower the risk of developing prostate cancer.
5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into another form that causes prostate growth. Zinc helps block 5-alpha-reductase.
Studies on pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, and their nutrients/phytonutrients.
A 2016 study shows beta carotene acts as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer.
In a 2019 study, pumpkin seed extract shows relief of symptoms in, and a decreased risk of, developing benign prostatic hyperplasia. Benign means non-cancerous. BPH increases the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Pumpkin seeds are anti-inflammatory and can minimize the symptoms of some prostate disorders.
Studies on micronutrient plasma levels in prostate cancer show low levels of lutein, lycopene, alpha carotene, and beta carotene. Pumpkin is a superior source of all 4.
Studies show extracts of pumpkin contain antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral, and cytotoxic properties. The cytotoxic properties in pumpkin may help destroy cancerous and precancerous cells.
Phytosterols are another important substance in pumpkin.
Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols which may reduce prostate enlargement and prevent prostatitis-an inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostatitis increases the chance of developing prostate cancer.
Phytosterols reduce the growth of prostate and some other cancers including cancer of the breast and liver.
Apoptosis
Lab studies show pumpkin seeds can stop the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells and also induce apoptosis.
Apoptosis is a natural body process for the elimination of damaged cells including those with cancerous changes. It is referred to as a “programmed cell death”. Apoptosis can help prevent cancer.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Pumpkin works well with the herb saw palmetto. Saw palmetto inhibits the growth of tumor cells in BPH and prostatic cancer and induces apoptosis.
Synergistic herbs enhance each other’s properties.
While pumpkin and saw palmetto do not work together synergistically, they are not counterproductive when used together and each offers its own benefits.
Important Information. I am a clinical nutritionist and holistic health practitioner. I am not a medical doctor. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical treatments or care. Always consult with your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or fitness programs.
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