Boost Your Testosterone Levels with Pumpkin Seeds
Men today are learning that they have another tool to use in the fight against Low T and prostate gland growth. There are incredible benefits regarding testosterone and pumpkin seeds that can help a man in many different ways, but, as this report will show, women also can reap incredible rewards by adding pumpkin seeds to their daily diet.
When looking to increase the level of testosterone, pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc with more than 2 mg in one ounce. Pumpkin seed extracts and oils are important for prostate health, and may treat benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH. Used in combination with saw palmetto, these exemplary seeds may provide extra benefits for the prostate as a man ages. See “The Connection between Prostate Health and Testosterone” for more information about how testosterone can help the prostate gland.
Zinc assists in keeping the sex organs healthy and is an excellent source of plant-based protein, iron, and unsaturated fat. Packed with nutrients such as vitamin E and the antioxidant selenium – both beneficial for artery health – pumpkin seeds and testosterone work to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes, among other issues.
Pumpkin Seeds, Testosterone, and Sexual Performance
Many different hormones go into the process of satisfactory sexual performance. Intimacy often becomes an issue for men and women in later years of life. This is a time when crucial sexual hormone levels such as testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen begin to decline in production. There are potentially positive benefits of pumpkin seeds and libido performance.
When hormone levels decline, these changes can result in:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Vaginal dryness
- Night sweats
- Reduced desire
- Arousal difficulties
- Declining orgasms
For a woman, the ovaries become less active, decreasing the production of testosterone – essential for sexual desire. Females with higher levels of testosterone in the bodies have been found to have greater sex drives than those dealing with Low T. Here, again, we find zinc at the helm of the process that blocks the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. A serving a day of pumpkin seeds can improve vaginal lubrication and sex drive.
One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds benefits testosterone production in women and men. These powerhouse seeds are packed with vitamins B, C, D, E, and K, which all play a role in libido, as well. Their omega 3 fatty acids are a precursor for prostaglandins that play a role in sexual health, potency, sex drive, and even fertility. The minerals potassium, niacin, phosphorous, and calcium contained in these seeds also provide benefits for libido and performance.
There are actually known pumpkin seeds benefits for fertility as zinc can help increase semen levels in men. Zinc supplements are recommended for men who do not want to eat these seeds. It is also suggested that calcium, and vitamin D and E supplements are taken with the zinc for those individuals looking to raise testosterone levels without consuming pumpkin seeds.
Additional Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
When looking at the actual benefits of pumpkin seeds, testosterone increase is only part of a much bigger picture that has widespread effects throughout the body, including:
- Anti-inflammatory – pumpkin seed oil may help reduce the pain and symptoms of arthritis without medication side effects.
- Menopause – pumpkin seed oil contains phytoestrogens that can increase good “HDL” levels of cholesterol. It can also reduce the effects and severity hot flashes, joint pains, headaches, night sweats, and decrease blood pressure.
- Sleep – pumpkin seeds are loaded with the amino acid tryptophan that the body converts into serotonin. This is then turned into melatonin – the sleep hormone. Pumpkin seeds consumed with a small piece of fruit a few hours before bed may help increase production of these hormones and improve sleep.
- Heart and liver – the healthy fats, fibers, magnesium, and antioxidants provide heart and liver benefits, especially when combined with flax seeds.
- Insulin regulation – pumpkin seeds may decrease oxidative stress and improve insulin regulation.
- Cancer-fighting action – pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacins, essential compounds that have been shown to fight and kill some types of cancer cells.
- Leucine – this amino acid, contained in pumpkin seeds, aids in fat oxidation, endurance, and supports increases in testosterone levels.
- Magnesium – with nearly half of the daily amount of magnesium found in one-quarter cup, pumpkin seeds aid in bone and tooth formation, bowel function, and blood vessel relaxation. Magnesium also supports the action of enzymes in the body.
- Plant based Omega 3 – a top source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), pumpkin seeds still require conversion in the body to EPA and DHA. Combine it with fish oil for the best results.
- Other zinc benefits – in addition to helping with testosterone production and prostate health, zinc is vital for cellular growth, sleep, insulin regulation, immunity, mood, eyes, sensory taste and smell, and skin.
There are many pumpkin seeds benefits for men and women that are worth adding this delicious snack to your daily dietary routine. Add them to yogurt, cereal, baked goods, salads, soups, trail mix, or eat them straight out of your hand.
Increasing hormone levels is not always as easy as making dietary changes, especially for individuals dealing with a hormone deficiency such as Low T. There are times when medical science must intervene to bring about positive change. To speak with a hormone replacement therapy specialist to understand how diet can provide benefits, or to get answers to questions about hormone treatments that are available, please contact National HRT for a free consultation.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
- NTDV.FOOD
- “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition”; Effects of Dietary Fat and Fiber on Plasma and Urine Androgens and Estrogens in Men: A Controlled Feeding Study; J.F. Dorgan et al.; December 1996
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- Protective effect of Pumpkin seed extract on sperm characteristics, biochemical parameters and epididymal histology in adult male rats treated with Cyclophosphamide S. Aghaei H. Nikzad M. Taghizadeh A. A. Tameh A. Taherian A. Moravveji First published: 11 October 2013
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