Pumpkin seeds may be small, but they are highly packed with nutrients. They are especially good for guys, and here’s why.

Pumpkin seeds are extremely rich in zinc, magnesium, manganese, protein, omega 3, iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins E and B (especially niacin), as well as phytosterols.

Pumpkin seeds contain as an important phytosterol known as beta-sitosterol, which has been shown through studies to improve prostate health as well as improve symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. Similarly, the zinc found in the seeds are also beneficial to prostate health.

Phytosterols in pumpkin seeds have also been shown to reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels. Pumpkin seeds are also found to help in reducing inflammation, such as in instances of arthritis.

Pumpkin seeds are used traditionally as a remedy for intestinal parasites.

References
[1] Collins, Elise Marie. An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion. San Francisco, California: Conari Press, 2009. Print.

Cindy L. TJOL is trained in Psychology, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has several years of experience writing on natural health on the internet. Follow her on her blog and read her other articles at Insights On Health.com.