Pumpkin Seeds Benefits for Male: Do they Increase Fertility in Men

Benefits of pumpkin seeds sexually for men include the improvement in sperm quality and motility. Low zinc level leads to infertility and decreased sperm count in males. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil increases zinc levels which improves sperm count.

What are the health benefits of pumpkin seeds?

Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals. Possible benefits of eating pumpkin seeds include boosting bone health, sexual wellbeing, and the immune system.

People often refer to pumpkin seeds as “pepitas,” which is Spanish for “little seed of squash.”

This feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods.

It looks at the possible health benefits of pumpkin seeds, their nutritional content, how to use them in a person’s diet, and their possible health risks.

Pumpkin seeds are a suitable source of healthy fats, magnesium, and other nutrients that enhance heart and bone health.

They are also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants such as selenium and beta carotene. Additionally, they are a high source of iron. One cup of pumpkin seeds contains 9.52 milligrams (mg) of iron, a significant portion of the 18 mg recommended daily allowance (RDA) for premenopausal females and 8 mg for males and postmenopausal females.

Pumpkin seeds also contain:

zinc
phosphorus
manganese
protein
fiber

Bone health

Pumpkin seeds contain magnesium , which is important for bone formation.

High magnesium intake has associations with higher bone density. Additionally, low blood levels of magnesium have links to an increased risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Weight loss and digestion

A 1-ounce (oz) serving of pumpkin seeds contains 1.8 grams (g) of fiber. This is 6% of the recommended daily value.

The benefits of a diet high in fiber include :

helping maintain a moderate weight , because the individual feels full for longer after eating
improving digestion
managing blood sugar

The immune system

Pumpkin seeds have a high content of vitamin E and other antioxidants.

Vitamin E helps strengthen the immune system and maintain healthy blood vessels. Many seeds, including pumpkin seeds, are high sources of vitamin E.

Insomnia prevention

Pumpkin seeds are rich in the amino acid tryptophan, with a 1-oz serving containing 0.16 g .

People have used tryptophan to treat chronic insomnia because the body converts it into serotonin, the “feel-good” or “relaxing” hormone, and melatonin, the “sleep hormone.”

According to research, consuming 1 g or more of tryptophan before bed can improve sleep quality.

Sexual, prostate, and urinary health

People have traditionally used pumpkin seeds as an aphrodisiac.

These seeds are also rich in zinc, which can benefit male fertility. According to a 2018 study , it can improve both sperm quality and quantity.

A 2019 study found that pumpkin seed extract could be useful for people with benign prostatic hyperplasia, a type of prostate enlargement that can cause trouble with urinating.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a 1-oz serving of unsalted pumpkin seeds contains :

Nutrient	Amount
energy	163 kcal
carbohydrates	4.2 g
protein	8.5 g
fat	13.9
calcium	15 mg
iron	2.3 mg
magnesium	156 mg
zinc	2.2 mg
copper	0.4 mg
selenium	2.7 mcg
phosphorus	332 mg
manganese	1.3 mg

People can eat pumpkin seeds alone as a snack or add them to dishes for extra taste and a crunchy texture.

Individuals can try using them:

on top of salads
in homemade granola with a mixture of nuts, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruit
roasted and brushed with olive oil and seasoning
in pumpkin seed butter

Pumpkin seeds feature a high fat content, so they are prone to rancidity. People should keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place to improve shelf life. They can also store them in the fridge or freezer.

However, people should supervise young children who are eating nuts or seeds, as they could cause choking.

The total diet or overall eating pattern is most important in disease prevention and achieving optimal health. It is best to eat a diet with variety than concentrate on individual foods as a way of maintaining health.

Pumpkin seeds are a popular edible seed that people can add to salads, granola, and nut mixes. They contain a range of nutrients that are beneficial to health.

Individuals should store pumpkin seeds in a cool, dark place and supervise children who are eating them.

Bones / Orthopedics
Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Nutrition / Diet
Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia

How we reviewed this article:

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Chang, J., et al. (2020). The association between the concentration of serum magnesium and postmenopausal osteoporosis.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7417435/
Fallah, A., et al. (2018). Zinc is an essential element for male fertility: A review of Zn roles in men’s health, germination, sperm quality, and fertilization.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010824/
Groenendijk, I., et al. (2021). Impact of magnesium on bone health in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis [Abstract].
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34666201/
Health information. (n.d.).
https://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/healthinformation.aspx
Iron. (2001).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222309/
Leibbrand, M., et al. (2019). Effects of an oil-free hydroethanolic pumpkin seed extract on symptom frequency and severity in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A pilot study in humans.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6590724/
Miketinas, D. C., et al. (2019). Fiber intake predicts weight loss and dietary adherence in adults consuming calorie-restricted diets: The POUNDS lost (preventing overweight using novel dietary strategies) study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6768815/
Sawicki, C. M., et al. (2017). Dietary fiber and the human gut microbiota: Application of evidence mapping methodology.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5331556/
Sutano, C. N., et al. (2021). The impact of tryptophan supplementation on sleep quality: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/80/2/306/6263432?redirectedFrom=fulltext
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. (2019). FoodData Central.
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Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C

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Pumpkin Seeds Benefits for Male: Do they Increase Fertility in Men?

Pumpkin seeds are a delicious snack that has a variety of benefits for males. These seeds are rich in many vital nutrients and vitamins that provide sexual benefits to men. Pumpkin seeds are rich in natural oils, zinc, and phosphorus which boosts fertility and testosterone levels in men.

Table of Content

Highlights

Pumpkin seeds benefits for males sexually include the prevention of prostate cancer, treatment of erectile dysfunction, management of BPH, and improvement of fertility
Zinc, selenium, and magnesium together with other nutrients in pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil increase sperm count, testosterone production, and testes weight
Pumpkin seed oil is used for topical hair growth and overactive bladder

Why are pumpkin seeds good for males?

Pumpkin seeds are rich in essential minerals and vitamins that are required to increase fertility in males. The pumpkin seed or pepita is loaded with healthy fats, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and folate. These nutrients boost sperm quality and quantity prevent prostate cancer and increase sexual activity in men. Some other important benefits of pumpkin seeds for males are listed here;

Consult a sexologist for the treatment of infertility in men.

Do Pumpkin seeds cause Erectile dysfunction?

ED or impotence causes an inability to erect or maintain an erection and the disease is treated by consuming pumpkin seeds. Erectile dysfunction affects nearly 40% of men at a young age.

100g of pumpkin seeds contain 65% DV of magnesium. This mineral boosts energy levels and general strength in men which benefits in treating erectile dysfunction. The seeds also boost the production of a male hormone, testosterone, which directly affects penile erections. Pumpkin seeds also contain an amino acid called tryptophan which lowers depression associated with male infertility due to ED.

Is Pumpkin seed natural Viagra?

Viagra is a medicine used to treat impotence in men while pumpkin seeds are considered a natural Viagra. Pumpkin seeds improve libido and treat erectile dysfunction. They are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which produce prostaglandin-like substances. These substances boost sexual function in males. Pumpkin seeds, like Viagra, improve the blood flow to the penis by relaxing the penile blood vessels. This improves sexual activity in men.

Consult a sexologist for the treatment of low sexual activity in men

Can pumpkin seeds cure enlarged prostate?

The prostate gland in men helps produce semen. Benign prostate hyperplasia is a common condition especially in men over 50 years of age. Pumpkin seeds can reduce the enlarged prostate due to some of their essential components. They reduce the symptoms associated with BPH by inhibiting prostate anomalies. Pumpkin seeds are also known to block a type of prostate growth, thus preventing the risk of prostate cancer, especially in the elderly.

Phytochemicals containing pumpkin seeds also promote prostate health by blocking the conversion of dihydrotestosterone to testosterone. Dihydrotestosterone results in prostate enlargement. Moreover, pumpkin seeds contain almost 20% DV of zinc which also contributes to prostate and sexual health in males.

Do pumpkin seeds boost testosterone production?

Pumpkin seeds are good for males as they boost libido and fertility. The magnesium in pepita prevents cell damage. This effect is enhanced due to the fairly high amount of antioxidants in them. These seeds increase the production of testosterone and other reproductive hormones. Increased testosterone levels also increase the weight of the testes. Pumpkin seed oil assists in alleviating testicular degenerative damage. The increased testosterone levels directly benefit the male libido and sexual health.

Improves sperm quality to increase male fertility

Benefits of pumpkin seeds sexually for men include the improvement in sperm quality and motility. Low zinc level leads to infertility and decreased sperm count in males. Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil increases zinc levels which improves sperm count.

These seeds also contain selenium which is a mineral helpful for increasing sexual desire, increasing sperm production, and boosting fertility in males. The inflammatory effect of pumpkin prevents cell damage in the testes along with other organs, thus treating impotence in males.

How do pumpkin seeds help the overactive bladder?

The pumpkin seed extract is studied for treating urinary issues. The overactive bladder issues like the sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate are corrected by pumpkin seeds as they work by relaxing urinary sphincters . Pumpkin seed oil is now widely used in herbal medicines for the treatment of urinary infections and overactive bladder.

Is Pumpkin seed oil good for hair loss in men?

Androgenetic Alopecia is corrected by pumpkin seeds due to the presence of vital nutrients that support hair growth and strength. The zinc and magnesium together with certain vitamins in pumpkin seeds promote hair growth. Clinical trials confirmed this hypothesis and reported hair growth in both male and female mice. The topical application of pumpkin seeds oil results in hair growth and also makes the hair strong silky and shiny.

Conclusion

Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw or soaked in water for use in various dishes due to their energy-boosting and sexual benefits in men. Pumpkin seeds are used to treat impotence in males due to low sperm count, low testosterone levels, or depression. Pumpkin seed oil is widely used for hair growth and urinary issues.

FAQs

1. Is it OK to eat pumpkin seeds every day?

Pumpkin seeds are safe when almost 30g of them are eaten daily. They are used to strengthen the muscles, improve heart health, and provide sexual benefits to males and females.

2. Which seed is best for males?

Pumpkin seeds are rich in all the essential vitamins and minerals including zinc and magnesium required for males sexually. Zinc increases male fertility by boosting sperm count and penile function.

3. How to eat pumpkin seeds?

You can eat pumpkin seeds raw or in roasted form. They can be chewed as such or made savory. You can also extract their oil.

She is a Doctor of Pharmacy, registered by the Punjab Pharmacy Council. She has exposure to the current pharmaceutical practices in community pharmacies. She aims to counsel people through her writings on the use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines to reduce adverse events associated with drug misuse.

Pumpkin Seeds Benefits For Male

Pumpkin Seeds Benefits for Male: Do they Increase Fertility in Men