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Kate is an award-winning content specialist who is passionate about women's health. Kate writes to empower women to understand their hormones, gynaecology and overall health.
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A condition where the bladder contracts more frequently than necessary, leading to frequent urges to urinate even when it's not full.
Phytonutrients are natural compounds found in plants that have been linked to various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Magnesium, a vital mineral concentrated in pumpkin seeds, plays a pivotal role in muscle function, bone health, and energy production.
Many of us tend to think of pumpkin seeds as the stuff we scrape out of the Halloween pumpkin - but for those of us in the know, pumpkin seeds are an absolute powerhouse packed with nutrients and offer myriad health benefits.
For women aged 40 and above, integrating pumpkin seeds into their diet can provide essential vitamins and compounds for improved overall health - which is exactly what we need in menopause and beyond. These range from magnesium and zinc, to fatty acids and phytoestrols - they are packing quite the punch! But secret benefits do these tiny seeds offer to us? Let's take a look...
Pumpkin seeds are a valuable source of magnesium, a mineral vital for various physiological functions. Among these, one of the most crucial is maintaining a healthy heartbeat, and research has shown that having steady magnesium levels can help regulate your blood pressure - which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease. Magnesium also helps your muscle function, allowing the heart to contract and relax properly.
Another essential mineral abundant in pumpkin seeds is Zinc. We need Zinc to bolster our immune system and its robustness is partially dependent on adequate zinc levels in the body. As per studies, zinc is vital for cell development and function, playing a significant role in inflammatory response and immune cell development. Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds can help ensure a sufficient intake of zinc, bolstering the body's defences against illnesses.
Who does want gorgeous luscious locks? Unfortunately, menopause plays havoc with our hair, stripping it of strength and fullness. The good news is that Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in pumpkin seeds have been associated with improved hair health. These essential fatty acids are known to enhance hair texture and stimulate growth, improving the condition of your hair! And that's not all - a study conducted in 2014 revealed that pumpkin seed oil could increase scalp hair count in men experiencing hair thinning, suggesting potential benefit for women who have lost the fullness of their hair too.
It's these same fatty acids that give us lovely hair, along with the vitamin E content in pumpkin seeds, can also contribute to our skin health. They help in maintaining skin moisture, reducing inflammation, and protecting the skin from harmful free radicals. Therefore, consuming pumpkin seeds regularly can help to give your skin a more youthful, hydrated, and radiant appearance!
How many of us see the GP for our post-40 check up with a bit of a worry around the old cholesterol markers? Phytosterols are naturally occurring compounds found in pumpkin seeds, and according to research, they can help lower LDL (the 'bad' one) cholesterol levels. Reducing LDL cholesterol plays a significant role in preventing heart disease, especially for those of us who are post-menopausal women and may be at a heightened risk.
Magnesium and phosphorus are fundamental to bone health and good news - they can both be found in pumpkin seeds. These minerals are absoutely essential for bone formation, and a deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. As we know, menopausal (and post menopause) women are at a higher risk of osteoporisis as we age due to lower oestrogen levels, a concern for many women as they age. Incorporating pumpkin seeds into your diet can be a proactive step towards maintaining bone density.
One of the lesser-known benefits of pumpkin seeds is their positive impact on bladder health. A 2014 study highlighted that pumpkin seed oil could help alleviate symptoms of an overactive bladder. For those with an overactive bladder (OAB), pumpkin seeds are a great, helpful natural remedy. Women's OAB can result from a variety of factors including weakened pelvic floor muscles, inflammation, or hormonal changes. Pumpkin seeds are rich in phytochemicals and essential fatty acids that can reduce inflammation in the urinary tract. Moreover, they contain magnesium, which may assist in nerve function, potentially benefiting bladder control. Additionally, the seeds have phytoestrogens that could balance hormonal levels, possibly influencing bladder function.
If you are experiencing OAB, Jude's Bladder Strength Supplement contains the extract of 72 pumpkin seeds in every daily dose - so you get every last drop of goodness for your bladder, every day!
Pumpkin seeds also display anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the urinary tract and help to soothe UTIs. Their diuretic nature aids in flushing out toxins, which helps to boost your urinary health and keep your urinary tract infection-free, as much as possible. It's a natural way to support and maintain a healthy urinary system.
Jude’s clinically proven supplements give you better bladder and pelvic floor control, helping you sleep through the night and regain the freedom to live life on your own terms. With just one capsule morning and night, you'll have relief from need-to-go urgency in just 12 weeks.
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