20% off £30

Code:SAVE20
☀️ SummerVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNovominsNew NordicBioglanNew Leaf ProductsWeledaBetterYouGrass & Co.Summer Sale3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletIntroductory OfferShort Dated July 2025Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreePalm Oil FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomCollagenChaga MushroomArnicaMaitake MushroomShiitake MushroomAstragalusCastor OilNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllVegan Food & DrinkShop all Vegan Food & DrinkMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksDesserts & CreamsNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeTwiningsHeath & HeatherNakdManuka DoctorPerfectTedPukkaEgmont HoneySummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory Offer2 For £5OutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomTremella MushroomTrumpet MushroomNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesCreatine GummiesCreatine LiquidFlavoured CreatineSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsAminosVitaminsGreensSports CollagenHydration & GelsShop all Hydration & GelsEnergy GelsElectrolytesNutritionally Complete FoodPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineMeal Replacement ShakesVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNMyproteinGrenadeHuelSiSTriActivePhDSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceIntroductory OfferOutlet3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeShort Dated August 2025Gluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inBeautyNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair AccessoriesHair Spray, Gel & MousseCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsSun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandQ+AMiaromaSukinNEOMAveenoSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price2 For £183 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferOutletAlcohol FreeParfum FreeFluoride freeGluten FreeVitamin CTea TreeRosehipRosemaryVitamin EHyaluronic AcidAloe VeraSeaweedLavenderSalicylic AcidNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkSlimming TeasHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksFruit, Nuts & SeedsJuices & Health ShotsApple Cider VinegarExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNEat WaterFrejaIdeal HealthNudie SnacksTREKBraggNatures AidNew NordicSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 For £10Short Dated August 2025Gluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomSea MossNew inNew InTrendingThe best of Holland & BarrettMedicines and HealthcareShop all Medicines and HealthcareHayfever & Allergy RemediesPain ReliefCough, Colds & Sore ThroatAntacids & GastrointestinalInfant & BabiesFemale HealthHaemorrhoids & Piles TreatmentsEar Care & Eye HealthFoot Care & Health Skin & ScalpMouth & Oral CareHair & ScalpTravelCareNurofenE45CalpolOilatumStrepsilsTiger BalmAnadinAnusolBeechamsBuy one get one 1/2 priceSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceNew inVeganSummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory Offer2 For £18Outlet2 For £5Short Dated August 2025Shop all Health & WellnessJoints, Bones, & MusclesExercise & PerformanceEnergyGut HealthBrain HealthHeart HealthHair & Skin HealthWomen's HealthImmunitySleep & RelaxationChildren's HealthMen's HealthEmotional WellbeingEye HealthHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsWeledaFaith in NatureOptimum NutritionApplied NutritionNaturtintPrecision EngineeredQ+ASummer SaleSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 For £18Introductory OfferOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeParfum FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeMilk FreeVitamin CLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarTea TreeRosehipVitamin EHyaluronic AcidReishi MushroomAloe VeraRosemaryNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Explore related topics

Did you know pumpkins are good for the prostate?

food plant autumn fall fruit orange vegetable pumpkin produce squash citrus fruit
3 in 10 men will develop prostate cancer. Could the nutrients that pumpkin seeds are rich in support good prostate health?

Summary

1Symptoms of an enlarged prostate

There’s no getting away from it – nearly all men can expect to experience some degree of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as an...

2What causes prostate problems?

It’s not clear what causes the prostate to grow as men get older, but hormonal changes as you age could be to blame. Another theory is too much DHT...

3How does pumpkin seed oil help?

Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, carotenoids and phytosterols – compounds thought to support prostate health. There's more zinc in healthy prostate...

Explore related topics

The bad news is most men over the age of 50 will experience the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, such as needing to go for pee more often. The good news is you don’t have to put up with it, as research suggests a traditional remedy – pumpkin seed oil – could help.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland found just below the bladder in men. It converts testosterone into its more potent form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and helps the body to produce and expel semen, making it key to your reproductive health.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate

There’s no getting away from it – nearly all men can expect to experience some degree of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as an enlarged prostate. 

The prostate tends to grow as you age. Once it gets to a certain size, it begins to squeeze the urethra, which can lead to: 
  • frequently needing to pee, especially at night
  • urine flow stopping and starting 
  • not emptying the bladder fully
  • difficulty or straining while having a pee
  • suddenly needing to pee 
BPH also increases the risk of bladder infections and developing bladder stones. Don’t panic if you are diagnosed with BPH – it is not linked to prostate cancer, but talk to your doctor if you are worried.

What causes prostate problems?

It’s not clear what causes the prostate to grow as men get older, but hormonal changes as you age could be to blame. 

Another theory is that too much DHT stimulates prostate cells, causing them multiply. However, research shows that pumpkin seed oil blocks the actions of 5-alpha reductase, one of the enzymes involved in the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This could help prevent prostate cells multiplying.
Pumpkin cream soup with seeds, sesame and rucola. Autmn flat lay.

How does pumpkin seed oil help?

Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, carotenoids and phytosterols – compounds thought to support prostate health. There is more zinc in a healthy prostate than in any other area of the body, but levels are lower in men with BPH or prostate cancer. 

What’s more, a carotenoid-rich diet has been found to reduce the risk of BPH, whilst phytosterols can help relieve the symptoms of BPH. 

Handpicked content: The ultimate men’s health MOT

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.