If you have prostate problems, a popular practice long in use in several countries, including Bulgaria, Turkey and Ukraine, recommends consuming pumpkin every day. This popular observation would be based on scientific reasons. The pumpkin seeds are indeed very rich in amino acids (alanine, glycine and glutamic acid). In a controlled experiment with 45 men, amino acids were found to reduce nighttime urination by 95%, the need to urinate by 81% and the frequency of urination by 73%.

Pumpkin seeds may work as well as pure amino acids or commonly prescribed medications to treat prostate problems.

Cucumber, watermelon, sesame, carob, flaxseed, as well as soybeans, almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, peanuts and palm kernels may also provide relief from prostate enlargement, according to Duke (U.S. Department of Agriculture). He suggests grinding all of these foods, including pumpkin seeds, into a paste similar to peanut butter. A daily consumption of two spoonfuls (about 30 g) of this nut butter would provide a therapeutic dose of amino acids and other beneficial substances.

Another way to provide your body with amino acids is to vary your plant protein intake and consume brewer's yeast, lentils, nuts and corn, which are good sources. Eat more foods rich in zinc (pumpkin seeds are very rich in zinc), magnesium, selenium, vitamins C and E, fiber and essential fatty acids (especially lecithin).