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Saw Palmetto is becoming a well-known alternative medicine for men’s health. It has been used for decades as a treatment to lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostate hyperplasia ((BPH) an enlarged prostate)), as well as other prostatic tissue issues. It’s also used to treat hair loss, low testosterone levels, sexual dysfunction, and a low sex drive.
New research is finding that saw palmetto can also help with men’s health issues, especially those caused by the hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), gynecomastia, and changes in body fat distribution. This article will explain what saw palmetto is and how it can help you.
What is Saw Palmetto?
Palmetto plants are small palm trees that grow in the southeastern United States. The berries of this plant have been used to make medicine since before 1643. A number of compounds found in the berries might be part of the reason they provide good health benefits.
The berries of the saw palmettos contain strong nutrients that have been used since early times as an herbal remedy for urinary problems, enlargement and inflammation of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), baldness, seizures, and more recently as a natural treatment for hair loss.
Available forms
Saw palmetto comes in a few different forms, including powder, capsules, tablets, tea, or a herbal blend. It is also available as a liquid extract (where the herb has been concentrated).
Palmetto extract serves as a dietary supplement that’s a concentrated version of the herb, which can be a more effective way to take it. It comes from the saw palmetto berry and contains fatty acids that have been shown to improve male hormones.
However, because it is a concentrated extract, you should not take more than 1-2 grams per day.
*Note*Confusion with Palmetto Oil
Palmetto oil and extract are the same. Oil and extract are two terms that are interchanged for the same product. I get this question all the time, so I just wanted to help clear any confusion around purchasing the product.
How does Saw Palmetto work?
Many people use palmetto as a dietary supplement because it can benefit many different parts of the body, such as the urinary tract, vascular system, and reproductive organs.
Saw Palmetto contains phytochemicals called flavonoids. Two of these essential flavonoids are beta-sitosterol and lupeol. It is believed that they are the reason saw palmetto have so many health benefits for men. Both work as strong anti-inflammatory substances.
Beta-sitosterol works by blocking the male hormone DHT, which is believed to cause prostate enlargement and hair loss in some men. Lupeol specifically works to decrease IL-4 (interleukin 4) production, which lowers inflammation in the prostate tissues.
Saw Palmetto also contains powerful antioxidants such as flavonoid glycosides and phenolic acids, including epicatechin, gallocatechin, and taxifolin, which help support immune system functions.
Phytochemicals are chemicals found naturally in plants, which are often effective for treating various conditions when taken as a dietary supplement.
Scientists do not fully understand the way it works, but studies have shown the following properties of Saw Palmetto:
Natural diuretic action with mild antiseptic properties
Reduces uric acid build-up
Increases urinary flow
Helps reduce problems associated with the gland of the prostate like inflammation and infections.
Inhibits the binding of testosterone to receptors in the prostate gland
Benefits of Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto provides many benefits, including treatment for enlarged gland in the prostate, managing urinary problems, prevention of hair loss in men, lowering prostate cancer risk, erectile dysfunction, prevention and treatment of gynecomastia, enhancing skin health, reducing inflammation, and leveling out imbalances in male hormone levels.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the power of what saw palmetto can do for men...Read More
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