A saw palmetto supplement could provide a range of different health benefits, especially for men. Here, we take a look at saw palmetto and discuss five of the most prominent benefits you could derive from adding such a supplement to your health regime.
Background on Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is the name of a shrublike palm tree that grows in the southeastern region of the U.S. The scientific name for saw palmetto is Serenoa repens. Saw palmetto has a long history of use as a natural remedy. It is the berries of saw palmetto that contain healthful active ingredients. Saw palmetto berries contain essential fatty acids as well as other healthy substances called phytosterols.
Historically, the saw palmetto plant was used for various health conditions. Most notably, it was used by some Native-American tribes to address urinary and reproductive health issues. Today, saw palmetto can be found in concentrated form as an oral supplement, and it is taken for a variety of different health purposes.
Benefits of Saw Palmetto
A saw palmetto supplement can support the health of men in various ways. Here is a look at the top potential benefits of taking saw palmetto, but be sure to discuss its use with your physician or another health-care professional before trying it, especially if you are already on prescription medicines.
Improved urinary tract function: This is one of the historically acclaimed benefits of saw palmetto, and it has been validated by some modern research studies. Some studies suggest that taking saw palmetto can help to reduce the symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a condition that affects some men and can interfere with urine flow. Other studies show that regularly taking a BPH supplement over time could slow the progression of BPH. A saw palmetto supplement could potentially be of help for men with BPH when taken in the context of a holistic health plan for this condition.
Mitigating hair loss in men could be achieved by supplementing with saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is helpful in this context because it helps to stabilize testosterone levels in aging men. It does so by preventing the breakdown of this hormone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a contributing factor to hair loss. Research has shown that taking saw palmetto regularly over 16 weeks could reduce hair loss by at least 22% in men.
Supporting testosterone levels: Saw palmetto’s beneficial effect on testosterone levels in men is a benefit all its own. By supporting testosterone levels, saw palmetto could help contribute to improved body composition, enhanced cognition, elevated mood, and even improved sex drive in men.
Reduced inflammation is another potential benefit of saw palmetto. Research suggests that saw palmetto has anti-inflammatory properties, a benefit which primarily aids the well-being of the prostate, in cases where it is inflamed. This is good for long-term prostate health.
If you are a man and you’re looking for a natural product that supports your bodily health and longevity, then consider taking a saw palmetto supplement. It’s recommended that you always consult your healthcare provider before taking a supplement for the first time, and that includes saw palmetto.