The Power of Saw Palmetto: Uncovering Its Health Benefits

Serenoa Repens, another name for saw palmetto, is a tiny palm tree that yields berry fruits that have long been used medicinally. It is a plant native to Central and South America that thrives in subtropical temperatures and can live for 500–700 years. Native Americans collected the leaves for weaving necessities for the home and used the berries for food and health advantages.

As a dietary supplement, it may support a range of health advantages, from hair development to prostate gland function. It has long been utilized in Western herbal therapy.

We'll examine the advantages of this plant and how to use it in your daily life in more detail in this article.

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Benefits of saw palmetto

Saw palmetto has been studied for its potential to lower inflammation, promote immunological function, and even enhance male sexual function, in addition to encouraging prostate and urinary health and enhancing hair health.

It is a plant native to Central and South America. (Image via Pexels/ Veres Szilard)

More studies are required to confirm the possibility that it has anti-cancer capabilities, according to some studies.

1) Prostrate health

It has long been used to enhance prostate health. It is thought to function by preventing the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), from functioning.

DHT is a hormone that can encourage prostate cell proliferation, which can result in an enlarged prostate. It may lessen the likelihood of prostate enlargement by preventing the synthesis of DHT.

2) Reduces inflammation

The anti-inflammatory substances included in it may contribute to a decrease in inflammation in the body. Numerous illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis, are associated with chronic inflammation. Saw palmetto may help prevent certain diseases by lowering inflammation.

This plant helps in reducing inflammation. (Image via Pexels/ Mo eid)

3) Improves urine symptoms

It may aid in enhancing urinary symptoms brought on by an enlarged prostate. It is thought to function by loosening the muscles in the urethra and bladder, improving urine flow, and lessening the need to urinate frequently.

4) Boosts immunity

It includes substances that may boost the immune system, assisting in the prevention of infections and illnesses.

5) Improves sexual function

It may help men have a better sexual performance by enhancing it. It is thought to function by raising testosterone levels and enhancing blood flow to the penis, which results in stronger erections.

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Saw Palmetto for hair loss

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the term used to describe hair loss brought on by an excessive testosterone response. Androgenic alopecia, often known as male-pattern hair loss, is a common symptom of the hormonal condition polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can also affect females.

It prevents hair loss in men and women. (Image via Unsplash/ Towfiqu Barbhuiya)

The ability of this plant to enhance hair health is one of its best-known advantages. The activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is hypothesized to be inhibited by saw palmetto extract.

DHT is a hormone that both men and women may experience hair loss. It can aid in preventing the synthesis of DHT, hence reducing hair loss and fostering hair growth.

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Saw Palmetto is usually regarded as safe to use and has no known serious adverse effects. To make sure it's the proper supplement for your needs, it's still worth speaking with a doctor first. Additionally, it won't probably conflict with any drugs you could be on.

Similarly, Saw Palmetto is typically not advised for women who are pregnant or nursing because it may disrupt hormone levels or for those on hormone replacement therapy.