WHAT IS SAW PALMETTO?
Saw palmetto is a type of palm plant that grows in
the southeastern United States. Its berries are used for various health purposes, such as treating urinary tract infections and prostate problems. Saw palmetto is a natural supplement that comes from the fruit of a palm tree native to North America. It has been used for centuries by Native Americans and other cultures for various health purposes, such as improving urinary function, enhancing hair growth, and balancing hormone levels. But what does the science say about saw palmetto? Here are some of the potential benefits and uses of this popular plant extract.
Hair loss is a common problem that affects many men and some women, especially as they age. It can be caused by genetic factors, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or medications.
One of the main culprits behind hair loss is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that is derived from testosterone and can shrink hair follicles and inhibit hair growth.
Saw palmetto may help block the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, thus reducing the levels of DHT in the body and preventing hair loss. It may also prevent DHT from binding to the receptors in the hair follicles, which can improve hair quality and density.
Several studies have shown that saw palmetto can
improve hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia, a type of hair loss that is related to DHT.
For example, a review of seven studies found that oral and topical supplements containing saw palmetto improved hair quality by 60%, increased total hair count by 27%, and enhanced hair density in 83% of people with hair loss .
However, more research is needed to confirm the optimal dosage, safety, and effectiveness of saw palmetto for hair loss preventive.
Urinary tract symptoms are common among older adults, especially men with enlarged prostate glands. These symptoms include difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, frequent urination, urgency to urinate, and nocturia (excessive nighttime urination). These symptoms can affect the quality of life and increase the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney problems.
Saw palmetto may help improve urinary tract function by reducing the size of the prostate gland and relaxing the muscles around the bladder neck and urethra. This can increase urine flow, reduce residual urine volume, and decrease urinary frequency and urgency.
Several studies have shown that saw palmetto can
improve urinary symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. For instance, a study of 354 men found that taking 320 mg of saw palmetto daily for 24 weeks improved BPH symptoms, urinary flow, quality of life, and sexual function compared with a placebo.
However, not all studies have found positive results for saw palmetto in treating BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms. A recent review of 27 studies concluded that saw palmetto had no significant impact on these outcomes when used alone. Therefore, more research is needed to determine whether saw palmetto is effective for urinary tract function in different populations and settings.
Saw palmetto may also have beneficial effects on hormone levels in both men and women.
It may act as an anti-androgen, meaning that it can reduce the effects of excess male hormones like testosterone and DHT. This can help with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and prostate cancer.
Saw palmetto may also act as an anti-estrogen, meaning that it can lower the levels of excess female hormones like estrogen and estradiol. This can help with conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, and menstrual irregularities.
However, the evidence for saw palmetto’s effects on hormone levels is limited and inconsistent. Some studies have found that saw palmetto can alter hormone levels in both men and women, while others have found no significant changes or even opposite effects . Therefore, more research is needed to clarify how saw palmetto affects hormone levels in different individuals and situations.
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to
injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. Saw palmetto may help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules such as prostaglandins and cytokines.
Saw palmetto may also have antioxidant properties, meaning that it can protect the cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress can damage the DNA, proteins, and lipids in the cells and contribute to inflammation and aging.
Some animal studies have shown that saw palmetto can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in different tissues such as the prostate, liver, kidney, and brain. However, human studies are lacking and more research is needed to confirm the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of saw palmetto in humans.
Saw palmetto may also have other potential benefits and uses, such as:
Improving libido and fertility. Saw palmetto may enhance sexual function and performance by increasing blood flow to the genitals, stimulating the nerves, and balancing hormone levels. It may also improve sperm quality and quantity by protecting the sperm from oxidative damage and reducing inflammation in the reproductive tract .
Preventing or treating prostate cancer. Saw palmetto may prevent or slow down the growth of prostate cancer cells by blocking the effects of DHT, reducing inflammation, inducing apoptosis (cell death), and modulating the immune system .
However, the evidence is mixed and more studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of saw palmetto for prostate cancer.
Supporting breast health. Saw palmetto may support breast health by reducing the risk of breast cancer, enhancing breast size and shape, and alleviating breast pain.
It may do so by lowering estrogen levels, inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells, increasing breast tissue density, and reducing inflammation in the breast tissue . However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Saw palmetto is a natural supplement that may have various health benefits and uses, such as preventing hair loss, improving urinary tract function, balancing hormone levels, reducing inflammation, and supporting sexual and reproductive health. However, not all of these benefits are backed by strong scientific evidence, and more research is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of saw palmetto for different conditions and populations. Saw palmetto may also have some side effects and interactions with certain medications, so it is advisable to consult your doctor befo tore taking it.
Palmetto cocktail !
This is a simple drink that combines dark rum,
sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. You can garnish it with lemon zest for a citrus twist.
IT'S CALLED HERBS TREAT AND TASTE!
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