Benefits of Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a type of palm made from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree and is native to the southeastern United States. 

The berries of the plant are often used to improve several health conditions. They help treat enlarged prostates, unbalanced hormone levels, urinary function issues and helps prevent hair loss in men. It’s also commonly used to decrease inflammation, improve fertility and urinary function. 

Saw palmetto is generally taken as a supplement but can also be eaten or brewed into a tea. 

Here are 4 benefits of saw palmetto. 

1. Enhances Hair Growth   

Unfortunately, hair loss is a common condition that affects about 35 million men in America. It can be caused by several different factors, such as genetics, specific medical conditions, use of blood thinners or certain medications, and changes in hormones.  

Saw palmetto is often used to prevent hair loss and combat alopecia which is a hair loss condition that affects both men and women.  

Researchers suggest that saw palmetto works by blocking an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a hormone associated with causing hair loss. Additionally, it helps fight hair loss by reducing DHT and other androgen hormones in the hair follicles. These are thought to shorten hair growth and thin out hair.  

One study gave men who suffered from alopecia, or male pattern baldness saw palmetto supplements daily. These men were given 200 mg and showed reduced hair loss by 60%.  

Another study found that applying saw palmetto topically for an extended period improved hair density by 35%.   

2. Improves Urinary Function and Enlarged Prostates  

Saw palmetto has been used to help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. A medical condition that causes the prostate gland to enlarge which results in decreased urine flow. Typically, BPH affects older men in their 70’s.  

Leaving this condition untreated can be dangerous as it increases the urge to urinate excessively and interferes with the ability to properly empty the bladder.  

One study found that supplementing daily with saw palmetto may increase urine flow and reduce the urge to pee excessively.   

Another study found that men over the age of 45 who supplemented with 160 mg of saw palmetto had improved urine flow, decreased nighttime urination, reduced symptoms of lower urinary tract and improved quality of life.    

3. Decreases inflammation 

Saw palmetto may decrease inflammation and protect against chronic disease because it contains two important antioxidants: epicatechin and methyl gallate. These compounds help prevent damage to the cells, decrease inflammation, and protect you from chronic diseases.  

One study found that giving saw palmetto extract to mice decreased inflammation and swelling. Furthermore, another study found that giving saw palmetto to rats with BHP decreased inflammation and enhanced antioxidant levels.  

4. Regulates Testosterone  

Often, men looking to naturally boost testosterone levels supplement with saw palmetto because of its effects on regulating testosterone levels.  

Testosterone is important because it effects several parts of the body including sex drive, mood, body composition, and cognition. Additionally, low levels of testosterone may put you at higher risk for certain conditions, such as heart disease.  

Researchers suggest that saw palmetto helps decrease the activity of an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to another sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This helps protect testosterone levels in the body. 

One study found that men supplementing with saw palmetto for 6 months saw decreased levels of DHT by 32%. This suggest that saw palmetto effectively helps maintain testosterone levels.  

Saw palmetto offers numerous health benefits for your body. It helps improve hair growth, prostrate health, urinary function, decrease inflammation, and regulate levels of testosterone.  

Saw palmetto is available in several different forms including liquid, oil, tea, ground, or dried. It is most commonly taken as a supplement which you can easily make yourself using empty capsules by Capsuline. Try it out today to reap all its benefits!  

This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.