Benefits Of Saw Palmetto & Its Extract

The most impressive and important health benefits of saw palmetto include its ability to improve hair growth, protect against prostate cancer, treat urinary tract conditions, stimulate sexual activity, reduce impotence, improve the health of the kidneys, boost muscle mass, increase nutrient uptake efficiency, and even improve the immune system.

What Is Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto is a fan palm that is native to North America, primarily in the southeast region near the eastern and Gulf coasts. The scientific name of this unusual plant is Serenoa repens, and its unique characteristics make it the sole species found within the Serenoa genus. It is an extremely hardy and long-lived plant, with some saw palmetto plants living for over 700 years. The maximum height of this palm is only 10 feet, and they tend to grow in large bunches or clumps, typically among the roots of other trees.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the many health benefits of saw palmetto.

Hair Care
Again, due to saw palmetto’s hormonal impact on the body, some men have begun using saw palmetto to stimulate hair growth as they age. Studies have shown a negative correlation between saw palmetto use and male-pattern baldness symptoms, so if your hair is beginning to thin out, consider some supplementation to wind back the clock.

Treats Impotence
Although there are some benefits of saw palmetto for women, the most highly researched and praised health benefits are for men. In terms of impotence, saw palmetto extract has long been known as an herbal treatment for impotence. The exact pathway that saw palmetto takes in terms of sexual organs and hormones is still somewhat unclear, but the research has definitely piled up showing that it can boost your sexual performance and increase virility.

Increases Libido
Saw palmetto has been known to increase sex drive and libido in both women and men. Although the hormonal impact of saw palmetto primarily affects testosterone pathways, as a natural aphrodisiac, women can also get a bit more pep in their intimate steps with saw palmetto supplementation.

Kidney Concerns
The urinary organs can weaken with age, which is why incontinence is much more common in the elderly population. Research suggests that saw palmetto has strong chemical components that can strengthen urinary organs to prevent incontinence, and also improve the health of the kidneys. If you are at risk of developing kidney stones or already suffer from them, saw palmetto supplementation can be a great way to prevent future issues or treat current problems.

Prevents Prostate Cancer
One of the leading causes of mortality for men is prostate cancer, just as breast cancer is one of the leading causes for women. This form of cancer is particularly dangerous because it is associated with prostate enlargement, something that naturally happens as men age. Saw palmetto extract can reduce prostate enlargement by inhibiting dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates cellular reproduction in the prostate. This lowers the chances of developing prostate cancer and eliminating painful urination and the discomfort that accompanies prostate issues. Saw palmetto is also known to speed healing and reduce bleeding in men undergoing prostate surgery.

Increases Muscle Mass
One of the more recent developments in the saw palmetto debate is its impact on muscle mass. Many bodybuilders and people engaged in serious gym time have turned to saw palmetto as a workout supplement. Although research into saw palmetto’s impact on muscle mass and development is still ongoing, early reports do show a correlation between the two. It makes sense, given saw palmetto’s impact on testosterone in the body, which is responsible for muscle mass increase. But it should only be taken in moderation.