While a variety of conventional medications and supplements are available to maintain prostate health, a number of herbs for prostate health and herbal prostate supplements also exist to help prevent potential problems. One such herb is Saw Palmetto.
Saw palmetto is an extract derived from the deep purple berries of the saw palmetto fan palm (Serenoa repens), a plant indigenous to the coastal regions of the southern United States and southern California.
Saw Palmetto assists with treating the side effects of benign prostate hyperplasia BPH, such as frequent urination, blocked exit of the urine from the bladder, and several other uncomfortable symptoms. An oily secretion from the berry of the Saw Palmetto plant is thought to treat these symptoms by inhibiting further growth of the enlarged prostate.
There has been speculation that the plant may play a vital role in protecting men against the development of prostate cancer. The saw palmetto plant is a popular treatment for BPH, due to the fact that it is typically much lower priced than other medications, tends to work much more quickly, and is less likely to cause reduced sexual drive and impotence.
Saw Palmetto is available in the forms of tincture, tablet, capsule, tea and a softgel. The maximum Saw Palmetto benefits can be achieved from products that contain at least 85% of the active ingredients of Saw Palmetto, berries, fatty acids, and sterols. The tea form is the least beneficial, as it is difficult for the oily compounds contained within the Saw Palmetto plant to dissolve in water.
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Zinc - Zinc is an important mineral for many bodily processes. A zinc deficiency predisposes the prostate gland to infection, which could eventually lead to enlargement. Foods high in zinc include chicken, lobster, crab meat, peanuts, beans, pork, beef, brown rice, yogurt and lamb.
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Vitamin B6 - Vitamin B6, along with zinc, regulates the hormone that converts testosterone to DHT, and helps prevent swelling of the prostate.
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Lycopene - Lycopene is a nutrient that gives some fruits and vegetables their color and has antioxidant properties. Lycopene contains powerful antioxidants that may be able to reduce BPH inflammation and prevent prostate cancer. It is found in especially high quantities in spaghetti sauce, watermelon, tomatoes, grapefruit and salsa.
The best "health insurance" you can have for a healthy prostate is plenty of moderate exercise, maintaining an ideal weight and consuming a healthy diet rich in good prostate health foods.
We know it's difficult to always eat right in today's fast paced environment. An herbal prosate supplement with saw palmetto can be beneficial for many men.
