Saw Palmetto Effects and Side Effects

Contents

• 1 Saw Palmetto Effects and Side Effects
• 2 What is Saw Palmetto
• 3 Saw Palmetto Effect
  • 3.1 Prostate Health
  • 3.2 Functioning of the Kidneys
  • 3.3 Hair loss
  • 3.4 Testosteronee
  • 3.5 Libido and potency
• 4 Saw Palmetto effects for women
  • 4.1 Menopause
  • 4.2 Excess hair growth in women

Saw Palmetto effects can be beneficial for both men and women. For men, it will improve prostate health. It also has a positive influence on sexuality in both men and women. Additionally, it will improve the health of the kidneys and our hair. It is also seen as an alternative remedy against hair loss, especially because the plant blocks excessive amounts of dihydrotestosterone or DHT. This is also the primary factor through which we get a protective effect on the prostate.

What is Saw Palmetto

The plant is originally found in America. We usually encounter them in regions near coastal areas. The plant can live to a very old age. Certain sources confirm that the plant easily lives for more than 500 years. Although the plant's age can reach up to 500 years, it will not continue to grow. The maximum height is seen at 3 meters. We can literally translate the name as saw palmetto (although the Dutch name of the plant is "zegepalm"). This is because the leaves are sharp and have a saw-like shape. It is easy to cut ourselves when we come into contact with these leaves.

The botanical name is Serenoa Genus. The plants also produce a fruit. It is eaten by both animals and humans and contains important components that can help with many different conditions. The fruit looks more like a type of berry. It can also be eaten in that way. Although supplements made from the fruit are more concentrated in sterols and antioxidants, and thus have a more beneficial effect and enhance the Saw Palmetto's effectiveness for certain conditions.

Saw Palmetto Effect

The effect of Saw Palmetto mainly occurs by blocking the production of certain enzymes. These enzymes include 5-alpha reductase. The function of this enzyme is to convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. This conversion generally takes place in the testicles, but can also occur in the prostate, adrenal glands, and even in the hair follicles. This is the main cause of baldness. Other problems caused by this conversion are an enlarged prostate and a loss of libido. It goes without saying that the effect of Saw Palmetto can therefore offer benefits for our hair, prostate, testosterone levels, and sex drive. But there is much more we can benefit from thanks to the effect of Saw Palmetto.

Health of the Prostate

Prostate cancer is a common condition in aging men. However, this condition is closely related to an enlarged prostate. Unfortunately, it is difficult to prevent and is considered a natural occurrence as we get older. Saw Palmetto has properties that can counteract this enlarged prostate. This happens by blocking dihydrotestosterone. This hormone stimulates the cells in the prostate, causing it to grow larger. By blocking the hormone, the prostate produces new cells more slowly and therefore grows less quickly. This automatically reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer. Not only is the risk of prostate cancer lowered, but this also offers benefits for our kidneys and our natural sexual drive.

Functioning of the Kidneys

As we have already mentioned above, the improved health of our prostate will have a beneficial effect on the kidneys. Especially men with an enlarged prostate may notice a significant improvement in their kidneys. The plant also contains certain components that stimulate the kidneys. As a result, we urinate more and the kidneys are better cleansed. It is even claimed that the plant can help treat and prevent kidney stones.

Hair loss

Hair loss is a problem that affects 1 in 3 men. It also affects 1 in 10 women. The cause of this is DHT or dihydrotestosterone. As we have seen, this is blocked by the Saw Palmetto effect. This is said to provide protection against hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

Testosteron

Testosterone is necessary to continue guaranteeing the main male characteristics. Testosterone plays a major role in maintaining libido, producing and preserving muscle mass, overall well-being for men, and in the metabolism of cholesterol. The plant will block the conversion of testosterone to DHT, but will also largely inhibit aromatase. This means that the conversion to estrogen, cortisol, and prolactin is counteracted. As a result, more testosterone will be available to guarantee the male characteristics.

Libido and potency

Saw Palmetto's effect is very beneficial for libido and potency in men. An increased libido is observed in both men and women. The reason for this is believed to be an improved function of testosterone. Other mechanisms cannot be identified as possible causes for this.

Saw Palmetto effects for women

Although all the properties mentioned above can also be applied to women (except for the potency-enhancing effect, of course), there are some specific female characteristics that can be improved by using this plant.

Menopause

During menopause, the hormones estrogen and progesterone decrease significantly. Fluctuating levels are also often observed in women during menopause. Extracts from the plant can help counteract irritation of the vagina or uterus. The plant is also said to promote vaginal lubrication in women during menopause.

Overhairing in women

Overhairing in women mainly occurs due to a change in hormone levels. This is caused by a condition affecting the ovaries. Saw Palmetto provides protection against this condition and will thus also help to keep the menstrual cycle regular, maintain testosterone balance, and improve fertility.