Saw Palmetto - Health Benefits and Side Effects

Saw Palmetto - Health Benefits and Side Effects
by Sarah Bloomingston

Saw Palmetto has been an active ingredient of several traditional medicines. The
aboriginal Americans used this entire fruit and its extract as food and also for
treatment of a variety of urinary and reproductive ailments. The extract was also
very popular with the Mayans. They drank the fruit extract as an energy tonic. The
Seminoles used the Saw Palmetto as an expectorant and antiseptic.

Benefits Of Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto ingredients have excellent broncho-dilation and mucous properties.
They prevent irritation of mucous tissues and also keep the bronchial tubes dilated.
Irritative cough, chronic bacterial cough, whooping cough, laryngitis, acute catarrh,
asthma, tubercular laryngitis and cough of phthisis pulmonalis are some of the
pulmonary disease that this herbal extract can provide relief from.

It has a positive impact on the digestive organs and boosts up appetite, digestion and
nutrient absorption in the body. The most prominent effect that the extract shows is
on the prostate gland and sexual organs.

Effect On The Prostate

Before we take a look at the beneficial effects of the Saw Palmetto on the prostate,
we must understand the complications of the prostate. Te prostate gland is a walnut
sized glad that secrets a seminal fluid to nourish the semen in males. The urethra
runs through the prostate and when the prostate enlarges in size, it constricts the
urethra and disrupts urine flow. The urine that gets held back in the bladder leads to
serious UTIs.

It would be worthwhile to mention that the testosterone hormone gets converted
into dihydrotestosterone [DHT] by the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme and this DHT binds
with androgen receptors to cause hyperplasia [inflammation] of the prostate.
Ingredients in the Saw Palmetto extract act in two ways. They mimic the structure of
DHT and block the androgen receptors, thereby preventing further inflation of the
prostate. On the other hand they also inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme
formation and eventually stop the conversion of testosterone into DHT [which is
responsible for most prostate disorders].

Side Effects

There are no established side effects of this fruit extract. However in rare cases it has
been seen that subjects on Saw Palmetto extract have inflated testicular organs. The
exact reason for this is unknown, but some scientists believe that this extract might
be responsible for enlarging the size of the organs that are below average size and
reducing the size of those that are above average. This is just a belief and there are
no hard facts to back up the claim.

About The Author

Sarah Bloomingston

Saw palmetto extract can cure prostate problems and BPH. To have a healthy
prostate, get your Saw Palmetto [http://www.healthydietreview.org/] now. Don't
buy "flavored" products. Buy the original extract. For details on where to order Saw
Palmetto visit www.healthydietreview.org/ [http://www.healthydietreview.org/]

Saw Palmetto is a pretty popular fruit
extract that is commonly used for
BPH cure. Contrary to popular belief,
the Saw Palmetto is not a fruit in
itself. It is an extract of the fruit
Serenoa Repens. The extract is very
rich in fatty acids and phytosterols
and has been used for ages in
traditional, eclectic and alternative
medicine for a variety of ailments.

In this article we'll take a look at the
benefits offered by this natural fruit
extract and also its side effect profile.

History Of The Saw Palmetto

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.