Saw palmetto

Shop Saw Palmetto Supplements at Holland & Barrett

Saw Palmetto, (Serenoa repens), is a small palm which grows a few metres high and has deep purple berry-like fruit (technically, drupes). Saw Palmetto comes from the southern United States, and typically grows around sandy coastal areas or as undergrowth, in pine woods.

The plant’s properties resemble some of its potential benefits. That is, it is a slow-growing, but long-living plant. Some saw palmettos in Florida are thought to be as old as 500 or 700 years. Both wildlife and humans have, historically, consumed the fruit.

What nutrients does saw palmetto contain?

Saw palmetto fruit contains two key beneficial nutrients or ingredients, and these are fatty acids and phytosterols.

The amount of fatty acids in any supplement depends a little on the form – powder, tablet, or liquid, but in general saw palmetto extracts are 90% fatty acids. Fatty acids are often found in things such as nut oils, while phytosterols are also found in other consumables.

Possible benefits of saw palmetto

Saw palmetto supplements have been used to help support prostate and urinary health

Tips for good prostate and urinary health

The prostate is located near the bladder, and it is responsible for sperm health in men. Any supplements should typically be complemented with diet and lifestyle changes that can help prevent health issues, or help you recover when you have them. To maintain prostate health, and to restore it, there are five key lifestyle steps you can take:

Avoid caffeine

Caffeine though can irritate the prostate and the bladder, so aim for teas without any caffeine, and if possible, try to reduce your general caffeine consumption.

Drink lots of water

Avoiding caffeine can make a significant difference to your urinary health. At the same time, drinking a lot of water is also beneficial for both prostate and urinary health – apart from being good for you generally, water helps to flush out any toxins, bacteria, infections, and other unwanted things.

Take regular exercise

Of course, exercise is also important. It is key for preventing various health, cardio, and sexual problems. Abdominal fat in men is a particular risk factor for prostate issues, and losing weight can help you reduce your prostate size directly.

Eat a healthy diet

Food wise, oily fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, and other foods high in healthy fats such as avocados and nuts, are the way to go. Also, keep the sugar consumption down, and avoid processed foods and saturated fats. To complement or help you get the right nutrients, you can also take supplements for both prostate and urinary health.

Manage your stress levels

Finally, stress has a way of impacting our physical health on various different levels, and that includes prostate and urinary health.

Some men actually tighten their pelvic muscles when stressed. Stress can also cause or worsen urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and pain.

Just having urinary or prostate health issues can be stressful, so it is important to find a way to take care of your emotional health. Vent to someone you trust, and try deep breathing, yoga, therapy, mindfulness or other techniques.

An extra tip for male urinary health is just to use the bathroom when you need it. Sometimes, like when working or busy, that may not be an option, but do try, as holding urine in can be really bad for urinary health.

How to take saw palmetto capsules

We provide saw palmetto capsules. They are rapid release tablets that should be taken two at a time, twice a day, preferably with meals.