Does Saw Palmetto Affect Testosterone?
Testosterone boosters contain many ingredients for it to be functional. Most of it is combinations of herbs and extracts. Since low levels of testosterone is very common nowadays especially for those people who are already in their 30s up, many experts have tried different blends of herbs and extracts to solve the problem of most men.
Luckily, there are so many testosterone boosters out there in the market. The only thing that you should do is to look for the supplement that suits you.
However, in looking for a supplement you should also consider its ingredients. Some supplement may contain ingredients that are not good for the body. Some contains all beneficial and natural ingredients. With this, you need to consult a doctor or research well.
The Wonders of Saw Palmetto
One of the ingredients of some testosterone booster is Saw Palmetto. There are so many questions regarding this ingredient. Does Saw Palmetto really affects testosterone? Let us take a deeper look with this ingredient.
Saw Palmetto belongs to the Serenoa repens plant species. This is native to Southeastern United States. This herb has primary active compounds that include fatty acids, phytosterols, carotenes, polyphenolic compounds and tannins. Saw palmetto is used to reduce inflammation, promote urination and potentially protect the prostate from cancer development.
Does It Really Affect Testosterone?
According to research, Saw Palmetto was found to hinder the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone by more than 40 percent. With this, Saw Palmetto may have anti-androgenic activity which means this herb can possibly have effects on male sex hormones or androgens. Saw Palmetto can increase testosterone levels by inhibiting up conversion to dihydrotestosterone.
Before Saw Palmetto has big help to bodybuilders and was claimed to be the best testosterone booster. However today, it is not advisable because it is not good for the body.
Medical experts say that DHT or dihydrotestosterone is 3 to 10 times as strong as testosterone is, and it is the principal androgen behind the development of genitals, male sexual function, body hair, and muscle growth. So DHT must not be stopped from functioning.
The problem is that Saw Palmetto really increases testosterone but it inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT. So it’s like you are also blocking yourself of muscle growth and other functions. But then again, many people do not know this so they continue to use supplements with Saw Palmetto.
Things to Remember
Although Saw Palmetto is not recommended to be taken alone, you can ask a doctor to help you out. The suggested dosage for this herb is 160 mg up to two times a day. Just make sure that the supplement has 85 to 95 percent fatty acids and sterols.
Saw Palmetto just like other supplements in the market must be consulted first with a doctor before starting up. This herb is generally safe for healthy adults but it also has side effects if not taken properly.
You might experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and gastrointestinal discomfort. You must not also take Saw Palmetto when you are under medications or if you are taking iron supplements because it may cause adverse effects on you.
Saw Palmetto indeed can increase testosterone levels but taking it as a supplement needs a supervision from a doctor.