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Saw palmetto
Selenium
Soy Isoflavones
St John's wort
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is a palm with purple berries, the extracts of which are
used to make supplements. The plant is named after its sharp, saw-tooth
like leaves. Native Americans have a long tradition of using the berries
of this plant for its therapeutic propoerties.
How it works
Scientific research has identified that the berries of this plant are
a rich source of fatty acids and plant-based sterols. The active extracts
appear to reduce the activity one of the forms of male hormone testosterone.
Excess levels of this hormone can spark unwanted growth of the gland,
with subsequent effects on the urinary system and urinary flow. Saw palmetto
also appears to have both diuretic and antiseptic properties.This herb
is used predominately by men concerned about urinary health and function.
However, it is essential that before commencing use of this as a dietary
supplement, that note is taken of the information given under precautions
below.
Natural food sources
Saw palmetto does not naturally occur in our diets.
Recommended Daily Amounts (RDA)/ Safe Upper
Levels (SUL) - Adult intake
There is no official RDA or SUL for Saw palmetto. As with all herbal formulations,
choosing a standardised extract will ensure consistent levels of the active
ingredients.
Precautions
Men with prostate problems must consult their doctor prior to commencing
use of saw palmetto in order to rule out the risk of any of their symptoms
being caused by prostate cancer.
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Selenium
Selenium is an important mineral found in varying levels in the soil.
Its chemical names include l-selenomethionine and sodium selenite.
How it works
Selenium is an extremely effect antioxidant, that works with the immune
system to protect body cells from damage by excess free radicals and protect
against the diseases that are associated with free radical damage. Selenium
is also involved in the production and maintenance of healthy sperm and
the prostate gland in men.There has been extensive scientific research
into the positive effects of Selenium within the diet. It has been shown
that people who have diets rich in selenium have lower rates of cancer
than those who have poor dietary intakes of this mineral. Selenium also
benefits the heart by helping to reduce damage to the artery walls by
excess free radicals, and reduce fatty build-ups, which clog artery walls.
Studies have shown that selenium appears to stimulate the immune system,
which in turn helps to protect the body from infections.
The presence of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
appear to help in the body's absorption of selenium.
Modern food manufacturing processes can significantly
reduce the levels of selenium present.
Natural food sources
Whilst there are a number of natural food sources of selenium, the actual
selenium content will be very dependent upon the selenium content of the
soil in which the food is grown. Thus bread made from selenium-rich Canadian
flour will have a markedly different selenium content to bread made from
selenium-poor European flour. However, bearing this proviso in mind, foods
that can be a rich source of selenium include brazil nuts, fresh tuna,
grilled plaice, mixed nuts & raisins, shrimps, sunflower seeds and
wholemeal bread.
Recommended Daily Amounts (RDA)/ Safe Upper
Levels (SUL) - Adult intake
There is no official RDA for selenium, although a SUL has been set at
350 mcgs daily long-term dietary supplementation. Nutritionists frequently
recommend 200mcg per day.
Precautions
Selenium can be toxic so it is important to follow the Government advice
on safe upper levels.
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Soy Isoflavones
Soy extracts are derived from soyabeans, leguminous vegetables that are
grown throughout the world but are more frequently a feature of Eastern,
rather than Western, diets.
How it works
The active ingredients in soya are plant nutrients called isoflavones
and lignans, which have a similar structure to the hormone oestrogen.
Lignans also have an antioxidant effect, helping to reduce the risk of
excess free radical damage in the body.
Scientific research has indicated that diets that
include regular consumption of soya are associated with reduced levels
of harmful LDL cholesterol, which can lead to blocked arteries and heart
disease. Isoflavones, the plant oestrogens in soya, appear to dampen down
the effects caused when human oestrogen levels are too high. This can
relieve some of the symptoms menopause such as of hot flushes.
Natural food sources
It is possible to incorporate soya-based foods as a regular feature of
your natural diet with the use of soya-derived foods and drinks such as
milks and yogurts, as well as using soya beans.
Recommended Daily Amounts (RDA)/ Safe Upper
Levels (SUL) - Adult intake
There is no official RDA or SUL for Soya. As with all herbal formulations,
choosing a standardised extract will ensure consistent levels of the active
ingredients.
Precautions
If your diet is already rich in soya-based foods, it is unwise to take
supplements without consulting your doctor first.
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St John's wort
A herb with bright yellow flowers, the leaves of the St John's wort has
traditionally been used by herbalists for many centuries.
How it works
It is the leaves of St John's wort that contain its active ingredient,
the substance called hypericin. Scientific research indicated it that
it is this which appears to help improve levels serotonin in the brain,
and releases of serotinum can promote feelings of well-being. It also
appears to have antibacterial effects and to be capable of bolstering
the immune system. It may also stop the production of stress hormones.
Scientific studies have revealed the effectiveness of St John's wort when
used by people suffering mild to moderate depression. There is also evidence
of a calming effect which may help to correct mild cases of insomnia.
Studies have also suggested the herb may reduce the symptoms of seasonal
affective disorder (SAD) syndrome.
Natural food sources
St John's wort does not naturally occur in our diets.
Recommended Daily Amounts (RDA)/ Safe Upper
Levels (SUL) - Adult intake
There is no official RDA or SUL for St John's wort. As with all herbal
formulations, choosing a standardised extract will ensure consistent levels
of the active ingredients.
Precautions
St John's wort may increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun in susceptible
people. Before commencing using a St John’s wort product, you must
consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you are also taking any prescribed
medicines as it may affect the way that they work. As with many herbal
supplements, it should not be taken continuously for pro-longed periods
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