The Melaleuca Wellness Guide tells us that after the age of 50 approximately one half of all men experience symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although BPH is not a cancer risk, doctors do recommend that men over the age of 50 need both an annual prostate examination and a PSA blood test. The PSA test measures inflammation in the prostate, but a high score does not automatically indicate cancer. It indicates the prostate is enlarged and needs further investigation.
The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that after a systematic review of studies investigating the use of saw palmetto for the treatment of BPH, researchers concluded that men receiving saw palmetto had similar improvements in urological symptoms and flow measures and fewer side effects compared with men receiving finasteride (Proscar). The study reviewed 18 trials involving 2,939 men.
In Europe saw palmetto is included in prescription and over the counter treatments for enlarged prostate. A Belgium study found that saw palmetto begins to get results in 45 days versus finaseride which can take months to work. This site also explains how saw palmetto works.
Additional information on the herbal use of saw palmetto can be found here.
ProstAvan not only contains saw palmetto but also additional supplements that support prostate health -- ingredients such as lycopene, pumpkin seed, selenium, vitamin E and zinc.
Lycopene, the red pigment found in tomatoes, is an antioxidant with many health benefits. It may prevent or slow the progression of prostate cancer.
One of the highest concentrations of zinc in the body is found in the prostate gland. If the prostate gland develops cancer, zinc levels drop sharply. Zinc is important for immune health, and increasing levels of zinc in the prostate may help prevent prostate cancer.
The ingredients in ProstAvan have a proven effect to help prevent BPH and should be taken every day by men over the age of 40.
~ Richard M Barry