Mediterranean Diet and Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto dates (“serenoa repens”)

The saw palmetto is a dwarf palm native to the area of Florida (United States), from which a small brownish purple tone date is harvested. The fruit was collected in antiquity by the American Seminole Indians, who used it to treat conditions such as fluid retention, male impotence, low libido, cystitis and prostate-related problems. It is also spread along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal plains, but it can be found in inner places as southern Arkansas.



It was named after the “saw” form of the original palm leaves.

“Saw Palmetto leaves and dates”

Many studies demonstrate the effectiveness of Saw Palmetto for maintaining good prostate health. It also helps in cases of prostatic adenoma to improve the urinary flow and to fight other urinary difficulties. It is recommended in cases of enuresis (adult bedwetting), frequent need to urinate (that leads to sleep disorders), impotence and decreased libido in men. On very rare occasions it has been recommended in the treatment of infertility or painful periods. Anyway, in case of women this treatment should be prescribed and highly controlled by a team of reputed doctors.

Nevertheless, their intake is especially effective in cases of prostatic inflammation and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Saw palmetto, sabal, or “sabal serrulatum” is used nowadays even for prevention of those conditions, before they start to appear. Recently, it has been prescribed as a treatment for alopecia. Nevertheless, the results cannot be observed until five months of treatment.

In the Mediterranean countries, the high consumption of tomatoes and cucumbers has been associated to prostate problems prevention and treatment. Anyway, lately a big percentage of urologists are starting to recommend this plant (“serenoa repens”) as a complement in cases of benign adenoma prostate. An intense and brisk one hour walking several times a week is highly recommended.

Tomato and Cucumber Salad