Saw Palmetto Can’t Prevent Prostate Cancer, But Tomatoes Can

According to recent research, the herb saw palmetto—even at high doses— is ineffective against enlarged prostate and preventing prostate cancer. According to a written statement issued by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis:

The study may settle a longstanding debate over the effectiveness of saw palmetto, which is especially popular in Europe. Previous studies produced conflicting results, but none had tested the herb at high doses.

“Now we know that even very high doses of saw palmetto make absolutely no difference,” Dr. Gerald Andriole, MD, said. “Men should not spend their money on this herbal supplement as a way to reduce symptoms of enlarged prostate because it clearly does not work any better than a sugar pill.”

Prevent Prostate Cancer with Tomato, not Palmetto

Where the herb saw palmetto disappoints for trying to improve prostate health, the nutrient lycopene delivers. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that’s plentiful in tomatoes, and it’s proven to prevent prostate cancer. prevent prostate cancer

Harvard researchers discovered that men who increased tomato-based foods in their diet had a 35% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men who did not.

According to the website HealthCastle, the following foods are rich in lycopene (potency decreasing from top-bottom):

    • Tomato Paste
    • Tomato Sauce
    • Chili Sauce
    • Tomato Ketchup
    • Tomato Juice
    • Raw Tomato

Choose Tomato Foods Wisely for More Benefits and Fewer Risks

First, choose tomato products packed in glass jars instead of aluminum cans. As we recently reported, the problem with canned tomatoes is the cans themselves, which are lined with a resin that contains the synthetic estrogen bisphenol-A (BPA)—conclusively linked to a disturbing array of serious health problems.

Pairing tomatoes with broccoli, another lycopene-rich food, has been proven to dramatically increase the benefits of both, specifically for reducing the size of prostate tumors.