One-third of men in the U.S. have not visited a doctor in the past 12 months and 10 percent have not seen a physician in five years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Diseases of the prostate and erectile dysfunction or ED may be on the list of health concerns of men as they age. While regular physical examinations are an important part of proactive health, some natural dietary supplements may promote male health and vitality. Always talk to your doctor about taking herbs or other natural supplements for medicinal reasons.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E supplements may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells, notes the UMMC.
Harvard Health Publications says a report issued in 2005 by the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention trial, or ATBC, noted that men with the highest blood levels of vitamin E as in alpha-Tocopherol, were approximately 50 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than men with the lowest levels.
A study published in January 2003 in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications found vitamin E, as in alpha-Tocopheryl succinate, may arrest prostate cancer cells. The research was led by Jing Ni of the Department of Urology at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko Biloba may help treat erectile dysfunction. Research of the effectiveness of Ginkgo for sexual dysfunction in men and women is limited and further studies are needed to verify its effectiveness, according to the National Institutes of Health or NIH.
Talk to your health care provider about taking Gingko biloba for health conditions.
Folic Acid
A connection appears to exist between low folic acid or folate concentrations and Alzheimer's disease, according to the NIH
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Folic acid supplements may improve blood flow to the brain by controlling levels of an amino acid called homocysteine. High homocysteine levels have been linked with memory loss and other early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Lypocene
Lypocene, an antioxidant found in watermelon and tomatoes, appears to help guard against prostate cancer, according to the UMMC.
A study published in March 2002 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found an apparent connection between lycopene intake and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
The research was lead by Edward Giovannucci of the Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Lypocene may also protect against heart disease and macular degeneration, which is an eye disease that can lead to blindness.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herb that may promote urination and has been used as an alternative therapy for prostate issues including benign prostatic hyperplasia or BHP, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Talk to your doctor about taking saw palmetto for prostate health.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe has traditionally been used in Africa to awaken sexual desire, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Yohimbe is also used to treat erectile dysfunction. Ask your health care provider about taking herbal supplements for sexual dysfunction.
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