It becomes increasingly important for men to maintain a healthy lifestyle after they reach the age of 40, a time at which some men begin to feel that their best years are behind them. Diet and exercise are the two most important components of this effort, but proper vitamin supplementation can play a huge role in keeping men healthy as well. Saw palmetto and omega-3 fish oils are two highly touted vitamins men should investigate 40.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a vitamin that is very specific to the needs of older men. Historically employed by American Indian and Mayan men, it is used widely in Europe today and is becoming more prevalent in America as its health benefits are discovered. Saw palmetto's benefit lies in combating the side effects of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), which begins to occur as men approach their 40s. Mens Health's website references studies that show the naturally occurring ingredients of saw palmetto will reduce the size of the prostate and can counteract the symptoms of prostate enlargement, such as the need for nighttime urination, weak urine flow and degenerative prostate health. According to the Mayo Clinic, saw palmetto blocks the effects of testosterone and thus may also serve to impede the onset of pattern hair loss in men as they age.
Omega-3 Fish Oils
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number one killer in America is now heart disease. Although a healthy diet and proper exercise will help men avoid problems with their cardiovascular system, those who supplement their daily food intake with omega-3 fatty acid vitamins are proven to be less at risk. This is especially relevant to men in their 40s, 50s and beyond. What makes fish oils effective is they contain both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are proven to counteract the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque, which in turn causes the "hardening" of arteries and, ultimately, heart attacks and strokes. A beneficial side effect of eliminating atherosclerotic plaque buildup in arteries is lowering blood pressure, as blood can circulate more freely through your cardiovascular system.
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