Best supplements for men: The herbal extract that boosts fertility and heart health

BEST supplements for men: Reproductive health and maintaining heart health are important concerns for men. An herbal supplement has been shown to support both. There are many concerns that become amplified as men age but two that can loom particularly large are infertility and heart disease. Though the two are not related in any obvious way, they can both be a source of anxiety. Having difficulties conceiving can cause psychological distress, which may affect relationships. Heart disease can be life-threatening because it can lead to a heart attack, angina and some strokes. Luckily, there are natural remedies that have shown promise in addressing these concerns. Ashwagandha - a staple of Ayurvedic medicine - has yielded particularly encouraging results. Taken as a supplement, the herbal extract may have powerful effects on testosterone levels and reproductive health. In one study in 75 infertile men, the group treated with ashwagandha showed increased sperm count and motility. READ MORE: Best supplements for cholesterol: Natural extracts that can help reduce cholesterol Sperm motility is the ability of sperm to move efficiently - an essential part of the reproduction process. What’s more, the treatment led to a significant increase in testosterone levels. The researchers also reported that the group who took the herb had increased antioxidant levels in their blood. Antioxidants are substances that are thought to inhibit the mechanisms that contribute to heart disease. DON'T MISS Hair loss treatment: One refreshing herb could help promote hair growth [TIPS] Pancreatic cancer symptoms: Can you feel that? First noticeable sign [INSIGHT] The five symptoms of COVID-19 that are most likely to last for MONTHS [ADVICE] In another study, men who received ashwagandha for stress experienced higher antioxidant levels and better sperm quality. After three months of treatment, 14 percent of the men’s partners had become pregnant. Ashwagandha may help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cholesterol and triglyceride are fatty substances you get from eating food and are carried into your blood. Both substances can contribute to heart disease if you have too much of them circulating in your blood vessels. Animal studies have found that ashwagandha supplementation significantly decreases levels of these blood fats. One study in rats found that it lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 53 percent and nearly 45 percent, respectively. While controlled human studies have reported less dramatic results, they have observed some impressive improvements in these markers. In a 60-day study in chronically stressed adults, the group taking the highest dosage of standardised ashwagandha extract experienced a 17 percent decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and an 11 percent decrease in triglycerides, on average. LDL cholesterol is generally regarded as the most harmful type of cholesterol because it sticks to the inside of your artery walls. While it is important to include cholesterol-lowering items in your diet, focusing on your overall dietary approach is what counts.