Protect your prostrate. Condition: Enlarged prostate. Treatment: African plum and saw palmetto.

As men
age, the cells of the prostate begin to swell, which increases the size of the prostate. This isn’t usually
serious, but can put pressure on your urethra, making going to the bathroom difficult. Prof Ernst says:
‘An enlarged prostate can cause incontinence, but also poor urine flow. ‘Both African plum and saw
palmetto contain chemicals that help decrease inflammation in the prostate, making it easier to go to
the toilet as normal.’

Help for diabetics. Condition: Type 2 diabetes. Treatment: Guar gum. This glue-like substance from the
seed of the guar plant contains fibres called glucomannans and galactomannans. ‘Guar gum can help
slow down the amount of sugars absorbed in the stomach and intestines,’ says Prof Ernst. ‘It is used to
treat patients with type 2 diabetes, who are unable to produce enough insulin to cope with sugars.’