Diet for Prostate Health
Following the Right Diet Can Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer
Jun 5, 2009
The study, published in the June 2009 issue of the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, found that reducing calories, fat, meat and dairy products in the diet, and eating more fruits and vegetables can not only help prevent prostate cancer but also be helpful in those already diagnosed with the disease.
Eat Your Veggies for Prostate Health
In terms of specifics, men should try to eat more tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli and green tea, as well as foods containing vitamin E and selenium. They should avoid eating blackened, grilled meats or processed meats and excess dairy products and fat.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate start growing uncontrollably, creating small tumors. It is one of the most common cancers in the United States, affecting one in six men.
There have been many studies investigating what may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, with mixed results. According to Prostate Cancer Canada, in October of last year, the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) trial was abruptly ended when researchers found that the subjects taking selenium only pills had a disproportionately high rate of prostate cancer.
Until further studies are done, it may be safer to get nutrients from food than from supplements. Here are some nutrients that have been shown to help prevent prostate cancer, and the foods that contain them.
Get Selenium from Food
Selenium is a mineral that we require for preventing cell damage, but we only need a small amount, about 70 micrograms per day, and should not exceed 200 micrograms per day. One 3-ounce serving of tuna, contains 69 micrograms. Other foods high in selenium include Brazil nuts, whole wheat flour oysters and shrimp.
Lycopene and the Prostate
Lycopene prevents and slows the growth of prostate cancer. It is an antioxidant, which means it stops the damage caused by free radicals in the body. It gives red and pink fruits and vegetables their colour. We require about 30 to 60 milligrams of lycopene per day, and one serving of tomato juice has 22 milligrams. Other sources of lycopene include cooked or processed tomato products, such as sauce, salsa or canned tomatoes, watermelon, guava and pink or red grapfruit.
Vitamin D in the Diet
Vitamin D is found in certain foods and is also produced by our bodies when we're exposed to sunlight. However, if you live in a northern climate, the sun is not strong enough to induce your body to produce vitamin D between October and April.
Studies have had mixed results when it comes to finding out if the vitamin can help with prostate cancer, so the best option seems to be keeping levels even throughout the year. Increase your consumption of foods high in vitamin D in the winter, and choose a multivitamin that includes the nutrient year round. Vitamin D is mainly found in fortified dairy products and fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel.
Although research surrounding nutrition and prostate cancer can be confusing and seemingly contradictory, the basic message remains the same: reduce meat and fat consumption and eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish.
Studies have had mixed results when it comes to finding out if the vitamin can help with prostate cancer, so the best option seems to be keeping levels even throughout the year. Increase your consumption of foods high in vitamin D in the winter, and choose a multivitamin that includes the nutrient year round.
Vitamin D is mainly found in fortified dairy products and fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel.
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