Veggies, whole grains, and fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids are heart-healthy, lower inflammation levels, and help maintain a healthy prostate. Pomegranates are also rich in antioxidants, and animal and test-tube studies suggest that they may inhibit cancer cells.
Tomatoes, watermelon, guava, and pink grapefruit are high in lycopene, an antioxidant that can help prevent BPH and prostate cancer. The body can absorb lycopene better when tomatoes are cooked, such as in tomato sauce.
1. Kale
Curly kale (Brassica oleracea, variety acephala), also known as leaf cabbage or collard greens is part of the Brassica or cruciferous vegetable family to which broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage belong. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants and contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that are essential for prostate health.
As a dark leafy green it is packed with calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and many other nutrients that encourage prostate health. It is also high in fiber and low in calories, making it a great addition to any diet. Try it steamed, in salads, or as a crunchy replacement for chips. Use Cenforce 100 mg Tablets to improve erection quality.
Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene which has been shown to lower the risk of an enlarged prostate and is also effective in treating prostate cancer. Eat them whole, cooked in sauces, or juiced to make the most of the lycopene’s beneficial properties.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are believed to help reduce inflammation, which may be associated with prostate cancer. Add oily fish like salmon to your diet a few times a week, or consume flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and avocados to get your omega-3 quota. Also avoid unhealthy fats such as butter, lard, and red meat. Try replacing animal fats with healthy oils such as olive and vegetable oil.
2. Cruciferous Vegetables
As a group, cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain isothiocyanates and glucosinolates that may help to prevent the development of BPH and prostate cancer. They are also a good source of vitamin C.
Legumes like beans, lentils, and peas are also a good source of isoflavones and other phytochemicals that support prostate health. Try adding these to soups, stews, and casseroles, or toss them into salads dressed with your favorite herbs and spices.
Tomatoes (yes, tomatoes are a fruit!) are high in lycopene which helps to protect the prostate from disease. You can enjoy them raw, cooked, juiced, or even as a sauce for meat and poultry.
A diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, and green tea, while limiting red meat and dairy products can help to keep the prostate healthy. In addition, regular exercise and a healthy weight are important for maintaining a prostate-healthy lifestyle.
It is also important to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium. Consuming foods that are high in sodium can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other serious conditions.
3. Coffee or Tea
The adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” may be outdated, but we now know that four or more cups of coffee a day can keep prostate cancer at bay. In a population-based case-control study of men in King County, Washington who had either advanced or mild prostate cancer, researchers found that those who drank more than four cups of coffee a day were at a lower risk of having their prostate cancer recur or progress than men who drank less than four cups of coffee.
In addition, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking enough water. Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda or energy drinks, as they can irritate the bladder and prostate and contribute to obesity. A diet rich in dietary fiber can also improve prostate health, as it helps to prevent urination frequency and urinary urgency, which are common symptoms of BPH and prostatitis.
4. Lean Proteins
Eating a diet that is rich in plant-based proteins, like beans, legumes, and nuts, may reduce prostate cancer risk, too. Avoid red meat, bacon, sausage, and other cured and processed meats, which can raise your cancer risk. Instead, opt for lean chicken and turkey breast, pork tenderloin, black bean or lentil burgers, and fish, such as salmon, trout, and sardines.
Polyunsaturated fats from olive and vegetable oils and omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish, such as salmon, are healthy fats. Avoid unhealthy trans fats and saturated fats, which can increase your cancer risk.
5. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts are a great source of protein and heart-healthy fats. They are also rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, including zinc (which has been linked to BPH and prostate cancer). Some of the best nuts for your prostate are almonds, sesame seeds, adzuki beans, and pumpkin seeds. These can be eaten on their own or added to a trail mix.
Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower inflammation in the body and can reduce the risk of inflammation within the prostate. Salmon, trout, and sardines are some of the best fish choices for prostate health.
Leafy green vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are also packed with a powerful phytochemical called sulforaphane that targets cancer cells and promotes prostate health. Try adding a few servings of these cruciferous veggies to your diet each week.
6. Green Tea
Green tea has polyphenols that act as an anti-inflammatory in the prostate. They can help prevent the enlargement of the prostate gland (BPH). They also have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which can reduce your risk of urinary tract infections. This can be important for those with BPH as a struggling bladder can increase infection and lead to more serious health problems.
Studies have shown that a diet high in dietary fiber may reduce cancer risks, including prostate cancer. Try to eat plenty of foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, and nuts and seeds.
Another healthy food to add to your diet is cruciferous vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
Lean meats, fish, poultry, and eggs provide protein that is low in fat. You can also eat black beans, lentils, or chia seeds which are high in protein and fiber. Limit dairy if you have concerns about your cancer risk as it is high in calcium which some studies have shown can promote cancer cell growth and increase the likelihood of developing a tumor. If you need to consume dairy products try to opt for organic options. Talk to your Banner doctor about your personal cancer risk and screening guidelines.