Diet for Prevention of Prostate Cancer
There are several factors that increase the risk of getting prostate cancer. These include increasing age, genetic factors and diet. The last factor is the only you can control. The latest studies suggest that some foods may help to prevent prostate cancer, reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer coming back after treatment, or help slow down progression of the disease. More research is needed to support these findings. However by improving your diet your overall health will benefit and you will reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
The following foods are believed to reduce the risk of prostate cancer:
- Fruit and vegetables Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day reduces your risk of many medical problems, including cancer. One portion is about the size of the palm of your hand. It is advisable to eat fresh fruit and vegetables rather than in the form of supplements or food extracts, which may not contain all of the beneficial nutrients. Different fruit and vegetables contain different vitamins and minerals. It is recommended to include all of the different colours in your weekly diet.
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale). Eating at least five portions of these vegetables each week may reduce your risk of getting prostate cancer and heart disease.
- Antioxidants. Our body protects itself from outside influence by producing molecules called free radicals. If these molecules get out of control, they can damage normal cells and tissues. Free radicals appear to be involved in various stages of the cancer process. Antioxidants fight with excess free radicals thus reducing the risk of developing cancer. Good sources of antioxidants that are thought to protect against prostate cancer include vitamins and minerals such as selenium and vitamin E, compounds such as lycopene and foods such as pomegranate juice and green tea.
- Lycopene. Many studies have reported a significantly lower risk for prostate cancer with high intake of cooked tomatoes, which are high in a chemical called lycopene. lycopene is also found in watermelons, pink grapefruits, guava and papaya. It should be mentioned, that Lycopene supplements do not give the same protection against prostate cancer as lycopene-rich foods because the other nutrients in the food work together with the lycopene to protect the body.
- Soy. Soy may also be protective, which may partially explain the low rate of prostate cancer observed in Asian men and vegetarians (who typically use soy as a protein replacement). If you decide to add soy to your diet, try to choose traditional forms such as tofu, miso and tempeh rather than processed products.
- Whole grain cereals, seeds, and nuts. A few studies have shown that eating more pulses (beans, peas and lentils) as well as whole grain foods (brown bread, whole grain cereals and pasta) may help to prevent prostate cancer.
- Boron-rich foods (nuts, red grapes, avocados, and dried fruits) may also be protective.
- A recent study suggested a linear trend between red wine consumption and reduced risk of prostate cancer. Researchers theorize that tumor cell growth is inhibited by the flavonoids contained in red wine. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.