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Food for Prostate Health: The best and The Worst
Most men take prostate health for granted until problems start happening. Well, it’s not too late to change that! Subtle tweaks in nutrition can improve prostate health and reduce the risk of lower urinary tract symptoms, among other prostate problems. Read on to learn more about foods good for the prostate.
10 best foods for prostate health
Having a diet that is rich in the following foods will improve your prostate health and quality of life:
- Tomatoes: they contain the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by reducing cell damage and cancer cell production. Lycopene can also slow down the progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. Watermelon is another good source of lycopene and many vitamins, so it’s also a great health food for the prostate.
- Broccoli: like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli may decrease prostate cancer risk. Eating broccoli can also help protect against BPH.
- Avocado: the creamy green fruit is rich in beta-sitosterol, which may reduce symptoms associated with BPH. Men who take beta-sitosterol supplements tend to notice improvements in urinary flow.
- Green tea: this healthy drink contains compounds that may lower the risk of prostate cancer through cancer cell death and slowing down tumor growth. Green tea also benefits men suffering from prostatitis and BPH.
- Pomegranate juice: it is a rich source of antioxidants that inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and a great addition to a healthy prostate diet.
- Bell peppers: they’re abundant in vitamin C, which is necessary for fighting enlarged prostate.
- Salmon: salmon and other fatty fish are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s can protect against prostate cancer and inflammation in the prostate gland. They also promote weight loss (excess weight is a major risk factor for prostate problems).
- Nuts and seeds: rich in zinc, a vital mineral for prostate health, nuts are an excellent food for the prostate. Men with BPH and prostate cancer tend to have lower zinc levels than their counterparts with healthy prostates. Nuts and seeds can help with that.
- Berries: they are some of the best fruits for the prostate. Berries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which may ease BPH symptoms by reducing swelling and promoting urination.
- Beans: they are a good source of protein and fiber, both of which promote prostate health.
Including these foods in your diet regularly or using supplements that provide the same nutrients included in these foods can help you maintain and improve your prostate health.
10 worst foods for prostate health
So you went grocery shopping, and you are done stocking up on all the items in the above list. Now, it’s time to see what foods won’t make it. To keep your prostate healthy, you should think about avoiding or at least reducing these foods. So what are the ten worst foods for prostate health? Here they are:
- Processed meat
- High-fat dairy
- Alcohol
- High-sodium foods
- Caffeine
- Soy
- Sugar and artificial sweeteners
- Canned foods
- Spicy foods
- Non-grass fed red meat
It’s never too late too (or too early) to start taking care of your prostate. And just like everything else health-related, your prostate health is affected by the foods you eat. If you’re not sure you are getting enough prostate-friendly nutrients, supplements are also a viable option. Be proactive about your prostate starting now!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4616444/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3368367/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18156403/
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet