February 02, 2024
If you are wondering what you can do to support your prostate health, you'll be pleased to know that your diet can play a significant role. A nutritious diet paired with an active lifestyle is a major key in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and slowing its progression. Eating delicious anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods is an easy way to ensure your prostate stays healthy. As Hippocrates famously said, "Let food be thy medicine."
Here are seven top foods to include in your diet for a healthy prostate:
Green tea is rich in antioxidants known as catechins, which are believed to have anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties, potentially preventing healthy cells from mutating into cancerous ones. A systematic review of studies suggested that men who drank several cups of green tea daily had a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Including green tea in your diet can be a simple yet effective way to support prostate health. Green tea can also be consumed in the form of matcha, a powder made from finely ground and specially prepared young green tea leaves. Matcha is higher in antioxidants than green tea.
Surprisingly, coffee is also emerging as a beneficial drink for prostate health. Regular consumption of coffee, even just one to two cups a day, may help prevent prostate cancer. However, it's important to watch the sugar content, especially in pre-sweetened or creamy coffee drinks to maximize health benefits. Try to shop for an organic coffee to avoid pesticide contamination.
Cooked tomatoes are a great source of the antioxidant lycopene, particularly beneficial for the prostate. Cooking tomatoes makes it easier for the body to absorb lycopene, especially when prepared in forms like sauces, pastes, or juices. Enhance the absorption further by cooking tomatoes in olive oil.
Cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, and trout provide beneficial "good fats" that are less inflammatory than saturated animal fats. Replacing animal fats with these healthier fats in your diet can lower the risk of dying from prostate cancer and help reduce inflammation in the prostate.
Berries, including strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are packed with powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. These nutrients help combat free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of cell and DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Berries are also a low glycemic index food, meaning they won’t spike your blood sugar as fruits such as oranges and pineapple tend to do.
Include cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, bok choy, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts in your diet for their high content of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Broccoli, a standout in this category, contains compounds that may specifically target and inhibit cancer cell growth.
Nuts are an excellent addition to a prostate-healthy diet. Rich in essential minerals like zinc and selenium, they play a crucial role in supporting prostate function and maintaining hormonal balance in men. Besides nuts, oysters and various other seafoods also offer high levels of zinc, making them beneficial for prostate health. Including a variety of nuts in your diet can be a tasty and nutritious way to support your overall well-being.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends a diet high in colorful vegetables, low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, and moderate in animal-based protein. This approach aligns with the principles of the Mediterranean Diet, focusing on high vegetable intake, reduced consumption of sugar, processed carbs, and red meat, and incorporating healthy protein sources like beans, nuts, and soy.
Remember, these dietary changes are not just beneficial for your prostate; they can also significantly enhance your overall health.