Mayoclinic.com says that an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, will affect 50 percent of men older than age 60. Incidence jumps to 90 percent in men ages 70 to 80. Many factors, including a high level of physical activity and lack of belly fat, can help reduce the risk of BPH. Certain foods can lower the risk of BPH.
Low-fat, High-protein Diet
Johns Hopkins Medicine attributes an overall diet low in fat and high in protein to lower risks of BPH. They suggest limiting red meat to once a week and choosing the leanest cuts. Sources of lean protein, according to the American Dietetic Association, are low-fat dairy, white meat poultry, seafood, eggs and soy.
Vegetables
According to MayoClinic.com, men who consumed five or more servings of vegetables per day had a lower risk of BPH. The American Dietetic Association defines a serving of vegetables as two cups of raw leafy greens, one cup of cooked greens, one cup of chopped broccoli, cooked or raw, or two medium carrots.
Vitamin C and Zinc
MayoClinic.com highlights vitamin C and zinc as two specific nutrients that can lower your risk of BPH. They suggest emphasizing vegetable sources of vitamin C including broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, tomatoes and snow and snap peas. Dietary sources of zinc include oysters, crab, baked beans, lamb, duck and beef. Choose lean cuts of meat whenever possible.
Alcohol
Johns Hopkins Medicine says that moderate alcohol consumption may also lower risk of BPH. In men, this is defined as no more than two drinks per day. One serving of alcohol, as defined by the American Dietetic Association, is 12-oz. of beer, 5-oz. of table wine, 8-oz. of malt liquor or 1.5-oz of vodka, gin or whiskey. Alcohol should not be included in your diet if you have a pre-existing condition that contraindicates it.
Foods to Avoid
MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding foods high in fat and cholesterol. The website Everyday Diet adds sweet foods and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and white flour pasta, to this list. There is no association between dietary or herbal supplements and prostate health.
