A diagnosis of an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, means a man's prostate gland has grown to an abnormal size. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, all men's prostate glands grow as they age; however, excessive growth can cause bladder problems, such as a frequent urge to urinate. A nutrient-rich, low-fat diet coupled with regular exercise may reduce a man's risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia or help prevent the condition from worsening.
Vegetables
Vegetables provide an assortment of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants--disease fighting nutrients. They also contribute dietary fiber, which is associated with improved digestive health and weight management. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 5 servings of vegetables daily, the amount found in roughly 2-1/2 cups of fresh vegetables, as a means of reducing men's risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Vitamin C also may reduce prostate overgrowth. Tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, broccoli, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, snow peas, snap peas, cauliflower, kale and vegetable juices provide valuable amounts of vitamin C. Because vegetables generally provide low amounts of calories and high amounts of nutrients, they may help promote weight loss in overweight men, which also reduces risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Zinc-Rich Foods
Zinc is a mineral the body requires in trace amounts. It supports immune system function and reduced risk for disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, men who consume sufficient amounts of zinc exhibit fewer cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Valuable food sources of zinc include oysters, lean beef, lamb, duck, chicken legs, baked beans, cashews, lobster and yogurt. Raisin bran cereal, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), almonds milk and chicken breasts provide modest amounts of zinc. Because excessive zinc intake through dietary supplements is linked with toxic effects, the Office of Dietary Supplements recommends food sources unless a man suffers from a zinc-deficiency, which is uncommon in the United States.
Whole Grains
Whole grains provide rich amounts of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Experts at the Austin Diagnostic Clinic urology department suggests whole, natural foods such as whole grains as helpful dietary tools for men experiencing benign prostatic hyperplasia. Because refined grains, such as enriched breads, cereals, pasta, soft drinks and sugary-sweets often provide few nutrients, replacing these foods with whole grain equivalents may provide multiple benefits. Whole wheat, bulgur, spelt, quinoa, long-grain brown rice, wild rice, barley and popcorn are examples of nutrient-rich whole grains that may be consumed on their own or combined with other ingredients in breads, cereals and other dishes. When purchasing whole grains-based foods, such as breads and cereals, a whole grain should be listed as a primary ingredient for best results.
