The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that produces semen and transports sperm throughout the body. Numerous conditions may affect the prostate, including prostatism, or enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or inflamed prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, prostate cancer is a serious, common concern that affects 179,300 men in the United States annually. Certain foods may increase risk of prostate-related health problems, including prostate cancer.
Saturated Fat
Saturated fat is an unhealthy fat associated with increased risk for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, diets rich in saturated fat can increase testosterone production, which triggers prostate growth. In addition, a diet low in saturated fat is associated with reduced risk for prostate cancer. Saturated fat comes primarily from animal-derived products, including beef, beef fat, pork, lamb, dark meat poultry, poultry skin, butter, cream, whole milk, 2 percent milk and cheese. Plant-based sources of saturated fat include coconut, tropical oils such as coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil, and cocoa butter. The American Heart Association suggests limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 7 percent of total daily calories.
Trans-Fatty Acids
Trans-fatty acids, also called trans fats, are fats made through a process in which hydrogen is added to vegetable oil to create a solid-form, long-lasting fat. The results of a study involving 47,866 American men between ages 40 and 75, with no cancer history, published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," showed a correlation between consumption of trans-fatty acids and increased risk of prostate cancer. Trans fats are present in many processed foods, including pastries, commercially prepared pie crusts, canned soups, frozen entrees, fast food and in foods that contain margarine, shortening, hydrogenated vegetable oil and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. The American Heart Association suggests limiting trans fat intake to no more than 1 percent of daily calories.
Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates are grains that have been stripped of vital nutrients and dietary fiber during food processing. High-fiber diets, such as those based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, inhibit testosterone production and my reduce prostate cancer risk, according to natural wellness expert Dr. Andrew Weil. Thus, replacing refined carbohydrates with whole grains may improve prostate and overall health. Foods rich in refined carbohydrates include enriched breads, pasta, cereals and baked goods, instant rice, candy, sugar containing soft drinks, table sugar, brown sugar and ice cream.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostate Conditions
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostate Cancer Risks and Prevention
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Dietary Intake of n–3 and n–6 fatty Acids and the Risk of Prostate Cancer; Michael F Leitzmann et al.; July 2004
- American Heart Association: Dietary Fats Information
- Dr. Weil: 5 Ways to Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk
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