The prostate is a male reproductive gland, about the size of a walnut, that sits at the bottom of the bladder. Its main purpose is to produce and store seminal fluids that contain sperm. Over the course of time, the prostate can become weakened or enlarged. In the worst of cases, it can develop cancer. However, if the right measures are taken, the prostate can stay healthy.
Step 1
Eat foods that contain lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that gives various fruits and vegetables their pigments. According to the American Heart Association, people who regularly eat fruits and vegetables that contain lycopene have lower risks of developing prostate cancer. Good sources include tomatoes, guava, papaya, watermelon and grapefruit.
Step 2
Exercise regularly. One of the risk factors for prostate cancer is being overweight. In order to keep your prostate in check, keep your weight regulated by exercising for 30 minutes on most days of the week. Choose weight training, running, biking, swimming, rowing, walking or anything you enjoy doing.
Step 3
Cut out the bad habits. Smoking and drinking are already known for the damage they can cause to the liver and lungs, but they are also a risk factor for cancer, including prostate cancer. If you smoke, quit. If you drink, keep it to one or two alcoholic beverages a night.
Step 4
Watch your fats. Foods high in saturated fats, such as red meat and processed meats like sausage and bacon, should be kept to minimum levels. Also watch your intake of whole fat dairy products.
Step 5
Maintain regular check-ups. If you are over the age of 50 or if prostate cancer runs in your family, get regular check-ups every year. The two tests for the prostate are the PSA blood level test and a digital rectal exam.
Step 6
Include selenium in your diet. According to UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center, "selenium reduces risk of prostate cancer." Eat high selenium foods daily, including sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, cashews, tuna, liver, herring and eggs.
