Studies have shown that one in six men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime and even more will develop an enlarged prostate. The causes for this significant health issue are still being determined, but one point all experts agree upon is that consuming a well-balanced diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds can reduce the risk. Recently, studies have discovered that several foods specifically support prostate health when consumed regularly.
Pumpkin Seeds
Consuming pumpkin seeds that contain phytosterols, which are protective compounds, can help shrink an enlarged prostate, a condition that constricts the urethra and causes discomfort and frequent urination. according to Manal K Abdel-Rahman, Ph.D., professor of nutrition and food science in Cairo, Egypt. Abdel-Rahman led an animal study in 2006 published in the "World Journal of Chemistry" in which pumpkin seeds were administered to rats that had enlarged prostates. The seeds successfully reduced the prostate size, and the study concluded that pumpkin seeds are beneficial for overall prostate health.
Tomatoes
Studies show that eating tomatoes regularly supports prostate health. In 2002, the Harvard School of Public Health studied tomatoes and the prostate, and results indicated that men who ate cooked tomatoes two or more times per week reduced their risk of developing prostate cancer by 20 percent. The ingredient that may be responsible is lycopene, the antioxidant that causes the red color of tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.
Garlic
Consuming garlic and other vegetables in the allium family such as scallions, onions, leeks and chives, reduces prostate cancer risk by 50 percent, according to a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. In the study, men who ate more than three cloves of garlic daily had a 50 percent lower risk of prostate cancer than those who ate fewer than three cloves.
Green Tea
According to research, green tea consumption supports the prostate. In a 2007 study published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology," researchers from the National Cancer Center in Toyko studied 50,000 men in Japan during a 10-year period and discovered those who drank at least five cups of green tea per day had about half the risk of advanced prostate cancer than those who drank less than one cup per day.
Avoid Charred Meat
Finally, consuming charred meats can be harmful to prostate health. In a study of 23,000 U.S. agricultural workers, National Cancer Institute researchers found that men who ate about 20 ounces of well-done or very-well-done meat and poultry doubled their chances of being diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, compared with men who ate about four ounces. When meat reaches a temperature of 350 degrees, HCAs, the substances that compromise prostate health, are formed. Marinating may help, says chemist Mark Knize. Marinating chicken for 40 minutes cut HCAs by more than 90 percent. "There's no magic ingredient," says Knize. "It just seems like ... marinade prevents drying reactions right at the surface."
References
- "World Journal of Chemistry"; Effect of Pumpkin Seed Diets on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; Manal K Abdel-Rahman, Ph.D.; 2006
- "Journal of the National Cancer Institute"; Allium Vegetables and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Population-Based Study; Ann W. Hsing, Anand P. Chokkalingam, Yu-Tang Gao, M. Patricia Madigan, Jie Deng, Gloria Gridley, Joseph F. Fraumeni, Jr.; 2002
- "Nutrition Action Health Letter"; Feeling the Heat; David Schardt; Sept 2008
- "Harvard Health Publications"; Tomatoes and Prostate Cancer; March 5 2002
- "Nutrition Action Healthletter"; Tea & the Prostate; Apr 2008
