Your dietary choices play an important role in the health of your prostate gland. Prostate health issues are not inevitable with age. Two main sources of unhealthy prostate conditions, inflammation and oxidation, can be controlled with simple nutritional strategies. Consuming the correct amounts and types of calories from protein, carbohydrates and fats is an easy first step in keeping your prostate healthy.
Anatomy
The prostate gland is the size of a walnut and is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It is a part of the male reproductive system and consists of two lobes encased by an outer layer. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra just below the bladder. Inflammation or enlargement of the prostate puts pressure on the urethra leading to incomplete emptying of the bladder. Consuming foods that decrease inflammation is a positive way to influence prostate health.
Calories
Eat nutritionally dense foods to get the most out of your calories. Too many calories leads to excess body weight by increasing your body fat. Excessive body fat, especially in the abdominal area, increases your risk for prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Foundation writes, "Body fat secretes hormones and specialized proteins that increase inflammation and oxidation." The best tools against excess body fat are daily moderate exercise and correct calorie consumption.
Fat
Lower your fat intake and choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats. Dr. Neal Bernard of The Cancer Project reports that a recent five-year study found that, "Those that consumed the most saturated fats had three times the risk of dying from prostate cancer." Saturated fats, or hard fats, are found primarily in meats, dairy and butter. Unsaturated fats, or oils, are prevalent in fish, nuts, seeds and oils. Preparing your foods with oil instead of butter is a simple way to lower your saturated fat consumption and help protect your prostate from unhealthy inflammation.
Carbohydrates
Increase your intake of complex carbohydrates and lower your consumption of simple sugars. Complex carbs, found in fruits and vegetables, have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause a spike and drop in energy levels. Fruits and vegetables also contain disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals. The Prostate Cancer Foundation writes, "The more processed sugars you eat, the higher your insulin levels, and the more likely it is that your prostate cancer will grow." Choose healthy fruits and vegetables over junk food to help protect yourself from prostate-related health conditions.
Protein
High-protein, low-fat foods are your best choices for protein consumption. Game meats such as elk, rabbit, deer and buffalo are sources of protein that are low in adipose fat. Free-range, steroid-free and hormone-free chickens are healthy sources of protein. When you prepare chicken, also remove the skin before cooking to prevent the skin's fat from soaking into the meat. Supply yourself with high-quality protein sources to help you prevent and manage prostate health issues.
