Prostrate cancer is more common in older men, but MayoClinic.com recommends eating a healthy diet throughout life as a way to help prevent it. If you are at risk of developing prostrate cancer, due to age, genetics or race, incorporating certain foods can give your body an edge when it comes to fighting cancer.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that is mainly found in tomatoes and tomato products. In a study conducted by Harvard, men who ate 10 or more servings of this vegetable per week reduced their risk of developing prostrate cancer by 45 percent, reports Harvard Health Publications. Those who ate four to seven servings reduced their risk by 20 percent. Cooking tomatoes allows your body to more efficiently absorb the lycopene so choosing tomato based soups and sauces may reap you more benefits than eating raw tomatoes would. The Cancer Cure Foundation adds that combining tomatoes with a little bit of oil results in more lycopene absorption as well.
Brazil Nuts
According to The Cancer Cure Foundation, Brazil nuts are high in selenium, a nutrient that plays a positive role in preventing prostrate cancer from developing. You can toss Brazil nuts into cereal, oatmeal or trail mix to up your intake. If you are allergic to nuts, you may experience a reaction if you eat this type of nut, but a selenium supplement will give you the same cancer fighting benefits, but talk to your doctor before taking any kind of supplement to prevent interactions with medications or negative side effects. According to Harvard Health Publications, men who took 200 mcg of selenium per day reduced their prostrate cancer risk by 63 percent.
Cruciferous Vegetables
The cruciferous family of vegetables, which includes broccoli, kale, cauliflower and cabbage, contains compounds that can prevent prostrate cancer when eaten regularly. This kind of vegetable contains diindolylmethane, reports MayoClinic.com, and this is a nutrient that plays a role helping your body fight prostrate cancer growth. They are also high in two antioxidants, called lutein and zeaxanthin that prevent cancer. Eating plenty of cruciferous vegetables aids in the neutralization of free radicals in your body. Free radicals contribute to a higher risk of cancer growth within your prostrate and entire body. Add broccoli, kale, cabbage or cauliflower to your salads or soups or serve them as an appetizer with a low-fat dip. Steamed and chopped cruciferous vegetables are a good addition to pasta sauces as well.
