Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH, refers to overgrowth of your prostate -- a walnut-size gland in the male reproductive system. BPH is extremely common; according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it affects all men who "live long enough." While BPH does not lead to cancer or other diseases, it poses bothersome symptoms, such as urinary problems, in some men. A healthy diet may help prevent or minimize these symptoms.
Red Meat
Red meat, though a rich source of protein and nutrients, such as B-vitamins and iron, often contributes high levels of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat to your diet. Consuming a diet rich in cholesterol and saturated fat increases your risk for numerous health problems, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Red meat is also one of the top dietary sources of zinc -- a mineral your body requires in trace amounts. Excessive zinc intake is associated with BPH, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center, while opting for plant-derived protein sources, such as soy, may improve prostate health. Limit red meat varieties particularly dense in saturated fat, which include organ meats, porterhouse and sirloin steak, pork sausage, bacon, hot dogs, lamb and beef, and spare ribs.
Butter
Butter also contains hefty amounts of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, consuming butter in excess increases your risk for BPH. Replacing butter with healthy fat sources, such as olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados, may provide multiple benefits. In addition to obvious sources of butter, such as buttered bread and toast, limit or avoid butter-containing foods and dishes, such as croissants, other flaky pastries, sugar cookies and chicken kiev. When dining out, ask for steamed or fresh vegetables and request that creamy sauces be omitted or served "on the side" to avoid buttery seasoning and sauces.
Trans Fats
Trans fats are fats created through a process in which hydrogen is added to vegetable oil. Regular consumption of margarine, a common source of trans fats, may lead to prostate overgrowth. Since trans fats can increase your LDL, or "bad," cholesterol and decrease your HDL, or "good," cholesterol, MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding foods that list "partially hydrogenated" vegetable oil, margarine or shortening on nutrition labels. Common sources of trans fats include commercially prepared crackers, chips, cookies, pastries and pie crust; homemade pie crust prepared with margarine or shortening; and fast food restaurant menu items.
Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrate sources, such as enriched flour and added sugars, add calories yet few nutritional benefits to foods. According to RealAge.com, the brain-child of medical experts and authors of "You: Staying Young," Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen, cutting back on refined carbohydrates can promote your prostate and overall health and potentially reduce your risk for prostate overgrowth symptoms. Common sources of refined carbohydrates include regular soft drinks; candy; milk chocolate; enriched breads, pasta and cold cereals; instant rice; pancake syrup; jelly; sweetened coffee drinks; and commercially prepared muffins, cakes, pies and ice cream.
