The prostate is a gland found in men that surrounds the urethra and helps in the production of semen and the process of ejaculation. Conditions such as an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer can cause problems for men. According to Johns Hopkins Hospital, in 2009, 27,000 men died as a result of prostate cancer. Diet has been shown to play a role in either helping reduce prostate problems or increasing your risk of problems.
Saturated Fats
Diets high in saturated fats, especially those from red meat and dairy products, seem to increase your risk for developing prostate cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, in parts of the world where people eat a lot of red meat and dairy products, the rate of prostate cancer is higher. Therefore, it may be beneficial to reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat and replace red meats and whole-fat dairy products with healthier alternatives. Also, high-fat diets and those high in red meat have been linked to enlarged prostate, although the strength of the link is not fully determined, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Lycopene
Lycopene is the antioxidant found in reddish-colored fruits and vegetables. Men who consume diets rich in lycopene have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. You can increase the lycopene in your diet by increasing the amount of tomatoes, tomatoes sauce, ketchup, grapefruit, watermelon and guava you consume. Tomatoes contain the highest amount of lycopene, and when you cook them, the amount of lycopene your body is able to absorb increases.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables from the cruciferous family have been shown to be beneficial to the health of your prostate. While these vegetables are healthy for a number of reasons, they contain isothiocyanate, which is a chemical thought to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. According to the findings of a study conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and cited in Science Daily, the risk of prostate cancer decreased by 41 percent among men who ate three or more half-cup servings of cruciferous vegetables every week. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.
Alcohol
Diets that include large amounts of alcohol have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer and enlarged prostate. According to the Mayo Clinic, limiting your intake of alcohol to no more than two drinks a day can help lower your risk of developing an enlarged prostate. Also, research has linked regular heavy drinking to increased risks of more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain an assortment of nutrients, which when included in your regular diet can help you avoid the onset of prostate cancer. Whole grains contain antioxidants, vitamin E, phytochemicals and selenium, which all play a role in helping to reduce your risk of prostate cancer, according to Reader's Digest.
Healthy Weight Diet
Having excess weight increases your risk of developing both prostate cancer and enlarged prostate. Therefore, a diet that is low in calories not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, but it also reduces your risk of prostate problems.
