The prostate is a male organ that produces semen, which is the fluid that carries sperm. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that empties urine from the bladder to outside the body. The prostate grows slowly larger with age. There can be medical problems if the prostate grows too large. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the most common form of prostate problems for men over the age of 50 is prostate enlargement. Another name for prostate enlargement is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Older males also have an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Fat
Excess body fat has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, especially fat around the midsection, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Fat secretes specialized proteins and hormones that can increase oxidation and inflammation in cells, processes that contribute to the development of prostate cancer.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that is an essential part of the daily diet. It is found in dairy products, nuts, fish, legumes and some green vegetables. Results from a study from the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, which was published in 2008, suggests that high calcium intakes produces a higher risk for prostate cancer. However, the evidence is not clear because the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, published in 2007, found no relationship between calcium intake and prostate cancer. The evidence on calcium's relation to prostate cancer is not clear.
Lycopene and Tomato Products
Tomato products help in the maintenance of prostate health. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is the primary carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red color. Lycopene produces antioxidant effects at the cellular level.
Excess Sugar
Excess sugar in the diet can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer. When sugar is consumed, the body produces insulin to break down the sugar. High insulin levels have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer growth. Sugar also is high in calories and can lead to excess fat in the body.
Charred Meat
Charbroiling red meat, or chicken with its skin intact, produces carcinogens that trigger mutations in the DNA of prostate cells. They also lead to an inflammatory response in the prostate. This combination can lead to prostate cancer.
