The prostate gland plays an important role in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer, though not the most common prostate condition, is perhaps the most serious, causing 32,050 deaths in the United States in 2010, according to the National Cancer Institute. While dietary factors are not known to cause or cure it, certain foods may affect your risk for the disease and your recovery once you have it. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Significance
The cause of prostate cancer remains unknown. However, numerous factors are believed to contribute, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, including a high-fat diet. Emphasizing certain foods in your diet and limiting others may lower your risk prostate cancer. Once you have it, healthy foods may strengthen your recovery or help prevent the disease from worsening.
Helpful Foods
To reduce your risk for prostate cancer, aim for a balanced diet, rich in nutritious foods. The UMMC recommends emphasizing fruits and vegetable in your diet and incorporating "cancer-fighting" varieties, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, berries, watermelon and tomatoes. The antioxidants in these foods help your body fend off toxins, including those linked with cancer. For energy, fiber and improved digestive-health, consume whole-grain breads, pasta, cereals, popcorn, barley and brown rice. Your protein sources should be low in saturated fat. Examples include fish, skinless white-meat poultry, egg whites, legumes and low-fat dairy products. Nutritious fat sources include nuts, seeds, avocados, canola oil and olive oil. Since these foods also suit a heart-healthy diet, your cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health may also improve.
Foods to Avoid
Do your best to limit or avoid foods high in saturated fat, such as red meat, processed meats, dark-meat poultry, butter, fried foods and whole milk products. A study published in the "American Journal of the Clinical Nutrition" in December 2009 analyzed the intake of particular foods compared to recurrence of prostate cancer in 1,294 men. Researchers found a positive link between intake of skin-on poultry and eggs and prostate cancer relapse. So if you have or have had prostate cancer, avoiding these foods may be particularly important. Keeping refined carbohydrate sources, such as white bread, enriched pasta, instant rice, potato chips, pretzels and sugary desserts to modest or occasional amounts can help ensure overall wellness and positive energy levels, while leaving more room in your diet for healthier fare.
Supplements
Dietary supplements, though not a substitute for a healthy diet, may provide benefits related to prostate cancer. Supplementing your diet with the antioxidants lycopene and vitamin E, for example, may lower your prostate cancer risk and slow the progression of the disease, according to the UMMC. Herbal supplements, such as green tea and garlic, may also provide antioxidant and cancer-reducing benefits. Since supplements may cause side effects and interfere with medications, seek pre-approval from your doctor.
