Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in men of all ages and the most common cause in men over age 75, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other conditions that can affect the prostate include prostatitis -- an inflamed prostate, and benign prostatic hyperplasia -- an enlarged prostate. Family history of prostate diseases, inactivity and an unhealthy dietary lifestyle are potential risk factors. For improved prostate health, aim for a nutritious, balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Red Meat
Red meat is a major source of saturated fat -- a fat-form linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Eating excessive amounts of saturated fat may increase testosterone production in your body and lead to an enlarged or inflamed prostate. A diet low in saturated fat, on the other hand, and rich in fruits and vegetables may help lower your risk for prostate cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Red-meat products particularly high in saturated fat include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, steak, lamb, pork ribs, bacon, sausage, organ meats, luncheon meats and pepperoni. Choose baked or broiled cold-water fish, such as salmon and mackerel, more often; these contain healthy fats that may reduce inflammation.
Eggs and Skin-On Poultry
Eggs and poultry, similar to red meat, provide rich amounts of protein and valuable nutrients, such as iron and zinc. Egg yolks, dark-meat poultry and poultry skin, however, contain more saturated fat than white-meat poultry, egg whites and fish. In a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in December 2009, researchers examined the dietary habits of 1,294 men with prostate cancer without progression or recurrence as of 2004 for an average of two years. During the study, 127 men experienced recurrences or death due to prostate cancer. While fish, red meat and skinless poultry were not linked with the disease's progression or recurrence, men who consumed diets rich in poultry with skin and eggs were twice as likely to experience prostate cancer complications. In other words, limiting eggs and poultry, with skin, once you have the disease may provide some level of protection. Choose egg whites and skinless white-meat poultry more often.
Added Sugars
Added sugars, such as corn syrup, cane sugar, brown sugar, honey and dextrose, add sweetness and calories, but few nutrients, to many commercial foods and beverages. Sugar-rich foods may increase insulin production in your blood, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, or UCSFMC, and trigger cancer cell growth. Eating excessive amounts of sugar may also leave less room in your diet for potentially helpful fare, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Foods and beverages particularly high in added sugars include regular soft drinks, candy, jelly, pancake syrup, frozen desserts and commercially baked cakes, cookies, pastries and pies.
Low-Fiber Starches
Starches, such as breads, cereals and pasta, provide glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. Refined starches, however, contain less fiber, protein and micronutrients than whole-grain starches. Fiber may bind and eliminate cancerous substances in your body, according to the UCSFMC. A fiber-rich diet may also improve your hormonal levels, leading to reduced progression of prostate cancer. To increase your fiber intake and potentially improve your prostate health, choose whole grains instead of enriched breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods. Before purchasing prepared food, check ingredient lists to ensure that whole grains, rather than enriched flour or grains, are listed as main ingredients.
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