The prostate is a gland that plays an important role men's reproductive health. Conditions that may affect it include benign prostate hyperplasia, BPH, an enlarged prostate; prostatitis, an inflamed prostate; and cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer among men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. In addition to exercising and seeing your doctor regularly, eating particular foods may help prevent or reduce the effects of prostate conditions.
Cold-Water Fish
Cold-water fish provide rich amounts of protein and essential fats known as omega-3 fatty acids and less saturated fat and cholesterol than red meat. In a November 2008 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," researchers analyzed the prostate health and dietary habits of 20,167 men who were cancer-free at the start of the study,. Over the course of 22 years, 2,121 of the men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 230 did not survive. While fish intake was unrelated to prostate cancer incidence, men diagnosed with prostate cancer who ate fish five or more times per week were 48 percent more likely to survive. Because omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, regular consumption of cold-water fish may also help reduce swelling and pain associated with an inflamed prostate.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, which support your body's ability to protect itself from infections and disease. For reduced prostate cancer risk, UMMC recommends increasing your intake of antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, tomatoes, watermelon and squash and cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprout, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. The antioxidant lycopene, prevalent in tomatoes and tomato products, also promotes prostate health. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may also help guard against BPH and promote healing from prostate-related diseases. Choose whole, unsweetened fruits and vegetables over juices and sweetened canned and dried fruit, which provide fewer dietary benefits.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain, therefore providing provide more fiber and antioxidants than refined grains and also mildly impact blood sugar levels, which promotes fullness between meals. Maintaining a healthy body weight is important for managing prostate health and lowering your risk for prostate cancer, according to UMMC. To improve appetite and weight control, replace enriched breads, pasta, rice and snack foods with fiber-rich whole grain foods such as 100-percent whole-wheat or multi-grain bread, brown rice, wild rice, oatmeal, pearled barley and air-popped popcorn.
Nuts, Seeds and Plant-Based Oils
While saturated fats are linked with prostate cancer, healthy fats promote overall health. Such fats promote absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins E, D and K, promote healthy brain function and provide fuel for moderate-intensity exercise. For omega-3 fatty acid benefits, regularly consume ground flaxseed, walnuts, walnut oil or canola oil. UMMC recommends grinding whole flaxseed within two days and refrigerating remaining seed to maintain freshness. Peanut and almond butter provide heart-healthy alternatives to saturated fat sources such as mayonnaise, high-fat cheese and butter. Snack on raw or roasted nuts or sunflower seeds instead of potato chips and substitute olive oil and vinegar for creamy, high-fat salad dressing.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostate Cancer
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; A 22-Y Prospective Study of Fish Intake in Relation to Prostate Cancer Incidence and Mortality; Jorge E. Chavarro et al.; November 2008
- MayoClinic: Enlarged Prostate: Does Diet Play a Role?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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