The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and it surrounds the urethra, which is part of the urinary tract. Its job is to produce semen and sperm, but if the prostate becomes enlarged or diseased, it can have a negative effect on the urinary tract or develop prostate cancer. Certain fruits and vegetables have been found to improve prostate health and reduce prostate cancer risk.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate has a high antioxidant and polyphenol content and has been found effective in targeting cancer cells. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin examined the reaction of human prostate cancer cells to pomegranate juice extract. The results of their study, published in the October 11, 2005 issue of "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," show that pomegranate extract both prevents prostate cancer cells from forming and initiates death of cancer cells that have already formed. When selecting pomegranate juice, look for a brand that is 100 percent pure without added sugars.
Cranberries
Cranberries, rich in polyphenols may prevent prostate cancer. Men with lower urinary tract symptoms, or LUTS, are at a greater risk for developing diseases of the prostate. Researchers at University Hospital in the Czech Republic examined the effects of a powder made from dried cranberries on prostate health. Reporting in the October 2010 issue of "The British Journal of Nutrition," they state that patients treated with cranberry show increased urine flow and lower PSA scores. PSA stands for prostate specific antigen, a protein produced in the prostate gland. If PSA levels are high, it can mean a swelling of the prostate gland or prostate cancer. Researchers conclude that cranberries may be an effective means of treating LUTS.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage and each of these vegetables was found to help prevent prostate cancer, according to the Research Unit at Cancer Care Ontario. When evaluating the effectiveness of fruit and vegetable intake against prostate cancer, they found that cruciferous vegetables contain compounds called glucosinolates that protect cells from DNA damage. Flavonoids in the vegetables stimulate the immune system, perhaps conferring a protective benefit to cells. Published in the August 1, 2007 issue of "The Journal of the National Cancer Institute," researchers conclude that intake of spinach and cruciferous vegetables may protect the prostate from disease and lower the risk of developing cancer.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are loaded with a carotenoid called lycopene, which gives them their bright red color. Lycopene also gives tomatoes the ability to help keep the prostate healthy and reduce the risk of cancer. A review in the November 2006 issue of "Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care" explains that tomatoes and tomato-based products protect prostate cells from DNA damage. Reviewers recommend eating at least one tomato product per day to prevent prostate cancer, rather than supplementing with lycopene alone.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Prostate Diseases
- "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences"; Pomegranate Fruit Juice For Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy of Prostate Cancer; A Malik, et al.; Oct. 11, 2005
- "The British Journal of Nutrition"; The Effectiveness of Dried Cranberries in Treating Men With LUTS; A Vidlar, et al.; October 2010
- "Journal of the National Cancer Institute"; Prospective Study of Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Risk of Prostate Cancer; VA Kirsh, et al.; Aug. 1, 2007
- "Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care"; Tomatoes, Tomato Products and Lycopene in the Prevention and Treatment of Prostate Cancer: Do We Have The Evidence From Intervention Studies?; S Ellinger, et al.; November 2006
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