From age 40 on, the prostate gland can become the source of numerous health problems for men. In fact, 1 in 6 men will develop prostate cancer, according to the Prostate Conditions Education Council. Other less serious, but more common prostate conditions include benign prostatic hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate, and prostatitis, which causes prostate inflammation. In addition to routine medical exams and physical activity, emphasizing particular foods in your diet may help prevent or promote healing from prostate conditions.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are top sources of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, which support your body's ability to fend off and heal from infections and disease. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, tomatoes, watermelon and bell peppers, may help guard against prostate cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower, may provide similar benefits. Lycopene, prevalent in tomatoes and tomato products, also can promote prostate health.
Lean Meats and Fish
Meats and fish provide valuable amounts of protein, which promotes immune function and tissue repair, as well as nutrients such as B-vitamins, iron and zinc. In a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in December 2009, researchers analyzed the dietary habits of 1,294 men with prostate cancer, who did not have a recurrence or progression of the disease for two years. During the study, 127 events, including cancer death and recurrences, occurred. Compared to the men who survived without a cancer relapse, men who experienced adverse events consumed more poultry skin and eggs. Unprocessed meats, poultry and fish were not associated with death or recurrence. To maintain low saturated fat intake, choose the leanest cuts of meat, skinless white-meat poultry and egg whites more often than egg yolks. Cold-water fish provides the added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids -- essential fats that may help reduce inflammation associated with prostate conditions.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain, including the endosperm, germ and bran. As a result, they provide more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber than refined grains such as white flour and instant rice. A diet rich in natural fiber may help lower your risk for prostate cancer and prostate cancer progression, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Valuable options include oats, barley, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, bulgur, millet and air-popped popcorn.
Legumes
Legumes, such as split-peas, beans and lentils, provide rich amounts of fiber and protein. They also provide saturated fat and cholesterol-free alternatives to fatty meats. A high-fat diet is associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer, according to the UMMC. Nutritious legume-based dishes include split-pea soup, lentil soup, steamed soybeans, black and vegetable bean burritos and low-fat vegetarian chili.
References
- Prostate Conditions Education Council: About the Prostate and Cancer
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Prostate Cancer; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; Sept. 16, 2008
- "American Journal of the Clinical Nutrition"; Intakes of Meat, Fish, Poultry, and Eggs and Risk of Prostate Cancer Progression; Erin L Richman et al.; March 2010
- University of California San Francisco; Nutrition and Prostate Cancer; Jan. 6, 2011
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