By the age of 60 an estimated 50 percent of men will suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, more commonly known as an enlarged prostate. This figure grows to 95 percent in men over 85. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, frequent urination and pain during urination. Left untreated, the flow of urine from the bladder may be blocked, leading to bladder, kidney and urinary tract infections. A healthy diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables is key to prevention and treatment.
General Findings
Antioxidants, found in fresh fruit and vegetables, are vital to health and to fight infection and disease. According to a study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in February 2007, a diet high in antioxidants may help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of BPH.
Vitamin C, Lutein and Betacarotene
While neither the consumption of fruit alone, nor the general consumption of fruit and vegetables, is proven to affect or reduce the risk of developing BPH, specifically it has been found that fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, lutein and beta-carotene appear to reduce the risk. Vegetables highest in vitamin C include peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, sugar-snap peas, cauliflower, kale and tomatoes. Lutein is found in leafy green vegetables, corn, carrots, squash, oranges and papaya.The best beta-carotene sources are sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, lettuce, carrots and butternut squash. For best absorption of beta-carotene, eat with unsaturated fats such as olive oil.
Lycopene, Folate and Zinc
Lycopene is one of the major carotenoids that give fruit and vegetables their colorful appearance. Foods high in lycopene also have high levels of antioxidants and have been positively linked with prostate health. Tomatoes, including tinned tomatoes, tomato soup and tomato puree, are all rich sources. So too are pink grapefruit, apricots, watermelon, guava and papaya. Foods rich in the B-vitamin folate are also beneficial. These include asparagus, peas, avocados and bananas. Zinc is associated with immune function and may protect the prostate gland. Zinc is found in mushrooms and spinach.
Selenium and Vitamin E
At one time it was believed that foods rich in selenium and vitamin E, including garlic and avocados, were a major tool in the battle against prostate disease. However, this theory has now been disproved and there may be a small link between increased intake of vitamin E and the development of prostate cancer.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Nutrition and Healthy Eating; Enlarged prostate --- Does diet play a role? Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.; January 2010
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Fruit and vegetable consumption, intake of micronutrients and benign prostatic hyperplasia in US men; Sabine Rohrmann et.al.; February 2007
- .medicine.org; Can Vegetables Prevent Enlarged Prostate (BPH)?
- "The Observer"; October 2003
- National Cancer Institute; The SELECT Prostate Prevention Trial; 2008
