Facing the reality of a prostate issue typically comes with a long list of questions concerning what to do next. The fact that 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life means there are a lot of questions to be answered. While medical treatment plays a significant role in beating prostate cancer, so, too, does diet.
A well-balanced diet is crucial to your general well-being, including the health of your prostate. By following a good nutritional program, you might potentially reduce the risk of prostate cancer, slow the growth of prostate cancer, and prevent the disease from returning.
While medical experts are constantly researching to gauge just how big the impact diet has on prostate health, there are five foods you can add to your regular menu to help support your prostate. Let’s dive in.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in polyphenols which are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. The most effective polyphenol in green tea is a catechin named epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which has shown promising results in exerting anti-cancer qualities. If you decide to incorporate green tea into your diet, make sure it is caffeine-free as caffeine may irritate your prostate as well as your bladder.
Plant-based Protein
Foods such as beans, flax, nuts, chickpeas, and lentils are plant-based proteins known as legumes. Legumes are a food group that contains plant compounds that show to have an inverse relationship with prostate cancer cells by helping suppress tumor growth. One study showed the risk of prostate cancer “reduced by 3.7% (95% CI 1.5%–5.8%) for every 20 grams per day increment of legume intake.”
Broccoli
At one point or another, you’ve likely been reminded to eat your vegetables. Well, we’re here to prompt you once more. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, spinach, and Brussel sprouts are considered to be some of the best additions to any diet, but especially helpful for those affected by prostate cancer. Broccoli has been linked to slowing the growth of prostate cancer and diminishing its severity.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes and any other tomato-based products are especially rich in lycopene, an exceptionally powerful antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage by attacking free radicals. Lycopene is found in the cell walls of tomatoes and softens the bond when cooked. Bolstering the body with lycopene can aid in lowering the risk of prostate cancer and the rate at which it progresses. As a bonus, this means some forms of pizza are still on the menu!
While these foods should be strongly considered as additives to your diet, in no way should they be a substitute for medical therapy. We also recommend supplementing a revamped diet with exercise and stress-relieving activities like meditation and support groups. If you have any questions regarding you or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help!
