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Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common form of cancer behind skin cancer in men over the age of 50. Despite the fact that it progresses slowly, the treatment options for prostate cancer; mainly surgery and radiation are highly undesirable. These treatment options come with side effects such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence that reduce the quality of life for the patient. However, a healthy prostate diet can potentially slow down the progress of prostate cancer and may even prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Healthy eating habits is the single most important factor in maintaining prostate health. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are intent on fighting it, or you are simply keen on maintaining prostate health, then the following basic dietary tips should help you out:
– Limit caloric intake: Excessive calories can lead to inflammation also known as "feeling bloated" which is unhealthy and should be avoided. Eating in moderation should be your daily goal.
– Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables: When ate in moderation, fruits and vegetables which are loaded with nutrients and cancer fighting agents can be beneficial in maintaining great overall health.
– Reduce animal fat in your diet: Eating excess fat from dairy and red meat is not a prescription for great health. This does not mean you need to completely remove dairy and red meat from your diet to promote prostate health but eating cheeseburgers every night is not going to help your chances. Eat these products in moderation.
– Avoid trans fatty acids: Trans fatty acids are found in baked goods and margarine. These fats increase the proliferation of bad health and should be avoided at all costs.
Aside from the above diet tips, there are some foods that have been proven to have special prostate health benefits. Increased intake of these so-called prostate foods will not only promote a healthy prostate but can also help fight prostate cancer and avoid the side effects-ridden treatment options. Some of the foods that make up the list of prostate healthy foods include:
1. Cruciferous vegetables: These are vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. They contain phytochemicals called isothiocyanates which have a protective effect against all types of cancers including prostate cancer. They are also loaded with antioxidants which eliminate cancer causing free radicals in the body.
2. Whole grains: Whole grains contain vitamin, selenium and other phytochemicals that reduce inflammation and fight cancer.
3. Fish and vegetable oils: Fish and vegetable oils contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are highly effective in preventing the onset or progress of prostate cancer.
4. Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene that has been proven in numerous studies to slow the growth of tumors in men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Other lycopene containing foods include red grapes and water melons.
5. Legumes, soy beans and soy products: These foods contain phytoestrogens called isoflavones. These are effective in lowering (DHT) Dihydrotestosterone, a male hormone that is responsible for the proliferation of prostate tumor cells.
A healthy prostate diet may not prevent prostate cancer but if diagnosed it can be an excellent preventive measure and prepare your body for the impending cancer treatment. So remember to eat in moderation and stay away from foods that may taste good but may not be good for you.
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Source by Michael Zales
