Doctors have found that nutrition has a lot to do with prostate health, and when making choices about your diet, they definitely have a few things in mind.
Knowing what the food we eat does and how it affects our bodies will be very helpful in improving our health, both in terms of the prostate and in terms of the body as a whole.
One of the biggest and most important reasons to pay attention to your diet is because obesity is one of the leading factors in whether a man will develop prostate cancer.
If a man has gained more weight between the ages of 25 and 50, there is a 50 percent greater chance that he will develop prostate cancer or have problems with it than otherwise.
Prostate-friendly foods
If you want to eat in a way that improves prostate health, there are many options open to you. Increase the presence of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Focus on leafy greens like broccoli and kale. A clear link has been found between cruciferous vegetables and prostate cancer resistance. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and other nutrients.
Whole grains, which are minimally processed and usually have no added preservatives, are on the list of prostate-friendly foods.
Foods rich in selenium. The mineral selenium promotes an abundance of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant that has been heavily studied in the field of prostate health. Selenium may also slow tumor growth by increasing immune cell activity and inhibiting the development of blood vessels in cancer cells. Enjoy selenium-rich foods like fish and seafood, Brazil nuts, and garlic.
Lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment, a phytochemical that gives fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors, especially red. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and has specific anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to be extremely important in preventing and fighting prostate problems.
Cooked tomatoes are the best source of lycopene, but so are bright red foods, such as fruits with this color. Eating lycopene-rich foods, combined with healthy fats, such as olive oil or avocado, dramatically increases the body's absorption of zinc and vitamin C, which are vital for the prostate.
Cruciferous vegetables. All cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, beets, and artichokes, contain a compound called sulforaphane. While fruits and vegetables contain important antioxidants, the body produces its own antioxidants. Eating sulforaphane activates the production of these antioxidants, powerful compounds that reduce inflammation, reduce oxidative damage, and remove carcinogens from the body. Broccoli sprouts are the richest source of sulforaphane.
Polyphenols. Polyphenols are a group of antioxidants found in plants. Flavonoids are a group of polyphenols, and are found in abundance in soy, red wine, pomegranates, and cranberries. Polyphenols are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Soy contains flavonoids and also plays an important role in balancing hormones, which are essential for prostate health throughout life.
Anti-inflammatory Foods. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as ginger, onions, fruit, pumpkin seeds, and apples, are excellent support for prostate health. Anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, are a powerful food for the prostate. Beneficial compounds in flax, pumpkin seeds, and fruit also help regulate hormones in the prostate. Also, don't underestimate the powerful properties of aromatic herbs like oregano, cinnamon, and turmeric.
Foods that are bad for the prostate
Foods containing trans fats. According to an American study, foods containing trans fats are bad for the prostate. Trans fats are found in processed foods, ready-made pastries, frozen meals, fast food, canned soups, and foods that contain hydrogenated vegetable oil, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, and margarine. The American Heart Association recommends reducing trans fat intake to no more than 1% of daily calories.
Saturated Fat Foods high in saturated fat can increase testosterone production and promote prostate growth or enlargement. Saturated fat is found in animal products, including lamb, pork, beef, beef fat, poultry skin, dark poultry meat, whole milk, butter, white cheese, and cream.
Refined Carbohydrates Refined carbohydrates or grains that have been stripped of fiber, vitamins, and other healthy nutrients during processing of foods are bad for the prostate. High-fiber diets, such as those based on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, stabilize testosterone production, which may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
In conclusion, adding whole grains, vegetables, and fruits to your diet can protect your prostate and your overall health. Foods high in refined carbohydrates include baked goods, enriched cereals, enriched bread, candy, brown sugar, ice cream, and sugar.
Also read about green tea and the prostate, learn how spicy foods affect the prostate, and see what the diet for prostatitis should be.
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