Put down the bacon and the ice cream, guys. A diet that is high in saturated fats has been shown to bear a higher risk for prostate cancer. Now more common than ever for men, cases of prostate cancer are on the rise.
While a diet alone will not prevent prostate cancer, studies have shown that proper eating habits truly make all the difference when it comes to reducing the risk for prostate cancer. If you want to increase your odds of not getting prostate cancer, you should take a long, hard look at your diet. Then, make sure that you incorporate these ten healthy foods to keep your risk of getting prostate cancer as low as possible.
Table of contents:
- Brazil nuts
- Broccoli
- Cayenne pepper
- Green tea
- Mushrooms
- Pomegranate
- Pumpkin seeds
- Salmon
- Tomatoes
- Turmeric
1. Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium out there. In fact, eating just two of them a day will fulfill your daily recommendations for selenium. They are pretty healthy all the way around actually, but it is the selenium content in them that your body needs.
It gets all the more important the older you get too because the natural levels of selenium in your body decrease over time. In major studies, it was shown that men with high levels of selenium were the least likely of all to have prostate cancer.
One thing to note though is that you should not overdo it when it comes to selenium. Eating too many at once will give you selenium poisoning so all things in moderation.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, and according to the experts, it is cruciferous vegetables that prevent prostate cancer best. Not a fan of broccoli? Try cauliflower, cabbage, kale, or even collard greens to take in the dense power-pack of nutrients from these vegetables.
They are full of antioxidants, which are known for fighting off free radicals. And as a nice side bonus, they are low in carbs too, which is great for maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Cayenne pepper
That spice in your cabinet will do more for you than just give your food a nice touch of heat. Cayenne peppers have an exceptionally high level of capsaicin. Studies have shown that capsaicin works as a mercenary that kills cancer cells. To top it off, it is a powerful antioxidant that also provides fantastic benefits for the heart.
4. Green tea
Because green tea is processed very minimally, it does not lose its concentration of catechins. Catechins are a type of antioxidant, and these are among the most powerful of all. In just one serving of green tea, it contains up to 106 mg of EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) that in study after study has shown that cancer is no match for its intensive prevention powers.
5. Mushrooms
Start adding mushrooms to everything because white button mushrooms have been shown to reduce levels of PSA, or prostate-specific antigen. In powder form, it has been shown to be highly effective, which is a bonus for anyone who does not like mushrooms.
White button mushrooms are not the only ones making headlines about prostate cancer prevention. Turkey Tail, or Coriolus Versicolor, contains a unique cancer-fighting component called polysaccharopeptide (PSP). It has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years thanks to its immunity-boosting properties.
More: 10 High Protein Foods to Keep Your Appetite in Check
6. Pomegranate
Pomegranate, particularly the juice that comes from it, is full of antioxidants. In research studies, they discovered that it prevents movement from cancer cells. It also was shown to inhibit their bonding of prostate cancer to the bone. Not only that, it is delicious, so drink up.
7. Pumpkin seeds
For a tasty snack that fights back, pumpkin seeds are an excellent choice that will help keep prostate cancer away. They contain phytosterols, which are protective compounds that work to shrink the prostate plus they help keep testosterone from turning into DHT. With high levels of DHT, the prostate can become enlarged, therefore increasing your chances for prostate cancer.
8. Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fats. It is healthy to incorporate into any diet but for those who want to lower their risk of prostate cancer, it is important to get enough of this fleshy fish. Omega-3 fats have been shown to decrease the risk for cancers, particularly cancer of the prostate.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes, particularly when they are cooked, give us lycopene. It is a carotenoid that has been shown to reduce the risk for prostate cancer when at least 10 portions of tomatoes are consumed per week. Raw tomatoes are helpful too but studies have shown that lycopene is easier for your body to absorb when either raw or cooked tomatoes are ingested with some kind of fat. So add a little olive oil and you will be good to go.
More: 10 Healthy Foods That Boost Estrogen
10. Turmeric
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is an excellent spice to use in your cooking because it keeps the prostate from becoming inflamed. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is what gives it that distinct color and taste. Plus, it serves to weaken and even halt the production of tumor cells, making it a helpful ingredient to incorporate into your diet. Try it in soups or stews for a tasty way to keep prostate cancer at bay.
While there is no one thing that can prevent prostate cancer, eating as many foods as possible that have been shown to lower your risk of this disease. The best thing you can do to keep yourself healthy is to eat more healthfully. Minimize unhealthy options in your diet and incorporate these ten foods to maximize your chances of staying cancer-free.
Additionally, keep active. If you do not like the gym, go for walks. Find some kind of activity that you enjoy that keeps your body moving. With a healthy diet full of cancer-fighting foods and exercise, you will have a better chance of living a full and healthy life.