“Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men.” The prostate is a vital part of the male reproductive system, as it generates and stores semen. As we age, the risk for developing prostate cancer increases, so it is important to maintain a healthy prostate.
Adding certain nutrients to your diet can go a long way in maintaining a healthy prostate.
Here are some key nutrients and smart choices for a healthy prostate:
Zinc:
Zinc is a key mineral and an antioxidant that works to help cell function. The prostate absorbs more zinc than any other soft tissue in the male body. Zinc can aid in the prevention of the early stages of cancer. Adding zinc in your diet can keep your prostate cells healthy.
Foods rich in zinc:
Legumes
Oysters
Nuts
Milk
Crab
Selenium:
As men age, the levels of selenium in the body decrease, while the risk for prostate cancer increases. According to a study done at Johns Hopkins University, “men with the lowest levels of selenium were those most likely to develop prostate cancer and men with the highest levels of selenium were almost 50 percent less likely to develop it.”
Foods rich in selenium:
Shellfish
Liver
Garlic
Eggs
Wheat germ
Vitamin E:
A large Finnish study found that male smokers who took 50 IU (international units) of vitamin E daily were 32% less likely to develop prostate cancer and 41% less likely to die from it than those who didn’t take vitamin E supplements. Foods rich in vitamin E:
Sunflower seeds
Almonds
Spinach
Swiss chard
Turnip greens
Lycopene:
Lycopene is a vital antioxidant for the prostate. A high consumption of lycopene rich foods may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Some good sources of lycopene:
Tomatoes
Grapefruit
Watermelon
Guava
Omega-3 Fatty acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats, and are known for their antioxidant effects. A study done at Wake Forest states, “epidemiological studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce cancer incidence.”
Foods rich in omega-3s:
Flaxseeds
Wild Salmon
Walnuts
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
For a prostate health smoothie.
REFERENCES:
1. Higdon, Jane, Ph.D. “Zinc.“ Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. N.p., Dec. 2003. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
2. Ho, Emily, Ph.D., and Michelle Yan. “Zinc and Prostate Cancer.” Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. N.p., May 2005. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
3. Nelson, Bill. “Prostate Cancer Update.” Johns Hopkins – Brady Urological Institute. N.p., Winter 2000. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
4. “Preventing Prostate Cancer and Diet.” Harvard Health Publications. Harvard Medical School, 2003. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
5. Traister, Jeffrey. “Foods & Nutrients Good for Your Prostate.” LIVESTRONG.COM. Livestrong, 28 May 2011. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
6. “Modulation of Prostate Cancer Genetic Risk by Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2007. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
7. “Foods Highest in Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” Self Nutrition Data. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.
