Prostate Health: Foods and Supplements Men Should Take To Reduce Their Risk of Prostate Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. While there are many different types of cancer, some tend to be more common and more aggressive than others. For men in the United States, many are surprised to learn that prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer following only skin cancer. However, by protecting your prostate health through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and even prostate health supplements you can work to protect your prostate and your overall health.

Prostate

A healthy diet impacts every aspect of your body—your prostate included. To protect this gland, it’s important to include certain foods in your diet that have been proven by studies to promote good prostate health prevent prostate health issues, such as an enlarged prostate, and even lower your risk of developing prostate cancer. Here, we’re taking a closer look at these foods that can protect your prostate and also boost your overall health. Take a look.

What is the prostate?

The prostate may not get a lot of attention, but it’s an important part of any male’s body. The prostate is a small gland, just about the size of a walnut, that can be found near a man’s bladder in front of the rectum. This gland, while small, is important. It is responsible for creating and secreting the fluid that nourishes and protects sperm during ejaculation. The prostate also plays a role in the urinary activity and functioning of a man. To ensure normal sexual activity and healthy urinary functioning, a healthy prostate is essential.

What are the threats to your prostate?

Doctors have identified two primary threats to the prostate health of men: prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is also known as an enlarged prostate. As one of the leading types of cancer for men in the United States, prostate cancer should not be ignored. Taking the necessary preventative measures to prevent prostate cancer is critical for every man. Schedule regular screenings with your doctor to catch early signs of the development of prostate cancer. In your early forties, it’s recommended to begin scheduling these appointments. In most cases, prostate cancer is not overly aggressive, but it can spread and become fatal.

BPH, or an enlarged prostate, develops when the prostate gland grows larger than its normal size. For man men, this process occurs naturally as you grow older. Some studies suggest that every man will eventually develop an enlarged prostate if they just live long enough. Data shows that roughly 90 percent of men older than 80 have BPH. While this condition is not fatal (nor does it increase your risk of prostate cancer), BPH can cause certain urinary problems that can be uncomfortable and problematic.

Before we go on to rant about food that protects from developing prostate disorders, you must know, and understand the factors that can put you at risk of developing prostate. Else we risk putting the cart before the horse

Having a first-degree relative who has a prostate condition puts you at a lot of risk sometime in the future. As such, make sure you are prompt and consistent with your check-up if you fall into this category.

Chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes mellitus. These conditions not only put a person at risk but also their treatment puts a person at risk. It’s downhill from there.

Hence it cannot be overemphasized that you endeavor to live as healthily as possible to avoid these ugly conditions.

Obesity is another bogeyman in this case. Numerous researches suggest that it increases the risk of prostate conditions, especially benign prostatic hyperplasia. The good news is exercise can remedy this one. So start exercising!

What Foods Can Protect Your Prostate?

There are many foods you can easily incorporate into your diet to help reduce your risk of developing prostate health issues. These foods also offer a host of additional health benefits and can help you live a better more active lifestyle. If the saying that “you are what you eat” is true, then you’ll want to include these foods in your diet to protect your prostate.

So, which foods can prove to protect your prostate health? Here are a few:

Berries: Berries pack a punch with loads of healthy vitamins and nutrients. Blueberries especially are packed with antioxidants that can protect your prostate. Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries also have this antioxidant, known as anthocyanins, to protect your health.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes have been proven to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Why is that? It lies largely in the large amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, found in tomatoes. To help your body absorb this antioxidant, it’s recommended that you cook your tomatoes rather than eat them raw. Tomato sauce and juice are both great ways to get more lycopene in your diet.
Coffee and tea: Certain teas, such as green tea, have loads of health benefits, including prostate health protection. Some studies also suggest that drinking one or two cups of coffee a day can reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
Fish: Who doesn’t love seafood? According to research, certain fishes such as salmon, sardines, and trout are rich sources of omega 3 fats, the good fat. Omega-3 fats are notable for reducing the incidence of weight gain and obesity. Once obesity is ‘out of the picture’ the risk of developing prostate is significantly lowered. By reducing the risk of obesity, salmon, by extension, have other ‘non-prostate’ benefits like inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, and other cancers.

Avocados: These are another great dietary choice for those looking to manage prostate diseases. Studies say it is rich in beta-sitosterol, a plant substance said to lower the severity of symptoms of prostate disorders particularly benign prostatic hyperplasia. If avocados are not ‘your thing’, you could also try out pumpkins and soybeans.

Vegetables: Green leafy vegetables are another great dietary choice in the prevention of prostatic conditions.
Beans: Black beans might be one of the greatest nutritional ‘hacks’ for preventing prostate health conditions. A cup of beans is said to equal 15 grams of proteins and another 15 grams of fiber. This high nutritional punch makes it ideal for preventing prostate conditions. Doctors also suggest that adults get up to 39 grams of fiber and 56 grams of protein. Beans are the answer!

Nuts: Multiple pieces of research on nuts reveal that they can help with reducing cholesterol levels and boost the health of the brain. In addition, the nuts contain vitamin E, calcium, and a vital micronutrient called selenium that has been suggested to possibly play a role in fighting prostate malignancy.

Prostate Health Supplements

In addition to these powerful foods, many men are using health supplements to help boost their prostate health and protect this important gland. Prostate health supplements like Prostate 911 provide your body with important natural ingredients such as saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, nettle root, and Pygeum to fortify your defenses against prostate health problems.

Conclusion – What Foods Can Protect Your Prostate?

Protecting the health of your prostate is important for every man—no matter your age. While prostate health issues, such as an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer, do become more common as you grow older, it’s never too early to make smart decisions that will help to maintain a healthy, functional prostate. You may not think often about this small gland, but a healthy prostate is essential for the sexual and urinary wellness of a man. While it normally isn’t very aggressive, prostate cancer, if left untreated over time, can lead to serious health issues or even prove fatal.

However, there are steps you can take to protect your prostate. Of all these preventative measures, a healthy, balanced diet may be the most important one. To protect your prostate health for years to come, there are certain foods you should include in your diet. Make sure you’re getting berries, leafy green vegetables, fish, tomatoes, and coffee or tea in your diet. For many people, these delicious choices won’t be too difficult to enjoy. By being aware of risks to your prostate and eating a healthy diet, you can protect your prostate and ensure good health for years to come.