Why Is Diet Important For A Healthy Prostate Gland?
The prostate gland which forms a part of the male reproductive system is located around the bladder and the urethra. The prostate gland is unique in that it tends to grow throughout an individual’s life. With age, as the prostate enlarges the chances of developing a prostate cancer increases. Prostate cancer is by far one of the most common type of cancer that males in the United States present with to their healthcare providers.
Thus, it is important for an individual to have a diet which is good for the prostate health even though there is no definite evidence to suggest a direct link between diet and prostate problems. However, eating a balanced and well nourished diet can definitely reduce the risk of having any issues with prostate especially after the age of 50 years.
Studies have suggested that a diet consisting of vegetables and fruits have proved to be quite beneficial for a good prostate health. Below mentioned are six Superfoods which if incorporated in the diet can reduce the risk of an individual having any problems with the prostate.
6 Superfoods For A Healthy Prostate
Some of the Superfoods that are good for the prostate are:
Tomatoes: This food contains an extremely powerful antioxidant called lycopene. This antioxidant is quite effective in reducing the risk of an individual having prostate cancer. If an individual already has prostate cancer then it helps in tumor regression. Although not much data is available about other benefits of tomatoes with regard to prostate health, studies have suggested that males who ate more tomatoes either in the cooked or the raw form had less chances of developing a prostate cancer. Thus this Superfood is quite efficacious with its ability to improve prostate health. The lycopene present in tomatoes reduces the cell damage and also slows down the production of cancer cells. Studies suggest that the body finds it difficult to extract lycopene from raw tomatoes and thus pureed form or cooked form of tomatoes should be used for best effectiveness and a good prostate health.
Broccoli: This is yet another Superfood which is extremely good for a healthy prostate. It contains a variety of compounds which help in prevention of prostate cancer. Studies indicate that sulforaphane which is a compound widely found in vegetables like the broccoli kills cancer cells and keeps the prostate gland healthy. Broccoli can be used in soups and salads and can also be cooked with other vegetables.
Green Tea: This is yet another Superfood which is quite essential for a healthy prostate. The products present in Green Tea like catechin and other derivatives have shown to prevent the development of prostate cancer. Drinking a cup of green tea in the morning is good enough to maintain a healthy prostate and prevent prostate cancer.
Legumes and Soybeans: These are yet another set of Superfoods that are quite effective in preventing prostate cancer. Some of the foods that come under the category of legumes and Soybeans are beans, peanuts, and lentils. They contain phytoestrogens which has significant cancer reducing properties. It also helps in reducing tumor growth in individuals with prostate cancer. Studies have also shown decreased levels of prostate specific antigen in individuals who have legumes and soybeans in their diet. The vegetables can be added in the foods that an individual eats daily for best effectiveness and having a healthy prostate.
Pomegranate Juice: This is also a very effective Superfood for a healthy prostate. Pomegranate is extremely rich in antioxidants and is quite effective in preventing many illnesses including the ones related to prostate. Researchers have suggested that the antioxidant found in pomegranate identifies the cancer cells and destroys it thus preventing tumor progression in patients with prostate cancer. Just having a glass of pomegranate juice everyday is good enough to have a good prostate health.
Fish: Fish is a Superfood which is extremely beneficial for a variety of health conditions including the prostate. Fishes are extremely rich in omega III and fatty acids which promote overall health and prevent development of prostate cancer. Some of the fishes when eaten at least twice weekly like salmon and sardines are extremely effective in maintaining a good prostate health and prevent development of prostate cancer.
Also Read:
- Prostate Pain: Classification, Types, Etiology, Risk Factors, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment
- Indications for Prostate Removal Surgery & its Procedure, Risks & Side Effects
- Enlarged Prostate in Young Men: Symptoms, Causes, Natural Remedies, Complications
- 6 Essential Vitamins for Prostate Health
- Can A Prostate Infection Go Away On Its Own?
- Prostate Cleanse Diet: Foods To Include
