6 Nutrition Tips to Lower the Risk of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer amon g men in the country. The risk of developing this form of cancer increases with age. This type of cancer is most often diagnosed in men over the age of 65. Diet plays a vital role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Listed below are some nutrition tips for prostate cancer.
- Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables
In addition to fiber, fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Hence, they have excellent cancer-fighting properties and are able to reduce inflammation. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet is one of the beneficial nutrition tips for prostate cancer. You can try cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, kale, cabbage, tomatoes, grapes, citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. Tomatoes, watermelon, and other red fruits contain a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene, which could lower your risk of developing prostate cancer. However, studies are ongoing to prove the same. - Don’t consume too much animal protein
Another one of the nutrition tips for prostate cancer is to limit your consumption of animal protein such as red meat, which includes beef, lamb, pork, and dairy products that contain animal fat. These items have been linked with prostate cancer development. Studies have found that aggressive forms of prostate cancer could develop due to excessive red meat consumption. Also, overcooking meat can produce carcinogens that cause cancer. You can try plant-based protein such as beans, nuts, and flax seeds as these have been shown to suppress the growth of various types of cancer, including prostate cancer. - Opt for organic foods
This is one of the most effective nutrition tips to lower the risk of prostate cancer. Organic foods are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides such as BPA, which is a known carcinogen, which is the cause of prostate cancer. - Sip on green tea
Green tea contains powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids. A 2008 study found that men who drink green tea or take green tea extract supplements had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those that did not. - Choose whole grains
Brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, corn, barley, millet, etc. are whole grains that are good for your overall health. They are an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, and protein. Whole grains also contain folate, which, according to clinical studies done by the American Cancer Society in the 1990s, can decrease cancer risk. - Drink water
Drinking water instead of carbonated and sugary drinks will help to increase metabolism and will flush out toxins and other cancer-causing substances from the body. Water is not only essential for the proper functioning of your body, but it is good for your overall health.
Keep these nutrition tips for prostate cancer in mind, and you might be able to lower your risk for this type of cancer.