Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in men, with more than 180,000 cases reported per year. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland which produces seminal fluid that transports and nourishes sperm. The cancer grows slowly, showing no symptoms while still in its early stages. Once it has grown in size, symptoms can include trouble urinating, blood in semen, less force in the urine stream, and erectile dysfunction.
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age and obesity has been known to increase the likelihood of diagnosis. For undeterminable reasons, black men have a significantly higher chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer than men of other races. Prostate cancer treatments include radiation, hormone, and chemotherapy. There are ways to help decrease your risk of prostate cancer, however, by leading a healthy lifestyle. One of the best means of prevention include incorporating the following foods into your diet:
1. Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals which are great for cancer prevention. Other vegetables to add to your plate include cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant believed to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Studies show that men who consume 10 portions of tomatoes a week, can curtail their chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer by 18 percent.
3. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranates have been dubbed as a “miracle fruit”, mainly because of their ability to prevent diseases relating to oxidative stress. This is because they are stacked with antioxidants, much like broccoli.
4. Salmon
Salmon, and fish in general, are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce prostate cancer risk. Other fish to try include sardines, mackerel, halibut, trout, and herring.
5. Berries
Pomegranates aren’t the only fruit filled with antioxidants. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries all are a great source of antioxidants.
6. Coffee
Indulging in a daily coffee habit has been linked to a decreased risk of fatal prostate cancer. Coffee is rich in antioxidants and can also help the body metabolize sugars.
7. Green Tea
Another hot beverage known for cancer prevention is green tea. It’s a great source of antioxidants and also contains special antioxidant compounds called epigallocatechin-3-gallate and epicatechin.
8. Walnuts
These nuts are low in carbohydrates and have high levels of omega-3, so it’s no surprise they made the list of cancer-preventing foods. A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food even found that walnuts and walnut oil to slow prostate cancer growth in mice.
9. Brazil Nuts
This is an excellent source of selenium, a chemical in men that decreases with age. It’s been found that higher selenium levels have been linked to a decreased likelihood of prostate cancer.
10. Carrots
Three servings of Carrots a week is enough to diminish the chance of getting prostate cancer by 20%. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene which is a carotenoid that has antioxidant properties.
