Diet to prevent prostate cancer
Recommended foods
As the American cancer Society (ACS) explains, the causes of it are not yet fully known, but we can already talk about factors that increase the risk of suffering from it. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in refined fats, grains, and sugars can reduce the risk of suffering from this disease. A report from the ACS indicates that men who perform a high consumption of red meat and high-fat dairy products have a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer. The truth is that in these cases they also tend to have a poorer intake of fruits and vegetables and it has not yet been determined whether the decrease in risk is due more to one factor or the other, or to a combination of both.
Healthy body weight
Another point considered possibly the most relevant related to diet is the management of body weight. Men who are obese or overweight are considered to have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer. The Comprehensive cancer Center of the University of Alabama considers that a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher increases the risk of this pathology by 34%.
Other allies
There are other compounds that are also positively related to it. We have to consider that more studies are necessary to be able to offer firm recommendations in this regard, but there are data that predict a possible preventive use of certain foods and / or components. The compounds that seem to have positive effects at the prostate level are:
- Lycopene: a carotenoid with antioxidant properties that we find in foods such as tomatoes, and that has positive effects against prostate diseases since it seems to reduce the risk in people with a family history.
- Pumpkin seeds: a possible preventive role is valued.
- Flax seeds: their ability to slow the multiplication of cancer cells in men with early-stage prostate cancer is being studied.
- Isoflavones (present mainly in soybeans): a possible preventive role is valued.
- Pomegranate juice: it seems that it can slow the increase of the levels of PSA (protein produced by the cells of the prostate whose levels in blood help to diagnose and to follow the cancer of the prostate).
Supplements (calcium, selenium, and vitamin D)
On the other hand, the incidence that different food supplements on prostate health. It seems that a excess calcium in the diet of men, above 1,200 mg / day can increase the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. The same happens with vitamin E and selenium supplements. The doses of micronutrients that we take daily with food are low and do not pose a risk if one is followed. The problem can arise when taking high amounts of certain nutrients through supplements. Negative effects on the prostate have also been seen associated with the use of selenium and vitamin D supplements.
- It is essential to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and preferably whole grains, avoiding an excess of red meat and fatty dairy products.
- There is data that indicates that being overweight is an added risk factor for the development of certain types of prostate cancer.
- In addition to taking care of your diet and lifestyle, it is worth bearing in mind that some health insurances include early detection programs for diseases, including the prostate, in their coverage.
(Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)