Fruits For Prostate is a newly developed dietary supplement that focuses on providing nourishment and prevention for prostate disorders and other health issues related to the prostate gland. There are several factors common to the dietary habits of men who have no signs of prostate disorders and those who develop diseases related to their prostates. This is why it is important to focus on eating right. Fruits for prostate will be a major help in order to enhance your health.
What foods are good for an enlarged prostate?
The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped gland that sits behind the bladder in men. During sexual activity, the prostate gland helps produce semen, the nutrient-rich fluid that carries the sperm during ejaculation.
As some men get older, the prostate gland can become enlarged, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.
In this article, learn what foods to eat to ease the symptoms of BPH.
Diet and an enlarged prostate
The prostate gland is controlled by powerful hormones known as the sex hormones, including testosterone.
In the prostate gland, testosterone is converted to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT cause the cells in the prostate to enlarge.
Certain foods and beverages are known to have an impact on prostate health because of their effects on testosterone and other hormones.
Research has found that a diet primarily consisting of meat or dairy products can increase the risk of prostate enlargement and cancer. This is especially true if a person does not incorporate enough vegetables into their diet.
Foods to eat
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is thought to protect the prostate.
Specific foods known to benefit the prostate include:
- Salmon: Salmon is rich in healthy fats that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent and reduce inflammation within the body. Other cold-water fish, such as sardines and trout, are also rich in these types of fats.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may benefit prostate gland cells. Cooking tomatoes, such as in tomato sauce or soup, helps to release the lycopene and make it more readily available to the body.
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are excellent sources of antioxidants, which help to remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals are the byproducts of reactions that occur within the body and can cause damage and disease over time.
- Broccoli: Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, including bok choy, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, contain a chemical known as sulforaphane. This is thought to target cancer cells and promote a healthy prostate.
- Nuts: Nuts are rich in zinc, a trace mineral. Zinc is found in high concentrations in the prostate and is thought to help balance testosterone and DHT. Besides nuts, shellfish and legumes are also high in zinc.
- Citrus: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are all high in vitamin C, which may help to protect the prostate gland.
- Onions and garlic: One study found that men with BPH tended to eat less garlic and onions that men without BPH. More research is needed to confirm these results, but onions and garlic are healthful additions to most diets.
Also, some studiesTrusted Source on plant extract therapies, such as an extract from a type of palm tree known as saw palmetto, have been shown to have a positive impact on the prostate size and urinary flow. More research is needed, however.
Foods to avoid
A healthful diet for an enlarged prostate is more than just eating good foods. It also means avoiding other types of foods that are not good for the prostate.
Some foods to avoid include:
- Red meat: Research suggests that going red meat-free may help improve prostate health. In fact, daily meat consumption is believed to triple the risk of prostate enlargement.
- Dairy: Similarly to meat, regular consumption of dairy has been linked to an increased risk of BPH. Cutting out or reducing butter, cheese, and milk may help reduce BPH symptoms.
- Caffeine: Caffeine may act as a diuretic, which means that it increases how much, how often, and how urgently a person has to urinate. Cutting back on coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate may improve urinary symptoms of BPH.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can also stimulate urine production. Men with BPH may find that their symptoms are improved by giving up alcohol.
- Sodium: A high salt intake may increase the urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. Following a low-sodium diet by not adding salt to meals and avoiding processed foods may be helpful for some men.
Managing an enlarged prostate
Dietary changes can be quite effective in managing some of the symptoms of BPH, but other basic lifestyle changes can help as well.
Some strategies that may ease BPH symptoms include:
- managing stress
- quitting smoking
- avoiding fluids in the evening to reduce nighttime urination
- emptying the bladder completely when urinating
- doing pelvic floor exercises
- avoiding medications that can worsen symptoms, such as antihistamines, diuretics, and decongestants if possible
- trying bladder training exercises
- limiting fluid intake to 2 liters of liquids each day
If these lifestyle changes are not effective, medication or surgery may be recommended by a doctor.
Enlarged prostate symptoms
An enlarged prostate or BPH is fairly common. Over 14 million menTrusted Source in the United States experienced BPH symptoms in 2010.
Symptoms of BPH include:
- increased urinary frequency and urgency
- difficulty starting urination
- weak urine stream or dribble at the end of urination
- interrupted urination
- frequent urination at night
- incontinence
- pain after ejaculation
- painful urination
- urinary retention or inability to urinate
These symptoms occur when an enlarged prostate gland blocks the urethra, the tube that runs between the bladder and outside of the body. This blockage can make it difficult or even impossible to pass urine.
Treating BPH depends on the severity of the symptoms. Sometimes, only basic lifestyle changes are needed.
However, there are also medications or surgical procedures that can be effective in reducing the size of the prostate or the symptoms associated with BPH.
6 Superfoods for a Healthy Prostate
A balanced diet may reduce your risk for prostate problems.
The prostate, which is part of the male reproductive system, is a gland that surrounds the bladder and urethra. It is about the size of a walnut and grows throughout a man’s life. As you age, it’s important to maintain a healthy prostate. The gland can become enlarged, and prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men.
There’s no definitive evidence that good nutrition can prevent prostate problems, but eating a healthy balanced diet may reduce your risk. “Building a meal and snack around veggies and fruit is a smart idea for health in general, and particularly a healthy prostate,” says Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, nutrition expert for New York Times bestseller LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout and advisory board member for Men’s Fitness magazine.
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Berries
Berries like strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Antioxidants play an important role in the body as they prevent damage from free radicals, molecules that attack healthy cells and can contribute to cancer risk. Vitamin C may also help ease benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms by promoting urination and reducing swelling.
So what’s a quick easy way to whip up a healthy vitamin-C rich snack? Dr. Mohr recommends blending a variety of berries and greens into a smoothie with milk and protein powder. “Blueberries, banana, milk, protein powder, peanut butter, and ice is a perfect smoothie with lots of flavor and nutrition but simple to make.”
There’s about 90 milligrams of vitamin C in one cup of strawberries and about 14 mg in one cup of blueberries. Other great sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, spinach, broccoli, and mangos. For most adult men, 90 milligrams of vitamin C is recommended daily.
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Fatty Fish
There are plenty of reasons to include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Omega-3s help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels, lower high blood pressure, help with weight loss, and can reduce the risk of heart attack. Although experts typically recommend cutting down on animal fat for prostate health, a diet high in omega-3s can help boost prostate health. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like lake trout and herring, may actually help lower prostate cancer risk.
“A review paper published last year discussed how omega-3 fats modulate prostate cancer development, likely because of their anti-inflammatory effects, and ultimately inhibiting tumor growth. So it’s important to suggest maybe replacing some other animal fats with that from fatty fish like wild salmon, sardines, anchovies, tuna, for the beneficial omega-3 fats,” says Mohr.
Most adults should aim to get two servings (one serving is 3.5 ounces) of omega-3 rich fish a week. Worried about mercury in your fish? Anchovies, herring, sardines, and freshwater trout are good sources of omega-3s with lower levels of mercury.
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Nuts
Healthy fats like those found in nuts can help lower your cholesterol and promote brain health. “Nuts are one of the best go-to snacks. They’re portable, convenient, and give you a lot of bang for your buck,” says Mohr.
Brazil nuts are not only a good source of vital nutrients like vitamin E and calcium, they’re also full of the mineral selenium. A 2010 study suggests that selenium along with soy may help fight prostate cancer, though more research is still needed.
One Brazil nut has more than 100 percent of the daily value of selenium, which can be harmful in high doses, so watch your portions. Other great nuts for men include pecans, almonds, and walnuts. Nuts can be pretty fatty, so remember more is less.
“For fat, it’s not as much about quantity as it is quality. If we could shift our focus to more omega-3s and monosaturated fats, we’d certainly improve [our] health significantly,” says Mohr.
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Beans
Here’s one swap that will boost prostate health: Replace red or processed meats with plant protein. Beans, chia, and hemp seeds are chock-full of protein and other vital nutrients, says Mohr.
Black beans, for example, pack a lot of nutritional punch. Just one cup has about 15 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber, which may promote prostate health. Hemp and chia seeds, on the other hand, have roughly 5 grams of protein per ounce. Hemp seeds also contain all essential amino acids, while chia seeds contain about 10 grams of fiber per ounce.
“Beans can be added to a salad or used to replace traditional meat on a burrito or wrap, and hemp and chia can be used on oatmeal, shakes, and Greek yogurt,” says Mohr. Most adult men should aim to get about 38 grams of fiber and 56 grams of protein per day.
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Green Tea
Research suggests that green tea can help protect against prostate cancer. The benefits of consuming green tea doesn’t stop there though, it also helps lower cholesterol and even improves memory and attention spans.
Although the obvious way to consume green tea is to brew and enjoy it, there are other ways to get your fix. Try these recipes for iced mint green tea and green tea rice. Other ways to enjoy green tea include adding it to a smoothie or using it to create a marinade.
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Watermelon
This staple of summertime eating is fat-free, sodium-free, and high in vitamins A and C. Watermelon is also an excellent source of lycopene, the antioxidant that gives whole foods like tomatoes and watermelons their color.
Research suggests that lycopene may help lower prostate cancer risk. Lycopene can be found in foods like tomatoes, apricots, pink grapefruit, guava, and papaya. There’s about 9 to 13 milligrams of lycopene in a cup and a half of watermelon.
Most adults should aim for about 10 mg of lycopene a day, which shouldn’t be tough considering a tablespoon of ketchup and a half cup of tomato puree contain about 2.5 mg and 25 mg, respectively.
Five Foods to Protect your Prostate
Good news if you’re worried about your prostate health: What you eat can make a difference. “There is plenty of strong evidence that good nutrition and an active lifestyle can reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer and slow its progression,” says Mitchell Sokoloff M.D., Chair of the Department of Urology and Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
By increasing your intake of anti-inflammatory foods and antioxidants, you can help keep your prostate healthy. In the words of Hippocrates: “Let food be thy medicine.”
There are a few categorical changes you can make to your diet that make a big difference in overall health, as well as prostate health. What you eat can potentially disadvantage your prostate health – e.g. foods you might want to avoid – or protect the prostate in various ways. The Science of Living Well, Beyond Cancer recommends a diet that is high in colorful vegetables, low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, and moderate in animal-based protein (taking advantage of the health benefits of beans, nuts, soy, and certain fish). Some might refer to this as a version of the Mediterranean Diet. PCF-funded epidemiologist Lorelei Mucci, M.P.H., Sc.D., at Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health notes that people in Mediterranean countries not only eat more vegetables and fruits… they also eat less fatty foods, processed food, and red meat – categories that can “increase insulin resistance, increase inflammation, raise cardiovascular risk and be a part of a dietary pattern that may increase obesity, as well.”
Here’s a look at the top five foods to eat for a healthy prostate:
Cruciferous Vegetables
This class of vegetables includes things like cabbage, bok choy, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Cruciferous vegetables are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Broccoli, often hailed as prostate super food, contains glucoraphanin, a phytochemical (phyto means “plant”) which researchers suggest can convert to substances that potentially target and prevent cancer cell growth. Studies suggest that eating cruciferous vegetables can lower inflammation, which is related to your risk of getting prostate cancer. (Read more about the connection between broccoli and prostate cancer.)
Berries
“Oxidative stress” is what scientists call the incremental damage that builds up over many years. It’s caused by “free radicals,” which are toxic byproducts of metabolism. When uncontrolled, free radicals wreak havoc on the body by stealing electrons, causing oxidative damage to cells and DNA. Damaged DNA cannot replicate properly, potentially leading to cancerous changes in cells. Antioxidants help to neutralize and remove free radicals from the body. Berries are great source, particularly strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These fruits offer up powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins.
Fish
Certain fish (especially cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, and trout) provide “good fats” that don’t trigger inflammation the same way as saturated animal fats (e.g., beef fat). Over the past few years, scientists have begun to see inflammation within the prostate as a dangerous condition that can make it easier for cancer to take hold. Interestingly, not all fish is created equal. One study, led by Harvard scientists Fred Tabung, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., and Edward Giovannucci, M.D., Sc.D., examined the relationship between diet and inflammation and found that canned tuna, shrimp, lobster, scallops, and “other” fish were more inflammatory than “dark-meat” fish like salmon or red snapper.
If you aren’t wild about fish, you can try any of the other plant-based proteins described in The Science of Living Well, Beyond Cancer. One study that followed 4,577 men with localized prostate cancer over a 24-year period (The Health Professionals Follow-up Study) found that participants who replaced animal fat with vegetable fat had a lower risk of dying from their cancer.
Cooked Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one food that’s been on prostate cancer researchers’ radar for a long time, and here’s why. Lycopene is another powerful antioxidant and is found in the cell walls of tomatoes. The cooking process loosens the bond, making it easier for our bodies to access the antioxidant and send it to the prostate. Dr. Mucci notes, “When a man eats a diet high in lycopene, for some reason, lycopene levels in the prostate go up.” Tomato sauce, paste, and juice can help our bodies make the most of this nutritional superstar. Even better: cook your tomatoes in olive oil, which helps the body absorb lycopene.
Coffee & Tea
You might have heard about green tea as a source of antioxidants such as catechins (the most important are two called EGCG, for epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and epicatechin), which are believed to be anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic (preventing healthy cells from mutating). A systematic review of multiple studies published in Medicine (Baltimore) suggested that men who drank seven cups of green tea per day had a decreased risk of prostate cancer.
You may be more surprised to find coffee on this list. “Coffee is looking more and more promising,” says Dr. Mucci, “There are now a number of studies that suggest drinking coffee regularly, one to two cups a day, can help prevent prostate cancer.”
Coffee and tea offer an important segue into the topic of what NOT to eat. Top of the list? Sugar. If you’re going to drink coffee and tea, make sure to keep the sugar at a minimum, which means staying away from the double-cream pre-sweetened lattes from your favorite coffee chain.