Prostate cancer is one of the leading types of cancer among men globally. While there is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, there are some things that men can do to lower their risk.
A healthy diet, adequate physical activity, and avoiding tobacco are some of the key steps that can help lower the risk of prostate cancer.
Among the easiest ways to help prevent prostate cancer is through proper nutrition. Several studies have shown that some beverages have prostate cancer-fighting properties.
Here are the top beverages that have been proven to help lower the risk of prostate cancer:.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which are known to have cancer-fighting properties.
Regular consumption of green tea can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer by slowing the growth of cancerous cells and inhibiting the spread of the cancer.
A study conducted in Japan and published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that men who drank five or more cups of green tea per day had a 48% lower risk of developing advanced-stage prostate cancer than those who drank less than one cup per day.
2. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is known for its antioxidant properties and has been shown to help lower the risk of prostate cancer.
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2006 found that pomegranate juice can slow the growth of prostate cancer cells and even cause the cancer cells to die.
Another study conducted by UCLA found that men with recurrent prostate cancer who drank eight ounces of pomegranate juice per day saw a significant increase in the time it took for their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to double – a sign that the cancer was not growing as quickly.
3. Coffee
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants that have cancer-fighting properties.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2011 found that drinking six or more cups of coffee per day could lower the risk of advanced prostate cancer by 60%. The study also found that men who drank fewer than three cups per day had a 30% lower risk of developing the cancer.
4. Soy Milk
Soy milk contains isoflavones, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2010 found that men who drank soy milk regularly had a 70% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed little or no soy milk.
5. Tomato Juice
Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2002 found that men who consumed at least two servings of tomato sauce per week had a 25% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less than one serving per week.
Another study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2014 found that men who consumed more than 10 portions of tomatoes or tomato products per week had an 18% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less than 10 portions per week.
6. Red Wine
Red wine contains resveratrol, which has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2007 found that men who drank four or more glasses of red wine per week had a 50% lower risk of prostate cancer than those who did not drink red wine.
7. Water
Water is essential for keeping the body hydrated and healthy. Adequate water intake has also been shown to help lower the risk of prostate cancer.
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2000 found that men who drank at least six glasses of water per day had a 20% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who drank less than three glasses per day.
8. Orange Juice
Orange juice is a rich source of vitamin C, which has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2003 found that men who consumed at least one glass of orange juice per day had a 45% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less than one glass per day.
9. Carrot Juice
Carrot juice is a rich source of beta-carotene, which has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2002 found that men who consumed at least three servings of carrots per week had a 34% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less than one serving per week.
10. Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice is a rich source of vitamin C, which has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2003 found that men who consumed at least one glass of grapefruit juice per day had a 37% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed less than one glass per week.
Conclusion
While research on the link between beverages and prostate cancer is ongoing, several studies have shown that certain types of beverages have cancer-fighting properties.
Incorporating these beverages into a healthy diet can help lower the risk of prostate cancer.
It’s important to note, however, that no single food or beverage can guarantee the prevention of any disease, including prostate cancer.
But incorporating the above mentioned beverages into a healthy diet along with exercise, avoiding tobacco, and regular cancer screenings can reduce the risk of prostate cancer significantly.