Prostate cancer is one of the leading types of cancer amongst men and has been on the rise in recent years. This type of cancer affects the prostate gland, a small gland that sits below the bladder in men, which helps in the production of semen.
According to research, certain dietary habits can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Incorporating certain foods into your daily diet can provide your body with the necessary nutrients to help maintain a healthy prostate and reduce the risk of cancer. Below are two foods that have been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer:.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a carotenoid and antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color. Lycopene has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Several studies have shown a positive correlation between lycopene intake and a reduced risk of prostate cancer. In a study conducted in Italy, researchers found that men who consumed at least two servings of tomato sauce per week had a reduced risk of prostate cancer by up to 23%.
Lycopene is easily absorbed by the body when tomatoes are cooked, so tomato paste, sauce, and canned tomatoes are excellent sources of lycopene.
Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and fiber, which helps in maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing the risk of other types of cancers.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are a group of vegetables that include broccoli, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. These vegetables contain several compounds that have been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to slow down the growth of prostate cancer cells. In a study conducted in the US, men who consumed more than one serving of cruciferous vegetables per week had a 40% reduced risk of prostate cancer compared to men who ate these vegetables less than once a month.
Cruciferous vegetables are also rich in fiber, vitamins C, K, and E, and folate. These nutrients help in maintaining a healthy immune system and reducing the risk of other types of cancers.
Conclusion
Incorporating tomatoes and cruciferous vegetables into your daily diet can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
These foods are rich in nutrients that provide your body with the necessary tools to maintain a healthy prostate, boost your immune system, and reduce the risk of cancer. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and limiting the intake of red meat and processed foods can also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.