Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. According to the CDC, it affects around 164,000 men in the United States every year.

If you’re worried about prostate cancer, incorporating nuts into your diet could help reduce your risk. Here’s why:.

Nuts May Help Regulate Hormones

Prostate cancer is largely driven by hormones. Specifically, testosterone is thought to play a role in the development of this disease. However, some studies suggest that consuming nuts may help regulate hormone levels in men.

For example, one study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that men who ate nuts regularly had lower levels of free and bioavailable (usable by the body) testosterone compared to men who didn’t. This suggests that nuts may help reduce the impact of testosterone on prostate cells, potentially reducing the risk of cancer.

Nuts Are Packed With Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that can help protect your cells from damage. This is important because cell damage increases the risk of cancer. Nuts are naturally rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium.

Researchers have studied the links between these antioxidants and prostate cancer. Some studies have suggested that getting enough vitamin E and selenium may help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Nuts Can Help Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection. Chronic inflammation, however, has been linked to a variety of health problems – including cancer. Some studies suggest that consuming nuts regularly may help reduce inflammation in the body.

For example, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that consuming about 1.5 ounces of mixed nuts per day for 12 weeks helped reduce inflammation markers in overweight and obese adults.

Nuts Are A Healthy Snack Choice

Choosing healthy snacks is important for maintaining a healthy weight, which is also important for reducing the risk of cancer. Nuts are a great snack choice because they are filling, tasty and packed with nutrition.

Research suggests that incorporating nuts into your diet may help you maintain a healthy weight.

Walnuts In Particular May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties

While all nuts are healthy, some research suggests that walnuts in particular may have cancer-fighting properties.

One study conducted by researchers at UC Davis found that adding walnuts to a typical Western diet altered the expression of genes related to breast cancer and reduced the growth of tumors in mice. While this study was conducted on breast cancer, the results are promising for other cancers, including prostate.

Nuts Are Easy To Incorporate Into Your Diet

One of the best things about nuts is how easy they are to incorporate into your diet. You can snack on them throughout the day, use them as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt, or incorporate them into salads and other dishes.

How Many Nuts Should You Be Eating?

Research suggests that eating about an ounce of nuts per day is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and other health problems. However, the optimal amount of nuts for reducing cancer risk is not clear.

As with all foods, it’s important to consume nuts in moderation and balance them with other healthy foods.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer affects many men, but making lifestyle changes – such as incorporating nuts into your diet – may reduce your risk.

Nuts are packed with antioxidants and have been shown to regulate hormones, reduce inflammation and possibly even have cancer-fighting properties. So why not add some nuts to your next snack or meal?.