Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. However, you can reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer through various dietary and lifestyle changes. One crucial change is adopting an anti-cancer diet.
An anti-cancer diet contains foods that have cancer-fighting properties, while minimizing or avoiding those that contribute to cancer development. Below are ten crucial tips on the anti-cancer diet for prostate health.
Tip 1: Eat More Vegetables and Fruits
Most vegetables and fruits have anti-cancer properties, which makes them crucial in the anti-cancer diet.
Fruits and vegetables crowded with cancer-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals, and they also contain dietary fiber, which plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health. Some top anti-cancer vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and carrots. Top fruits include berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, and grapes.
Tip 2: Avoid Red and Processed Meats
While meat is a vital source of essential nutrients like protein and vitamin B12, some studies suggest that excessive intake of red meat and processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, and sausages increases the risk of prostate cancer.
If you have to consume meat, choose healthy cuts like skinless poultry or fish like salmon and tuna.
Tip 3: Choose Whole Grains over Refined Carbs
The human body treats refined carbohydrates like sugar, which poses numerous health risks, including cancer. Choosing whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread is crucial in the anti-cancer prostate diet.
Whole grains contain essential dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals that are not only good for your overall health but lower your risk of prostate cancer.
Tip 4: Embrace Plant-Based Fats
Fats are an essential component of your overall diet, but not all fats are created equal. Saturated fats found in animal products such as cheese, cream, and butter, pose various health risks, including prostate cancer.
Instead, choose plant-based sources of fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocados. These sources of fats are healthier and function to fight-off cancer development.
Tip 5: Go for Low-Fat Dairy Products
Certain essential nutrients like vitamin D and calcium found in dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk are beneficial for prostate health. However, high-fat dairy products like cream, ice cream, and whole milk are not the healthiest form of dairy.
When it comes to prostate health, it’s best to choose low-fat versions of either skimmed milk or low-fat cheese.
Tip 6: Include Soy Products in Your Diet
Soy products like soy milk, tofu and tempeh are a great protein source for vegans and vegetarians. Fortunately, soy also appears to have anti-cancer properties.
The phytoestrogens found in soy products have been demonstrated to decrease the risk of prostate cancer in several studies. Despite the controversy around soy products’ risks, they are still proven to be essential players in the anti-cancer diet for prostate health.
Tip 7: Drink Plenty of Water
Water is undoubtedly one of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain proper body hydration, flushes toxins out of your system, and promotes healthy digestion.
Staying hydrated also lowers the risk of prostate cancer development.
Tip 8: Minimize Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol intake is a leading cause of numerous health risks, among them prostate cancer. When consumed in moderation, alcohol may have health benefits, but excessive intake is harmful.
Men should limit their intake to two drinks per day to reduce prostate cancer risk.
Tip 9: Don’t Smoke
Smoking is not only harmful to your lungs but also poses various health risks like an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
Quitting smoking in any form such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco is the most crucial step to lower your risk of prostate cancer.
Tip 10: Supplement Your Diet
In some cases, the consumption of an adequate diet may not suffice the vital nutrients required for your optimal health.
It’s beneficial to include essential dietary supplements in your anti-cancer prostate diet like omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin D. Consult your doctor to see which ones you may need.