Support a healthy prostrate

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 through 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. 47,300 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually in the UK making it the most common form of cancer in men, while 1 in 8 are expected to suffer from it at some point during their lives.

Studies have found that a Mediterranean diet high in seeds, nuts, avocado and olive oil could reduce the risk of death for men with prostate cancer. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties found in the healthy fats included. Research has found that men who replaced as little as 10% of their daily carbohydrates and animal fats with healthy vegetable fats benefited from a 29% lower prostate mortality risk than those who didn’t change their diets.

A Mediterranean diet is also high in colourful fresh fruit and vegetables, which contain antioxidants to fight off free radical damage and reduce inflammation in the body.  A Mediterranean diet is also low in red meat, studies have linked red meat, especially very well done BBQ’d meat, to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Cutting down on red meat, choosing fish, poultry and non-animal sources of protein such as lentil and legumes can help to slow the enlargement of the gland and reduce inflammation in the body.

Here are some additional dietary changes you can make to help support a healthy prostate:

• Tomatoes are a rich source of a nutrient called lycopene, which seems to slow down the development of prostate cancer. Consume regularly to slow down the enlargement of the prostate. Choose ripe tomatoes that are a rich red colour as this is where the lycopene is found.
• Green tea is not only a great source of antioxidants, but has also been show to improve urine flow and decreased urological inflammation.
• There is not much that broccoli hasn’t been show to help with! Cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cabbage, broccoli and sprouts naturally contain the compound sulfurophane which is said to fight cancer. New research is even supporting the use of these compounds in fighting advanced forms of prostate cancer. Increase your daily intake to stay healthy.
• Studies have indicated that pomegranate juice could slow the progression of prostate cancer. Research is still in the early stages but as pomegranate juice is a powerful antioxidant regularly drinking it could help over all health, as well as protect your prostate.
• Stop smoking – prostate cancer patients who smoke are more likely to have a recurrence of the disease. Smokers are also more likely to have an aggressive form of the disease.
• Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, too much fat especially around the middle of your body, is linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy doing and doesn’t feel like a chore, ideally something you can do outdoors and have the added bonus of fresh air.