Scientists may not know what causes prostate cancer, but some studies have concluded that certain substances and foods may lower the risk of developing the disease. According to recent studies, prostate dysfunction has been shown to be a nutritional disease.
It is much more common in developed Western countries where men consume foods tending to accumulate environmental toxins, like animal-derived foods, such as red meat, eggs and dairy products. On the contrary, fruit and vegetable rich diets exert a protective effect.
Statistics say that milk may be bad for the prostate. It is not a pure coincidence, countries that consume the most milk have the highest incidence of prostate cancer. The problem appears to be milks calcium. Growing evidence suggests that excessive calcium intake, regardless of source, suppresses the synthesis of a form of vitamin D that inhibits prostate cancer.
In contrast, men who consume red fruit or vegetables such as tomatoes, tomato-based foods (e.g., ketchup, pasta, etc.), carrots, guavas, watermelon, red oranges and pink grapefruit are reported with lowest risk to get prostate cancer. These foods contain a powerful antioxidant agent called lycopene that gives them their characteristic red color. This lycopene from red fruits and vegetables may not only prevents prostate cancer but also may reduce existing tumor size.
Some studies have concluded that men who consume high amounts of fish have a low prostate cancer incidence. Researchers have speculated this condition may be due to presence of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. It's well-known these acids are considered to improve immune function, which may be why they have been associated with a decreased risk of several kinds of cancer.
Isoflavanes primarily found in soy beans and all soy-based foods and drinks, including tofu and soy milk, has convinced many researchers that it can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It is not a coincidence that among all ethnic groups, Asian men, whose diet is rich in soy, have the lowest prostate cancer incidence. |
