14 Foods That May Help to Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk

Investing in foods that are good for the prostate is a great way to keep this gland healthy, avoiding the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, or prostate cancer – common among older men.

Some nutrients found in foods in a balanced diet help promote prostate health. Learn which foods you can’t do without in your daily diet:

Eggs

Containing abundant zinc and selenium, the minerals in eggs help regulate prostate cell growth, have antioxidant properties that help protect cells from free radicals, and promote healthy male reproductive systems.

Broccoli

This vegetable is beneficial for the prostate due to sulforaphane, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting cells from damage and inflammation. It is also associated with the regulation of hormones and enzymes related to prostate cancer growth.

Cabbage

Cabbage contains several nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as indoles and sulforaphane. This combination makes cabbage a food with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect prostate cells.

Garlic

Garlic contains bioactive compounds, such as allicin, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps reduce the risk of inflammation and cellular damage in the prostate.

According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, men who consumed two grams of garlic a day were associated with a 53% reduction in the risk of prostate cancer.

Onion

The study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute also showed that onions are among the foods that prevent prostate cancer. Consumption helped reduce the risk of cancer by more than a third.

Onions contain bioactives such as flavonoids and sulfur compounds, as well as quercetin. With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this combination protects against inflammation, neutralizes free radicals, and inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Tomato

Tomatoes are one of the foods that are good for the prostate, as they have a high lycopene content, especially when consumed cooked or processed.

Lycopene is an antioxidant known to have properties that may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and also has anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for prostate health.

Oat

High in soluble fiber and beta-glucans, which reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the blood, regular oat consumption contributes to good blood circulation in the prostate. This helps reduce the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Additionally, oats contain B vitamins and minerals, which are good for overall health.

Fatty fish

Salmon, tuna, and sardines—so-called fatty or oily fish—are considered beneficial for prostate health because they are rich in omega-3s. This fatty acid is anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce inflammation such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Orange

Oranges are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, and that’s not the only one: they also contain flavonoids and carotenoids.

These antioxidants fight free radicals and prevent damage and inflammation, which makes this fruit one of the foods that prevent prostate cancer.

Green Tea

Green tea is a beverage known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it’s one of the best foods for an enlarged prostate and for the health of the gland.

Drinking green tea also prevents prostate cancer, as the drink is an antioxidant, with emphasis on the presence of catechins, which inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Coffee

Thanks to its bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants and phytochemicals, this essential drink to start the day is also important for prostate health.

It is linked to a lower risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and aggressive prostate cancer, as long as consumption is moderate – otherwise, it can become one of the foods that inflame the prostate.

Soy

Soybeans and soy-based foods, such as tofu and soy milk, are good foods that prevent prostate cancer.

This is because this grain contains phytosterols, plant compounds that regulate hormones (including sex hormones ) and are capable of replacing less healthy sources of animal protein in the diet.

Soy also contains isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, which are antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

Red fruits

Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries, among other red fruit options, contain flavonoids and polyphenols, substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help prevent cancer and other diseases that affect the prostate.

They are also an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, and are therefore essential for overall health.

Dried fruits

Incorporating dried fruits into your diet, such as prunes, apricots, figs, and dates, helps care for your prostate, as they contain nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber that protect prostate cells from damage, reducing the risk of inflammation and disease.

These fruits are also sources of phytochemicals, which are antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

What is a prostate friendly diet?

Prostate-friendly foods are those that are sources of good fats, antioxidants, and omega-3s. Therefore, your meals should include nuts, avocado, fatty fish, vegetable oils, colorful fruits and vegetables, green tea, and more.

What is the best diet for the prostate?

The best diet to keep this gland healthy is one that combines not only foods that are good for the prostate, but also foods that meet the nutritional and caloric needs of each man, in order to ensure good overall health.

Is there food that reduces inflammation and reduces an enlarged prostate?

Some foods can reduce prostate size. Men with enlarged prostates due to prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may benefit from the following options:

• Cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage)
• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables (such as berries, tomatoes, oranges, and bell peppers)
• Fish rich in omega-3 (such as salmon, sardines, tuna and trout)
• Green Tea

What foods can be harmful to prostate health?

Certain foods may be associated with a higher risk of developing prostate health problems, especially when not consumed in moderation. This includes:

• Foods high in saturated fat (such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and fried foods)
• Processed and ultra-processed foods (such as white bread, fast food, and bacon)
• Sugary foods (such as cookies, chocolates, and soft drinks)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Excessive caffeine (such as coffee, black tea, and energy drinks)
• Spicy foods (such as condiments and chili peppers)

How to keep men’s health up to date

In addition to investing in foods that are good for the prostate, to maintain men’s health, it is essential that men adopt a series of behaviors that contribute to this.

Exercising, which helps build physical endurance, improve cardiovascular health, maintain an ideal weight, and reduce stress, combined with healthy habits such as avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs, is very beneficial for overall health.

It’s also important to practice self-care and receive emotional support. Be aware of signs of stress, anxiety, or depression and seek help if needed.

Don’t forget that regular medical appointments with your urologist are also important to ensure your health. They are helpful in identifying diseases and conditions early, such as prostate cancer, prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction, and others.