Foods that can help combat prostate problems

Although more research is required in this area, some evidence does show a relationship between nutritional factors and prostate health. Here's why certain foods can help boost prostate health:

• Studies indicate that the antioxidant mineral selenium may protect against BPH, and it also may reduce the risk for developing prostate cancer, possibly by preventing oxidative damage to cells in the prostate gland.
• Selenium may protect against prostate cancer initiation, and it also may play a role in reducing prostate tumour growth by inducing apoptosis (cancer cell death).
• Vitamin E teams up with selenium to confer antioxidant protection against free-radical damage to the prostate.
• Preliminary research also shows that vitamin E may decrease serum androgen concentrations, which are believed to be hormonal factors associated with prostate cancer.
• The isoflavone genistein, found in soy foods, may help to protect against prostate cancer as well as possibly reducing tumour growth.
• Preliminary research suggests that lycopene may help to decrease DNA damage to cells in prostate tissue, and it may play a role in initiating cancer cell death.Laboratory research also shows that the flavonoid quercetin may help to prevent and treat prostate cancer.
• Quercetin may block the hormonal activity in androgen-response receptors in prostate cells, preventing the growth of cancer cells.
• Further research is required to see if these laboratory findings can extend into the realm of human research.
• Studies indicate that quercetin may also reduce symptoms of prostatitis.

• One study found a compelling link between lyco­pene and prostate cancer prevention. The study examined other carotenoids but only lycopene emerged as having protective effects.
• The study participants who con­sumed the greatest amounts of lycopene showed a 21 percent decreased risk for prostate cancer.
• Men who ate more than 10 servings of lycopene-rich tomato-based foods showed a 35 percent decreased risk for developing prostate cancer compared with those who ate fewer than 1.5 servings of tomato-based foods per week.
• Studies, however, do not show that lycopene has a protective effect against BPH or prostatitis. In fact, tomato products may aggravate those conditions due to the acidic nature of tomatoes.

• Soy foods
• Apricots
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon
• Brazil nuts
• Shrimp
• Whole grains
• Sardines
• Sunflower seeds
• Wheat germ

While more research is certainly needed, it is evident that your diet impacts the health of your prostate. Be sure to talk to a doctor and see if changing your diet is a good idea to help prevent prostate issues.