Prostate health is a growing concern among men of all ages, but mostly those over 40. Our fast pace of life sometimes prevents us from getting enough nutrients or vitamins to maintain a high standard of health. A common problem for men over the age of 40 is an enlarged prostate, which is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Age and a lack of proper nutrition are major contributors to the development of prostate diseases. Obesity can also trigger them. You can lessen your chance of experiencing such diseases by making minor changes in your diet. The foods you eat should be rich in minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. To satisfy your body’s demand for nutritious food, you should stop relying on junk food and try to prepare healthy meals. You may consider include a prostate supplement in your diet.
There are certain foods that can have a direct impact on prostate health. Here are six that you can use to prepare wholesome meals.
1. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are a rich source of zinc. Patients suffering from either BPH or prostate cancer are often lacking in this mineral.
- Our body absorbs zinc from food quite easily.
- Among other natural sources of zinc, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and adzuki beans.
- Sesame seeds can easily be added to regular meals and snacks.
2. Salmon
Fish is a popular dish with many food lovers. It offers several health benefits, and it has a wide variety of uses in cooking. One type of fish that is loaded with nutrients is salmon. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can protect you from:
- Cancer
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Weight gain
- Cardiovascular disease
- Inflammation
Obesity is a major factor in triggering prostate diseases. By helping you control your weight, omega-3 fatty acids could reduce your chance of contracting diseases like BPH and prostate cancer.
3. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are known to be a rich source of vitamin C. Consuming bell peppers on a daily basis will maintain a health-boosting level of vitamin C in your body.
Vitamin C can be found in several other vegetables, such as:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Cauliflower
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes get their rich red color from the presence of lycopene. Lycopene has the capacity to reduce inflammation in the prostate, so it can create some barriers against the development of BPH. It acts by slowing the increase of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The body can absorb lycopene more easily if you consume it with fats like those contained in nuts, oil or butter.
Other sources of lycopene are:
- Watermelon
- Avocado
- Apricot
- Papaya
- Pink grapefruit
5. Avocados
Avocados are not just good sources of lycopene, they are also rich in beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol is known for its excellent BPH-curbing properties. Some people even claim that the daily consumption of avocado eased their urine flow and lowered the residual volume.
Your body can also get beta-sitosterol from several other sources, including:
- Wheat germ
- Pumpkin seeds
- Pecans
- Soybeans
6. Tofu
The isoflavones that are present in soybeans can reduce your BPH level and help reduce the growth of cancerous cells. Tofu, a food made from soy, is a good source of isoflavones. Other beneficial soy-based foods are tempeh, soymilk, roasted soybeans, soy yogurt, edamame, and cooked soybeans.
Leafy green vegetables are another good resource in the fight against various prostate-related diseases. These vegetables are high in antioxidants, which can help maintain good health.
Statistical Input
By the time men reach the age of 80, 90% of them develop some kind of prostate disease. Adding these six foods to your regular diet could help substantially in creating a defense mechanism against illness. For instance, the Indian Journal of Urology suggests that 75% of BPH or prostate cancer patients lack zinc, which you can get easily from sesame seeds.
Conclusion:
Making changes to your dietary plan can do a lot to give you a fighting chance against prostate diseases. But if you are having trouble cooking decent meals, you can fall back on supplements like Nature Labs’ Prostate Formula.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.