Lifestyle patterns play a significant part in the risk of developing cancer. One of the activities with the most impact? The food on your plate. Luckily, though, in protecting the prostate, transitioning to a partly or entirely plant-based diet will go a long way.
Men frequently suffer from an enlarged prostate when they age, so it is important to take care of this small part of the body to manage sexual activity, bladder control, and general health and well-being for men over 40.
This month is the month of Prostate Cancer Awareness, so it's the best time to reassess, through lifestyle decisions, ways to reduce your risk or that of men in your life.
Certain foods can influence the risk, and animal products tend to be the highest-risk foods. Although there is limited data endorsing plant-based diets to minimize the risk of developing prostate cancer, and to boost the prognosis once diagnosed. Many dietary factors, including the ingestion of processed red meat , eggs, whole milk, and saturated fat have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer development.
For example, one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that the risk of prostate cancer was raised by a high intake of dairy products, including milk and cheese. There was an increased risk for men who ate 2.5 servings or more of milk products a day, relative to men who ate half or less of a serving of milk a day.
Another risk factor is red meat, according to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, men consuming the largest amount of red meat have a 30% greater risk of prostate cancer relative to those consuming the lowest amount. In the same report, a 10% increased risk of prostate cancer was associated with every 10 grams (about a third of an ounce) of processed meat that males ate. So it will make a significant difference by cutting down on red meat.
Consider a diet based on plants now. There are studies to support its effectiveness in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. One from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, for instance, found that men who followed a vegan diet had a 35% lower risk of prostate cancer (and were less likely to be obese) than people who followed a semi-vegetarian diet.
Although eating more plants is part of the appeal, it's also about eating a range of plant-based foods. This includes leafy greens, cooked tomatoes, and cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and cauliflower) that are particularly potent against prostate cancer.
One thing though: Don't presume that you'll get a pass from visiting the gym by eating more plants alone. The most powerful defense against prostate cancer is offered by the combination of exercise and a balanced plant-based diet, plus keeping a healthy weight.
