Dr. Andrew Weil wrote an article for Natural Awakenings magazine called “Nutrition & Prostate Cancer: Top 10 Risk Reducers”. He said that men can significantly reduce their risk of prostate cancer by changing what they eat and drink. Dr. Weil’s top ten prostate cancer risk reducers are listed below.
- Cooked tomatoes – rich in lycopene that acts as an antioxidant to keep malignancy away. Try tomato sauce made with olive oil.
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, cauliflower, bok choy) – cancer-fighting phytonutrients (indoles and sulforaphane) and vegetable fiber help reduce prostate cancer risk. Eat these most days of the week.
- Soy foods (tofu, soy milk, tempeh, edamame, soy nuts) – may improve prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with cancer. Isoflavones help normalize hormone levels which protect against breast and prostate cancer. Eat one or two soy foods a day.
- Oily fish (wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, herring, black cod)- omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA reduce inflammation and keep prostate cancer from spreading to the rest of the body. Eat oily fish at least twice a week or take fish oil supplements daily.
- Flaxseed - lignans (phytoestrogens) may reduce risk of prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers. Flaxseed also provides protective benefits of omega-3s and fiber. Eat two tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily. Avoid supplements.
- Chili peppers – contain the compound capsaicin which may kill prostate cancer cells by blocking other chemicals that promote cancer cell growth. Add jalapenos, habaneros, and other hot peppers to meals regularly.
- Green tea - polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) may reduce the risk of a range of cancers. Drink at least two cups of green tea daily or consider green-tea extract.
- Red wine - resveratrol (antioxidant) in the skins of grapes lowers the risk of prostate cancer. If you drink, choose red wine and limit to one or two glasses a day.
- Pomegranate juice - high amounts of polyphenols and isoflavones that offer cancer prevention. Drink a daily glass of pomegranate juice.
- Supplements – vitamins D and E may reduce prostate cancer risk and they are difficult to get enough from diet alone. Take daily supplements of vitamin D3, vitamin E, and selenium. High risk men should also consider New Chapter’s Zyflamend.
Ref: Central Florida Natural Awakenings, June 2007, p. 34-37
You might also like:
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Exercise is another one to add to the formula to reduce cancer risk. Also prostate massage is recommended by some doctors now to stimulate the gland.
My husband was just diagnosed with prostate cancer and, of course, we are educating ourselves about treatment options, dietary changes, etc. This article highlighted for me the changes we can both benefit from incorporating into our food plan.