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Prostate cancer – What you should eat and avoid

Prostate cancer – What you should eat and avoid

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer to occur among men. A diet rich in fats and sugar is widely known to increase the chances of developing this cancer. However, there are certain foods that you should eat and avoid to boost prostate health.

Foods to consume:

Tomatoes
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant present in tomatoes. This antioxidant reduces cell damage and slows the production of cancer cells. Thus, it effectively prevents prostate cancer from developing, as it reduces the growth of tumors. Though tomatoes, in any form, are beneficial, cooked tomatoes are absorbed by the body more efficiently. One can have it in many forms like spaghetti sauce, ketchup, juice, or puree when cooking. Tomatoes are a must-have in order to avoid the risks of prostate cancer.

Broccoli
A healthy vegetable, broccoli contains many complex compounds. The sulforaphane phytochemical is one of the compounds that selectively kills cancer cells and leaves normal prostate cells unaffected. Broccoli adds color and a unique taste to your soups, stir-fries, and salads.

Green tea
Green tea has traditionally been a part of Asian diets for centuries. This is one of the reasons why men in Asian countries do not suffer from this condition as much. Green tea has many components that prevent the development of prostate cancer, making it an ideal choice to avoid the risks of prostate cancer. Start by drinking one cup per day; if you do not prefer the warmth, you can always cool it and have it as a refreshing drink.

Legumes and beans
Many cancer-fighting properties are found in legumes and beans to make them ideal for consumption. Legumes such as lentils, beans, and peanuts contain active compounds such as phytoestrogen that are known to suppress tumor growth. A black bean burger, hummus, or tofu can be added to your diet.

Foods to avoid:
Although some foods are not ideal in the case of prostate cancer, experts claim that one should not eliminate them from their diet. One simply needs to reduce the quantity and eat in moderation as a part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Dairy foods
Dairy foods are high in calcium, which is important for the growth and maintenance of strong bones. In order to ensure you are consuming the right amount of calcium, one should eat between 700 mg to 1500 mg of calcium per day. Eating more than 2000 mg could cause serious problems and could lead to the progression of prostate cancer.

Meat
It has been suggested by research that too much red and processed meats may aggravate prostate cancer. Red meat includes pork, beef, and lamb while processed meat includes any meat that has been preserved with salting, smoking, and curing or preservatives such as salami and ham. One should also avoid meats cooked at very high temperatures to avoid the growth and development of prostate cancer.