Diet May Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk

A study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Diabetics suggests that certain dietary modifications can help prevent prostate cancer. Evidence-based review implies that a diet low in fat and red meat and high in fruits/vegetables is considered beneficial in preventing and treating prostate cancer. [Read: Prostate Cancer Prevention with Diet]

Dietary Modifications for Prostate Cancer Risk Reduction

Some foods aggravate the development of cancer while others lessen the risk of cancer. There is no specific anti-cancer diet to lower the risk of colorectal cancer and other such cancers, but slight dietary changes may prove helpful.

Here are some dietary recommendations for lowering prostate cancer risk:

1. Fat consumption – Those who are at risk of prostate cancer must have a low-fat diet, which is very low in saturated fats. A diet low on saturated fats will deny low density lipoproteins (LDL's) to the tumour cells. Limit your fat intake; it shouldn’t be more than 20 per cent of your total calories. Make sure that you’re not eating the wrong kinds of fat that may be even more cancer-causing. Health experts recommended the intake of unsaturated fats primarily found in plants, such as legumes.
2. Increasing fibre intake – Researchers found a relationship between a high fibre diet and lower chances of colorectal cancer. Fibre enables potential carcinogens through to the intestine faster and decreases the contact time between carcinogens and the intestinal wall. Besides pushing them through faster, fibre keeps carcinogens away from the intestinal wall, reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Among healthy cancer-fighting fibres are wheat bran, kidney beans, whole wheat, whole grains, legumes, whole grain bread, garbanzo beans, navy beans and prunes.
3. Anti-cancer antioxidants – Health experts recommend a diet high in antioxidants. Beta carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E were found to have had a positive impact in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, a diet high in anti-oxidants offers protection for the membrane of the intestinal cells, preventing free-radical reactions and metabolic imbalance in the cell, thus,  preventing prostate cancer. [Read: Five Cancer Fighting Foods]
4. Fruits and vegetables – Eating more fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of prostate cancer by decreasing the appetite for fatty foods. Most vegetables contain phytochemicals, a substance with cancer fighting ability. Among other anti-cancer substances provided by vegetables and fruits include sulforaphane and phenols, indols, flavones, cumines, and isothiocyanates. Health experts advise to centreing meals on cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, green leafy spinach, kidney beans and garbanzo beans, cabbage and cauliflower.

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