How Food Choice Can Benefit Prostate Health

Benign hypertrophic enlargement of the prostate gland affects almost one in three men in the Western world over the age of 50. In its mildest form it can be just a minor inconvenience, because the gland surrounds the urethra in men and its enlargement tends to compress the urethra making passing urine increasingly difficult. There is also the worry that the condition, whilst mainly benign, can turn malignant and become deadly.

Young men dont give much thought to this but its as well to be aware of the dangers and take all possible steps to keep your prostate healthy whatever your age. It is not generally appreciated that diet can play a part in helping to prevent prostate enlargement. The hypertrophy or increase in size of the prostate seems to be due to increasing amounts of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which accumulate from conversion of testosterone, the male hormone. There are many foods that can help thwart prostate problems whilst at the same time have general health benefits.

Fresh fruit

Fruit is good for general health as well as for prostate health, because of its high vitamin content, especially vitamin C. Citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, watermelons, grapefruit and limes are all good, as are berries of all kinds, papaya, and mango.

Tomatoes are especially beneficial because of their lycopene content, a chemical compound with powerful anti-cancer properties. Eating some tomatoe every day is recommended, and cooked tomato or tomato sauce is just as, if not more beneficial than raw tomato as the lycopene is better absorbed. Lycopene has other benefits to health such as helping to protect against heart disease.

Apples are another fruit with underestimated health benefits. They contain quercetin, which is a chemical that helps to prevent cancer, inflammation, and also acts like an antihistamine. It can help prevent prostate troubles and also soothe an inflamed prostate.

Vegetables

Vegetables are an excellent source of many essential vitamins and minerals, quercetin, anti-oxidants and fibre, all very beneficial for health and prostate health. Leafy green vegetables and broccoli are rich in quercetin. Vegetables also contain a lot of fibre which is necessary for the normal function of the intestines and eliminating toxins. A regular daily intake of fibre helps proper absorption of nutrients and the maintenance of good bacteria in the gut.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds have some protein, fibre, unsaturated fat, plus vitamin E and selenium, making them a useful food, benefitting prostate health.

Beans and pulses

Beans and pulses contain useful protein and fibre, whilst fermented soy beans can beb particularly beneficial for the prostate. This is because of the phyto-estrogens they contain which help block the action of DHT on prostate tissue. Another natural substance that can do this is Saw Palmetto, which is extracted from a small berry and obtainable from health food shops.

Whole grains

Whole grains are good sources of fibre, and also contain zinc and selenium which are important for prostate health.

Water

Water is essential in adequate daily amounts for all the bodys functions, especially proper nutrient absorption, and toxin elimination by the kidneys.

There are foods that are best avoided in order to keep your prostate healthy. Foods to avoid or limit, are too much milk (try substituting soy milk instead), caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods. Also it is wise to avoid carbohydrates high in fast release sugars, such as confectionery, cakes and biscuits, as these tend to promote inflammation generally in the body.

Maintaining a healthy, natural, varied diet is the best way of safe-guarding your health, and especially the health of your prostate gland.

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