A smart choice for healthy prostate According to Linus Pauling Institute in Oregon, “Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men.” The prostate is a vital part of the male reproductive system, as it generates and stores semen. As we age, the risk for developing prostate cancer increases, so it is important to maintain a healthy prostate. Adding certain nutrients to your diet can go a long way in maintaining a healthy prostate. Here are some key nutrients for the prostate, and the foods associated with them. Zinc: Zinc is a key mineral and an antioxidant that works to help cell function. The prostate absorbs more zinc than any other soft tissue in the male body. Zinc can aid in the prevention of the early stages of cancer. Adding zinc in your diet can keep your prostate cells healthy. Foods rich in zinc: Legumes Oysters Nuts Milk Crab Selenium: As men age, the levels of selenium in the body decrease, while the risk for prostate cancer increases. According to a study done at Johns Hopkins University, “men with the lowest levels of selenium were those most likely to develop prostate cancer and men with the highest levels of selenium were almost 50 percent less likely to develop it.” Foods rich in selenium: Shellfish Liver Garlic Eggs Wheat germ Vitamin E: A large Finnish study found that male smokers who took 50 IU (international units) of vitamin E daily were 32% less likely to develop prostate cancer and 41% less likely to die from it than those who didn’t take vitamin E supplements. Foods rich in vitamin E: Sunflower seeds Almonds Spinach Swiss chard Turnip greens Lycopene: Lycopene is a vital antioxidant for the prostate. A high consumption of lycopene rich foods may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Some good sources of lycopene: Tomatoes Grapefruit Watermelon Guava Omega-3 Fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats, and are known for their antioxidant effects. A study done at Wake Forest states, “epidemiological studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce cancer incidence.” Foods rich in omega-3s: Flaxseeds Wild Salmon Chia seeds Walnuts
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 06:24:45 +0000
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