5 Foods That Fight Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer found in men. Although you can't avoid developing the disease, a healthy diet can reduce your risk. Fight cancer, maintain your sexual health, and eat well with these picks.
Turmeric
This yellowish spice contains curcumin, a compound that may have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that curcumin disrupts how prostate-cancer cells metabolize. Recent Japanese research reinforced the idea that the compound suppresses the spread of prostate-cancer cells.
Tip: Stir ground turmeric into potatoes, use it to season grilled zucchini, shake on popcorn, or mix into a pot of steamed rice for a subtle curry flavor.
Watermelon
For every 2 milligrams (mg) of lycopene that participants consumed daily, they experienced a 1 percent drop in their risk of developing prostate cancer, a 2017 University of Illinois study found. That may not seem like much, but 11⁄2 cups of red-fleshed watermelon contains 9 to 13 mg of lycopene.
Tip: Toss two handfuls of cold cubed watermelon into a blender and pulse with enough coconut water to slushie-fy.
Artichoke hearts
The tender centers of these prickly vegetables house the antioxidant ferulic acid, which may reduce the growth of prostate-cancer cells. A recent Italian study determined that a diet rich in ferulic and caffeic acid (also found in coffee) may lower your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Tip: After boiling whole artichokes until tender, halve them, brush with olive oil and lemon juice, and grill ’em, turning them until slightly charred. Top with salt, pepper, and torn mint.
Sardines
Cold-water fish like these have omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve the health of prostate cells, says David A. Levy, M.D., a urologist at the Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute. Eating more omega-3s can improve the metabolic rate of prostate cells after just six weeks, Dr. Levy says.
Tip: Temper the stink by combining chopped canned sardines with a chopped hard-boiled egg, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spoon onto crackers or use as a dip for celery sticks.
Carrots
The same compound responsible for good vision may also help protect your prostate. Men who ate the most carrots were 65 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who ate the least, according to a recent Vietnamese study. Why? The carotene in carrots may be more “bioavailable” than it is in other foods. That means your body is better able to absorb the nutrient.
Tip: Forget not the carrot-and-raisin salad. Shred a bag of carrots with a box grater and add a handful of raisins, along with a splash each of red-wine vinegar and olive oil. Season. Eat.
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