According to the American Cancer
Society, prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer for men. The
average man has a one in five chance of developing prostate cancer at some
point in his life, but these odds increase for African American men, men over
the age of 50, and men with a family history of the disease.
Issues with the prostate are
typically identified through a blood test called a PSA, or prostate-specific
antigen. High PSA levels can indicate inflammation or infection in addition to
cancer, so a biopsy is usually required to further test for prostate cancer.
Previous research has been done to
study the effects of nutrition on prostate health and the risk of developing
prostate cancer. A vegetarian diet has been proven to protect against prostate
cancer. This is likely due to the high level of lycopene in a vegetarian diet.
Lycopene is a pigment that gives fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, apricots,
and watermelons their red color. Studies show that lycopene can lower PSA
levels and reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Some studies have found a benefit
in using lycopene supplements, but lycopene is usually beneficial because it
comes along with the cancer-fighting nutrients found naturally in fruits and
vegetables. Eating red foods cooked in fat, like tomatoes cooked in olive oil,
improves the body’s absorption of lycopene compared to eating raw red foods.
Another nutrient that has been
proven to reduce the risk of prostate cancer is vitamin D. Vitamin D has a
protective effect on the cells that make up the prostate gland. It is still
unclear whether receiving vitamin D naturally through sunlight or by taking
supplements is more beneficial. However, prostate cancer patients often show
low levels of vitamin D in their bloodstream.
When considering preventative
measures to stave off prostate cancer, the National Cancer Institute cautions
that vitamin D can become toxic when taken in high doses. It is always best to
consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.