Prostate cancer may seem inevitable for some men; in fact, it’s the most common type of cancer in men.
Growing evidence suggests that you can dramatically reduce the risk of this cancer, and slow its progression if you already have it, simply by making moderate changes in your diet.
Most prostate cancers are slow-growing; with early detection, many doctors will choose a wait-and-see approach rather than attacking cancer immediately. But why sit back and wait if you can take a big step toward delaying cancer’s development or inhibiting its growth by improving your diet?
Tomato and tomato products:
An antioxidant called lycopene gives tomatoes their fire-engine hue and helps prevent prostate cancer. Lycopene does this by preventing free radicals from damaging cells, including the all-important DNA inside. DNA damage is what leads healthy cells to turn cancerous.
Tofu, soymilk, and other soy foods:
They contain estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones that are thought to delay the development and growth of cancer cells and encourage them to destroy themselves.
Green tea:
A powerful compound in green tea called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) blocks many processes involved with cancer development and growth. Studies suggest it may protect against several cancers, including those of the prostate, stomach, colon, and breast.
Pomegranate juice:
Pomegranate juice is full of colorful plant chemicals called polyphenols, the same chemicals that make grape skins red and lend brilliant colors to autumn leaves. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants, and that’s probably why pomegranate juice is shaping up to be an important cancer fighter.
Salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, and other fatty fish:
Fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of prostate cancer by 30%.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables:
These vegetables contain several anticancer compounds that actually help rid the body of (cancer-causing) substances before they have a chance to damage them.
Garlic and onions:
Garlic, onions, and their cousins, like scallions, shallots, and chives, may help prevent tumors by eliminating cancer-causing substances before they can damage cells to self-destruct.
SOURCE Food cures, Reader’s Digest Association, 2009
