Diet to reduce prostate cancer risk

Eating more fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer, speeding up recovery for patients.

According to two studies published in the journal Cancers , scientists have found that a diet rich in micronutrients, which includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, not only reduces the likelihood of disease, but also speeds it up. recovery in prostate cancer patients. Study to evaluate plasma concentrations of micronutrients and trace elements in prostate cancer.

Research shows that men with prostate cancer have low levels of selenium, lutein, lycopene and alpha-carotene, and instead have high levels of calcium, sulfur and iron. In addition, DNA damage after radiation therapy was also linked to low plasma levels of lycopene and selenium that made them sensitive to radiation damage.

To raise levels of selenium, lutein, lycopene and alpha-carotene, men need to consume foods containing these substances. Selenium is found in white meat, fish, shellfish, nuts, and eggs. While foods rich in lycopene are found in pink, red and orange fruits and vegetables such as: peaches, watermelons, peppers, cranberries, melons, tomatoes, papayas and grapes.

A diet rich in micronutrients helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Photo: Freepik

Study co-author from the University of South Australia, Dr Permal Deo, explains it's better to eat these foods than take supplements. "We recommend everyone to follow the Mediterranean diet with the guidance of a nutritionist. Because each person will absorb nutrients in different ways, depending on the food, the digestive system. chemistry, the person's genotype and possibly their microbiome," he said.

With the Mediterranean diet, the diet will increase healthy ingredients such as: fish, vegetables, tubers, fruits, beans and whole grains; Reduce ingredients like red meat, dairy products, and sweets.

In the past, prostate cancer has been linked to family history, race, and age, but there has been little research on nutritional deficiencies associated with the disease. There is clear evidence that being overweight and obese increases the likelihood of disease , says Dr. Deo . A diet high in dairy products and low in vitamin E, found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, may also increase risk, but the evidence is mixed.

Prostate cancer is difficult to detect because there are no symptoms. Symptoms usually appear only when the disease has progressed, putting pressure on the urethra. Therefore, a scientific diet, a healthy lifestyle will support men to avoid disease or, if possible, to recover faster.