Foods Beneficial for Prostate Health
A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fatty fish, and low in saturated fat is most beneficial for prostate health. 1
Recommended Foods for Prostate Health
Vegetables and Fruits
- Consume plenty of micronutrient-rich and phytochemical-rich vegetables and fruits, which may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer progression 1
- Tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene deserve special attention, as they may have a beneficial effect on prostate health, though the evidence is not conclusive 1
- Watermelon and pink grapefruit are also good sources of lycopene 1
Healthy Fats
- Reduce intake of saturated fat from animal sources, as high intake has been associated with increased prostate cancer risk 1
- Increase consumption of fatty fish (salmon-type fish), which may decrease prostate cancer mortality rates 1, 2
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may help reduce prostate tumor growth through anti-inflammatory effects 3, 4
- Monounsaturated fats have been associated with better survival in prostate cancer patients 1
Plant-Based Proteins
- Soy foods (tofu and soy milk) containing phytoestrogens may be beneficial, though rigorous studies on their effects after prostate cancer diagnosis are limited 1
- Flaxseed, a source of lignan phytoestrogens, has shown potentially beneficial effects on prostate-specific antigen levels in small studies 1
Micronutrients
- Ensure adequate vitamin D intake of at least 600 IU per day 1
- Consume adequate but not excessive calcium (not exceeding 1200 mg/day), as high calcium intake has been associated with increased prostate cancer risk 1
- Vitamin E and selenium supplements have shown some promise in reducing prostate cancer risk in certain studies, though results are mixed 1
Dietary Patterns to Avoid
- Limit consumption of red meat and high-fat dairy products 1
- Avoid excessive calcium intake from both supplements and dairy products 1
- Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day 1
Additional Lifestyle Recommendations
- Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity 1
- Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity may be associated with higher mortality rates in prostate cancer patients 1
- Avoid tobacco products 1
Clinical Considerations
- The benefits of these dietary recommendations extend beyond prostate health to cardiovascular health, which is particularly important as cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in prostate cancer survivors 1
- For men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, attention to adequate vitamin D and appropriate calcium intake is especially important due to increased risk of osteoporosis 1
- Dietary modifications should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to prostate health that includes regular screening and appropriate medical follow-up 1
Potential Mechanisms
- Omega-3 fatty acids may inhibit prostate cancer through anti-inflammatory pathways, possibly mediated through the cyclooxygenase (COX-2) enzyme 2, 5
- Lycopene and other phytochemicals in vegetables and fruits may have antioxidant properties that protect against cellular damage 1
- Reducing saturated fat intake may decrease inflammation and hormonal factors that promote prostate cancer growth 1