A diet based on the consumption of natural products is the best that can be given to the body. Research proves that certain nutrients support health to avoid changes in the body leading to prostatitis, hypertrophy, and prostate cancer.
What are these products?
1. Of all the nuts, the one that gave Brazil its name turned out to be the richest in selenium. Just thirty grams of a Brazil nut contains selenium at a dose ten times the recommended daily allowance. Selenium is one of the trace elements with a strong antioxidant effect and, in addition to prostate cancer, strengthens the defense against changes in other glands of the body.
This seed actually originates and grows naturally in most of South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, and Bolivia). It is also rich in zinc, another valuable mineral for men’s health and especially for the prostate and testicles. The Brazil nut also contains valuable amino acids, magnesium, and thiamine.
Although it is rich in saturated fat (25%) and its limited consumption is recommended, you can easily develop the habit of eating a handful of Brazil nuts per week to prevent prostatitis.
2. For most men, vegetables are not a tempting food, but broccoli is one of the groups of cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale that contain the highest amount of phytonutrients known for their anti-carcinogenic properties – sulforaphane and indoles.
Sulforaphane enhances the action of detoxification enzymes in the body, which eliminates potentially dangerous elements that lead to the development of tumor changes in the prostate gland. The phytonutrient indole-3-carbinol in broccoli inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) production, a study published in the journal Cancer found.
Eating broccoli more than once a week reduces the risk of prostate cancer progressing to advanced stages 3 and 4 by 45%, according to a large study of treatments for prostate, colorectal and ovarian cancer.
However, in order to preserve valuable nutrients in broccoli, they should not be cooked for more than 5 minutes, and the most suitable way to cook them is by steaming or steaming.
There is another subtlety in their preparation, to prevent the destruction of the precious broccoli enzymes by heat, they are broken into bunches and left for five minutes. In the already prepared dish, you can add a little extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and chili peppers.
3. Let’s talk! Hot red pepper is valuable for men because of the capsaicin it contains. It is known for its analgesic effect. In addition, it promotes the destruction of cancer cells, including prostate cells. In studies, it was found that capsaicin actually provokes the “suicide” of prostate cancer cells, that is, it affects the process of apoptosis in them. Without affecting healthy cells, this substance leads to the destruction of the “energy producer” of cells – mitochondria.
In addition to being anti-carcinogenic, capsaicin also aids cardiovascular health by acting as an antioxidant in the blood vessels, which scavenges free radicals that lead to atherosclerosis.
There is also scientific evidence that capsaicin prevents ulcers, clears nasal congestion, and reduces the risk of diabetes complications.
4. Turmeric is a perennial herb, also known as turmeric or Indian saffron, whose roots are used to make the spice of the same name. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is responsible for the specific color and tangy flavor of curry.
Over the past decade, research has steadily emerged on the benefits of curcumin. It’s potential to fight inflammation, infections including colds and flu, and asthma benefits are highlighted. Evidence is accumulating for its anticarcinogenic effects, including against prostate cancer.
A study conducted by the State University of New Jersey, USA, demonstrated that turmeric, both as a standalone supplement and as a seasoning for cruciferous dishes, in particular broccoli, cabbage, etc., changes the state of prostate health to a more favorable, that is, it is beneficial in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. According to the results of studies, this combination leads to a restriction of tumor growth.
A 2009 study from the Oregon Health and Science University documented that curcumin prevents the cancerous disease from metastasizing to the bone, while another study from the University of California showed that it causes cancer cells to self-destruct, i.e., apoptosis.
5. Mushrooms, especially Asian mushrooms, contain ingredients that help the body fight cancer. The Asian shiitake mushroom contains lentinan, a type of beta-glucan that has anti-carcinogenic properties. There is evidence that the compound inhibits the development of colon and breast cancer. There is still no accurate data on its effect on prostate cancer, but the 6,000-year history of its use in the treatment of men should not be overlooked.
Asian mushrooms are also rich in the antioxidant l-ergothioneine, especially shiitake, oyster, king oyster, reishi, and maitake. This antioxidant is especially strong in preventing the degeneration of cancer cells when exposed to toxins and other harmful substances.
The use of these mushrooms in the kitchen can be wide – in soups, sauces, dishes, salads, and even in combination with cereals.
6. The power of green tea lies in the catechins it contains. These polyphenols are antioxidants that can kill bacteria and viruses, boost the immune system, and support the body’s fight against several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Of all the seven types of catechins, epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG, is the most potent.
Studies have shown that EGCG reduces levels of prostate-specific antigen and two other prostate cancer biomarkers, hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor.
Catechins also help with precancerous changes in the prostate, such as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. From clinical studies, it is clear that daily intake of catechins reduces the risk of developing the disease into cancer. They also reduce the risk of urinary tract symptoms, making them suitable for treating an enlarged prostate.
Each subsequent study has shown that men who consume at least three cups of green tea a day reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer. Its ingredients, according to some researchers, limit the action of an enzyme that plays a key role in the onset of the disease and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. These compounds have the ability to “repair” damaged DNA elements responsible for tumor growth, as well as counteract the COX-2 enzyme, which plays a role in the progression of prostate cancer.
