Prevent Prostate Cancer Through a Better Diet

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. It develops primarily in men over fifty and is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men in the U.S.  As with all diseases, an ounce of  prevention is worth a pound of cure. There have been several studies regarding prostate cancer prevention though we still have a long way to go. A healthy diet has been linked to the reduction in of new prostate cancer cases. The following are some tips to consider to reduce your risk of prostate cancer through a better diet.

Choose a low fat diet. Studies show that a high fat diet increases the risk for developing prostate cancer. Having a low fat diet has several health benefits that help prevent prostate cancer. Low fat diets have been linked to weight loss. Maintaining an ideal wight has been shown to have a positive impact on preventing  the cancer. Reduce your fat consumption . Choose low-fat snacks and meals and avoid fatty foods as much as you can. Use lean meat and cut out visible fat when cooking.

Substitute plant fat for animal fat when possible. Fats derived from animal sources are closely associated with higher risk of prostate cancer. These include butter, whole milk, red meat, and eggs. Use plant-based fats instead of animal fats if possible. Use olive oil instead of mayonnaise for your salad dressing. Soy milk can be used instead of whole milk when baking.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain essential nutrients that help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Researchers may not be able to point which nutrient exactly reduces the risk, but consuming fruits and vegetables is a great way of decreasing your consumption of unhealthy food.

Include fish in your diet. Fatty fish like herring, mackerel, salmon, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acid, an essential fatty acid associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Fish and other foods such as flax seed which are  high in Omega-3s are ideal for optimal health.

Limit dairy product intake. Studies have shown that a diet which includes a high amount of dairy products is associated with a high risk of prostate cancer. Although the results aren’t concrete, it is a good idea to reduce your intake of dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt or at least lower high fat dairy products. Opt for healthier daily such as low-fat/non fat yogurts and fat free milk.

Drink green tea. Recent studies have found that green tea, taken as a drink or as a supplement, can reduce men’s risk of developing prostate cancer.

Add legumes to your diet. Legumes such as chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, and soy are rich in isoflavones, a compound that is believed to reduce the incidence of cancer. Legumes can be used as a healthier substitute for meat.

Limit alcohol intake. Limit your alcohol intake. There may be no clear evidence that directly links alcohol with prostate cancer, but one study have shown an increased risk of developing the disease among heavy alcohol drinkers.

Contact your Insurance Provider. Many health insurance companies often  look favorably upon a healthy diet and regular exercise. Contact your insurance provider today to see if they offer any healthy lifestyle incentives such as reduced gym membership and discounts for foods and vitamin products.