For Women: Best Foods for Prostate Health

By Dexter Yarbrough. Some of you may be wondering why an article about prostate health includes 'women' in the title. When it comes to the prostate, many believe that it is a male problem only. Well ladies, many men don't like to deal openly with prostate issues because it impacts their manhood and, well, there is the issue of that digital rectal exam (whew!). It is one of those troubling topics for men, which may explain why many men still don't get a prostate exam. Unfortunately, many men die from prostate cancer.

Men will have to deal with prostate problems at some point. So ladies, if you are involved in a relationship with a man, this problem will effect you as well. While doctors suggest that men have their prostates checked regularly after the age of 45, it is never too early to choose the types of food that are most beneficial to the prostate. As usual, men need assistance (jk) and your help in ensuring that your partner gets the right nutrition will go a long way!

Since many women make dinner or specials meals for men, providing the foods mentioned in the next several sections are ways that you can help him get the proper prostate nutrition. The key is to be sensitive when discussing this topic and, if necessary, to introduce these foods gradually and in the most appetizing ways.

Vitamins A, C and E are known antioxidants that can help prevent prostate cancer. Foods that are rich in these vitamins and help keep your prostate healthy include, citrus fruits, blueberries, red peppers, tomatoes and grapes. Sweet potatoes, carrots and cantaloupes are foods that are rich in beta-carotene, which boosts the immune system and naturally helps keep cancer, among other ailments, at bay. Watermelon and pink grapefruit (as well as tomatoes) are lycopene-rich foods that have been associated with reduced rates of prostate cancer.

Vitamins B6 and D also play a role in positive cell growth, which fights the cancerous cells that produce prostate problems. Foods that are rich in these include lettuce, spinach, apricots, and chicken livers.

The mineral selenium is also known to prevent prostate cancer. Eating foods such as garlic, fish, turkey and nuts (all contain selenium) help you fight off prostate cancer. Fish like salmon, cod and tuna also contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Broccoli, kale, cabbage, sprouts and cauliflowers are rich in suplorophane, which is a phytochemical that both fights cancer and rids the body of testosterone and other hormones that lead to the formation of cancers. It is suggested that men who eat 5 servings a day can cut prostate cancer risk up to 10 - 20 percent. I try to eat lots of broccoli!

Legumes, also known simply as beans - black, pinto, red and kidney - are high in fiber, which helps to flush excess testosterone from the system, as a build-up of that hormone can encourage the formation of cancer cells.

Flax seed meal is the ground seed of the flax plant. Flax seed meal is not only a tasty addition to salads and baked goods, but it might also benefit prostate health. While the full effect of flax seed on prostate cancer is being investigated, early research looks extremely promising. Some misconceptions exist regarding prostate cancer that keeps some men from choosing this healthy food in their diets.

Ladies, flax seed oil is not the same as flax seeds. Flax seed oil is a concentrated source of ALA (alpha linolenic acid), which has been questioned for its potential association of increasing prostate cancer risk. It seems that plant based sources of ALA has a beneficial effect on prostate health, but ALA derived from animal sources, such as meat or dairy, raises the risk of prostate cancer.

As such, you can moderately include flax seed in your loved ones diet. A lot of foods now contain flax seeds such as bread, cereal and other baked goods. Many bakers use flax seed flour or include flax seed in baking.

Flax seed is also high in protein and fiber.

Soy and rice milks are healthy alternatives to cow's milk, which has been known to increase the risks associated with prostate cancer. According to two major studies at Harvard University, men who cut their dairy intake or avoided it all together cut their cancer risk by 25 to 40 percent. Try using soy milk for cereal or soy cheese for sandwiches, as healthier substitutes. Personally, I prefer vanilla soy milk because it has a much better taste than regular soy milk. In any event, men really need to substantially reduce the dairy that is currently in our diets.

As you can see, these foods will go a long way in helping your man with protecting his prostate. Let him know that his health means a lot to you. Tell him that you not only desire to have a healthy sex life, but that you want him to have LIFE period. With over 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer each year, it is essential for women to be involved in the nutritious side of the health of men.

So ladies, your help with providing the right foods will go a long way in ensuring that men reduce their risk of prostate problems and live a more healthier, happier life! - Dexter Yarbrough

Copyright 2011