When advancing age and a few bad daily habits combine, it sets the stage for the development of prostatitis and even prostate cancer.

The prostate—a vital organ unique to men—is often regarded as a man’s “life gland.” The health of the prostate is not only a symbol of men’s virility but also important for their health. When advanced age and a few bad daily habits combine, it sets the stage for the development of prostatitis and even prostate cancer. The early symptom of prostatitis is frequent urination, which is as inconvenient as it is worrisome.

A male friend of mine suffers from prostatic hypertrophy and chronic prostatitis and has to visit the bathroom every 20 or 30 minutes. This was highly disruptive to his work and daily life, and he felt pretty embarrassed.

Those who already suffer from prostate disease should receive treatment as soon as possible, and healthy men should nip it in the bud.

Role of the Prostate

The prostate is a small gland that’s part of the male reproductive anatomy and is responsible for the secretion of semen (prostatic fluid). The testicles produce sperm, while the prostate produces semen. The prostate, therefore, plays a crucial role in ensuring normal sperm function and maintaining human fertility.

In addition, the prostate secretes prostaglandins to prevent prostate enlargement. The prostate surrounds the male urethra, and if it grows too big, it may irritate or compress the urethra, leading to frequent urination, urinary retention, and other complications. I once met a patient in his 80s who had great difficulty urinating and needed to self-catheterize every time. Young males may not think about this kind of problem, but if you don’t start protecting your prostate early, once you develop a prostate condition, the problem will become more serious as you age.

7 Foods to Nurture Prostate Health

Studies show that persistent aerobic exercise can reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer recurrence or death by nearly 70 percent. At the same time, changing lifestyle habits can also effectively reduce the risk of prostate disease. Let us now focus on the seven dietary priorities beneficial to prostate health.

1. Water

Drinking water can help remove gunk and toxins from our bodies. In addition, it dilutes the urine, making it less likely that it will irritate the urethra, which can happen if the urine is very thick and contains a lot of waste. In addition, the prostate needs sufficient water to produce semen. However, if you have symptoms of frequent urination due to prostate problems, you should adjust the amount of water that you drink according to your situation.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene. Lycopene is also found in various red fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, and peppers, but tomatoes stand out because they possess the highest amount.

Lycopene is an antioxidant that can remove excess free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the damage they cause. It’s therefore especially important for the prevention of prostatitis and prostate cancer.

A study from Harvard University found that a diet high in lycopene was associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. There are also studies showing that cancer patients have less lycopene in their blood and tissues than those without cancer.

Moreover, lycopene is more easily absorbed after being heated, so if you want to eat tomatoes, it’s best to eat them cooked. Of course, if you seldom eat tomatoes, you can also take lycopene supplements.

3. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, contain glucosinolates, which help inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Scientists once conducted a study on the health of 11,405 men over 9.4 years. Results indicated an inverse relationship between glucosinolate intake and prostate cancer risk. In other words, more glucosinolate was associated with lower cancer risk.

However, it’s worth noting that, unlike lycopene, glucosinolates are easily broken down after over-processing. Therefore, cruciferous vegetables are best washed and eaten raw or lightly steamed to preserve their nutrients.

If you need more glucosinolates, consider taking supplements. The dosage of glucosinolate supplements usually ranges from 20 to 100 milligrams, depending on individual needs.

4. Healthy Fats

Healthy fats contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as animal fatty acids in fish and plant fatty acids in avocados and olives. Animal experiments and clinical intervention studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties and help manage inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids can prevent chronic prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy, and prostate cancer.

5. Green Tea

Green tea contains catechins, which have potent antioxidant effects and may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men. Studies have found that catechins can drain excess free radicals in the body, reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, and benefit prostate health.

6. Soybeans

Soy isoflavones are important biochemical constituents in soybeans and have certain phytoestrogenic effects, but this effect doesn’t appear to affect male sexual development or sexual function. It can, however, help regulate hormonal balance in the body and contribute to prostate health. Soy foods also contain other antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making them great for those suffering from prostate problems.

7. Curcumin

Curcumin, the key bioactive compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It’s highly effective against prostatitis. It can also reduce the risk of prostate cancer and inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Curcumin supplement dosages typically range from 500 to 2,000 milligrams, depending on individual body constitution and tolerance.

However, the human body’s absorption rate of curcumin isn’t that good in general. A more effective way is to take it with black pepper, which can improve the absorption rate. For this reason, some manufacturers combine these two nutrients.

In addition to consuming the above seven foods, avoid eating processed foods or excessive added sugars, red meat, and dairy products to better maintain men’s prostate health.