Although study results vary, eating plenty of vegetables appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In one study, men who had the highest intake of vegetables had a 35 to 48 percent lower risk of prostate cancer than those with a low intake, with the greatest benefit coming from cabbage-family vegetables (see below). Fruits do not seem to have as strong an effect, although some recent studies do show a significant protective benefit.
Cabbage-family foods. Cruciferous vegetables, which include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and horseradish, have been identified as being particularly beneficial for reducing the risk of prostate cancer. One study found a reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer in men who ate more than one serving of broccoli or cauliflower weekly.
Tomatoes. Tomatoes cooked in olive oil seem to be more effective than raw tomatoes. Lycopene, found in cooked tomatoes, may be particularly beneficial — it is associated with lower risk of prostate cancer and with less aggressive cancers in those who do develop cancer. One small study involving 26 men with prostate cancer showed that 15 mg of lycopene twice daily for three weeks possibly led to reduction in the size and grade of the tumor found at surgery, and to a significant decline in PSA (prostate-specific antigen). Health food stores and some pharmacies carry lycopene. Given the tiny studies available so far, it is recommended that you stick to cooked tomato products and tomato juice (probably daily for high-risk patients) for lycopene.
Garlic and onions. Foods from the allium family, such as garlic, onions and scallions (green or spring onions), used daily appear to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 50 percent or more. They also may help reduce the progression of prostate cancer. A bonus: there is little in the way of risk or cost. Garlic supplements can’t be recommended because of insufficient evidence. Stick to the real thing for now.
Raspberries. These sweet red berries also appear to have significant anti-prostate-cancer properties, probably because of the ellagic acid they contain. One cup of raspberries per week is the therapeutic dose recommended by the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Pomegranates and pomegranate juice. This fruit shows some promise of a protective benefit for men with prostate cancer. In the first human study, prostate cancer patients who drank 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily had a slower rise in PSA levels than those who didn’t. Whether this will have a true long-term benefit in patients is unclear, but it certainly is reasonable to include pomegranate in the diet.
Increased fruit and vegetable consumption also is related to lower risks of other cancers, as well as lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. In addition, it reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. What’s not to like about that?
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© 2008, Miles Hassell, M.D.
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