A key gland of the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, prostate secretes a protective fluid that constitutes close to a third of the volume of the semen. As men age, the prostate gets larger. Majority of prostate cancer cases occur after the age of 65. The early stage of prostate cancer is usually symptomless, that’s why annual physicals are so important for prostate health monitoring.
Extensive research has shown that certain foods can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. A good preventative dietary strategy involves adding more tomatoes, berries, and whole grains to your diet, limiting animal proteins, and boosting your intake of plant proteins. One study in particular found a specific food item that helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer – so if you’re an aging male, you should definitely incorporate it into your diet.
Spinach helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer
The findings come from the researchers at Hokkaido University, Japan, who came to a conclusion that spinach may be one of the top fighting foods against prostate cancer. The researchers grew three types of prostate cancer cells in 15 different lab cultures, each supplemented with different kinds of vitamins.
The researchers found that the compound neoxanthin was most effective in preventing the growth of prostate cancer cells. Spinach is known for high levels of neoxanthin, so it makes perfect sense to consume spinach regularly for reducing your risk of prostate cancer.
Other tips to lower your risk of prostate cancer
Aside from increasing your spinach intake, here are some other tips to help you reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
- Choose a low-fat diet
- Eat more plant proteins than animal proteins
- Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables
- Eat more fish
- Reduce your intake of dairy
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Talk to your doctor about your risk, especially if you have a family history of prostate cancer.
Incorporating some of these tips into your daily health routine can help reduce your risk of prostate cancer.