Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor composed of cells of the prostate gland. This disease became the second largest cause of death in men after lung cancer.
But don’t worry; some studies have shown that some foods can affect your risk of prostate cancer, and even slow progress even if you already have it. So, anything in the natural foods that can fight prostate cancer? Here is the discussion:
1. Green tea
A study suggests, strong compound in green tea called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is able to block the process of cancer development. The study population claims, these compounds may be protective of some types of cancers, including prostate, stomach, colon, and breast. Even a study in China found that men who drank more than three cups of green tea every day can reduce the risk of prostate cancer more than 70 percent.
2. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is full of natural chemicals called polyphenols. This is a kind of powerful antioxidants, and for that reason why pomegranate juice is said to be good enough in the fight against cancer. Several early studies showed that polyphenols in the juice appears to slow the growth of cancer cells and promote cancer cells to kill themselves.
3. Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, and Other Fatty Fish
Eating some types of fish can protect your prostate. A research conducted by scientists from Sweden to more than 6,000 men (observed for 30 years) found that those with diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids in moderate amounts, has a 30 percent lower risk of prostate cancer.
Note: Try to get the essential fatty acids from food, not pills. So far the study shows, fish consumption may protect the prostate, but not to those who took fish oil supplements.
4. Broccoli, Cabbage and other vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage contain some anticancer compounds that help rid the body of substances that can damage cells in the body. Data from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study showed that eating five or more servings of vegetables per week can lower your risk of prostate cancer by 20 percent.
5. Garlic
Despite a less smelly odor in the mouth, but the garlic and various other types of onions may help prevent tumors by eliminating carcinogens before they damage cells. Onions also can encourage cancer cells to destroy themselves.
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute found that those who ate at least 10 grams of garlic or onion every day can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 49 percent. In fact, men who consumed at least five cloves of garlic every week can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 53 percent.