If you are on prostate therapy you may think that prostate nutriton is marginal. No, it is essential ! Any foods which are likely to cause inflammation are just going to worsen the situation. Usually the urologist recommends a prostate diet that limits such foods as coffee, spicy foods, lots of red meat and alcohol. Actually a study just published shows that a little red wine which contains flavanoids actually will do the prostate good so that will encourage some wine lovers. Moderation, as in all things,is the key. Basically I have found that you need to eat a wide variety of foods which have a lot of essential vitamins , minerals and nutrients. I try to avoid getting into a rut as well. Variety is the spice of life ! Some people claim that all they need do is to take a few supplements and all will be well. Would that it were so !
- 1. Fish - especially those that contain the ‘good' fats such as Omega 3 are recommended so you need to get salmon, mackerel and trout on the table at least a few times a week. Avoid other foods such as biscuits, cakes and fried stuff which contains trans fats which are not good.
- 2. I drink and consume very few dairy products because they contain too much calcium which is a No- No for the prostate. Instead I use SOYA milk and other soya products. It is also easier for me to do this as I have become lactose intolerant over the years. Research has shown too that the people of the Far East (ie Hong Kong) have become more susceptible to cancer because they no longer consume so much soya, preferring the fast food from the West. Yikes !
- 3. Fruit is also at the top of my list - maybe it should be number one. The more coloured the fruit the better so cherries, apricots, peaches, apples, bananas and pears. The latter are great for keeping you regular as constipation is another factor which puts more pressure on the prostate.
- 4. Nuts - all kinds. I try to eat a few fistfuls a day but not too many as they do contain quite a lot of oil and fat - but the healthy kind ! They are also shown to be heart protective.
- 5. Olive oil - great for salads and pouring over your veggies. So, forget about those other awful salad dressings. Olive oil is full of antioxidants. Steer clear of corn oil and canola.
- 6. Lots of vegetables and I favour the broad leafy ones such as spinach, chicory and then Brussels sprouts and broccoli are great too. They are cancer protective as indeed are cabbage and cauliflower if you can stand the smell! I love broad beans so I have added them to my list.
- 7. Green tea is a powerful antioxidant so substitute that for coffee when you are in a withdrawal state !. Green tea contains caffeine so you will still get your caffeine kick and so you will need to know how to limit that in accordance with your sleeping habits!
- 8. Red wine as I said is fine in moderation as indeed are all red berries so red grapes are recommended too.
- 9. Tomatoes contain lycopene which helps the prostate so that can go into salads. Watermelons and pink grapefruit contain lycopene as indeed does any kind of tomato sauce you can use in your favourite pasta or pizza dish.
- 10. The king of the supplements is Selenium which you can find in fish and nuts (see above). It can also be found in mushrooms, bran, wheat germ, oats and brown rice. And that is where my healthy breakfast cereal makes its entry with non fat milk or soya milk.
