Although doctors really don’t know what causes prostate cancer, diet is quite heavily implicated as both a factor in the onset of cancer and in the treatment of cancer.
The following guidance is based primarily on advice from the UK prostate cancer charity and you can directly access the information at this link. I would suggest anyone exploring this area look through a number of sources (check out the book section of this blog) as this is a complex area.
The following is advice is only intended as a starter to whet your appetite(!).
Foods to avoid
The main culprits appear to be red meat and dairy products. In general men with prostate cancer or at risk of prostate cancer should avoid these and substitute soya milk for ordinary milk, for example. It may be that organic meat and dairy products are safe or safer but it is probably best just to avoid both red meat and dairy if possible.
The problem with these foods is their fat content.
Skinless chicken is better than red meat and organic/free range meat best. Free range eggs should be used in preference to battery farm eggs.
Good foods
Fortunately there are many foods that are very beneficial for prostate cancer sufferers and so it is possible to have a very varied and balanced diet. The main food groups that should be taken are:
Tomato juice
Tomato juice, or more specially the lycopene that it contains (processed and cooked tomatoes not raw) is the new wonder food for fighting prostate cancer. Also good is pomegranate juice.
Soya.
Soya is also meant to be another wonder food and prostate cancer sufferers should increase their weekly intake through the use of soya milk, soya custard, soya yoghurts, tufu, and other soya based products.
Green tea.
Green tea contains very powerful antioxidants which are beneficial for all cancers. It is strongly recommended to be a daily addition to the diet.
Vegetables.
Nearly all vegetables are meant to be good but broccoli, cabbage and sprouts are meant to be particularly beneficial.
Red wine
Yes the good news is that red wine (not white) is beneficial for cancer, although of course should be enjoyed in moderation!
This page does not included any information about supplements which is quite a contentious area. Further reading is advised for anyone interested in this area.
