Those assigned male at birth have a prostate gland that is located in the lower area of the body near the bladder and the rectum. This gland provides several functions for the body, but it is also prone to having several health problems. Fortunately, there are four dietary tips that are recommended for protecting the health of the prostate.
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is considered one of the best vegetables to eat to prevent prostate problems. This is a versatile vegetable that you can cook in a variety of ways, or alternatively, you can eat it raw. You can find fresh or frozen broccoli at a low price at your local supermarket. The nutrients in broccoli include antioxidants, vitamin C and manganese. You can eat broccoli several times a week in main dishes or salads so that your body’s prostate is healthier.
2. Cooked Tomatoes
Look for fresh or canned tomatoes that you can use in your favorite recipes. While raw tomatoes are healthy, the nutrients in tomatoes are more accessible when the foods are cooked alone or mixed with other ingredients that are also cooked. Think about all of the ways that you can use tomatoes, including in pots of spicy chili or in the sauce for spaghetti. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene that is one of the best types of antioxidants that can protect your prostate.
3. Brightly Colored Berries
Brightly colored berries contain nutrients that prevent prostate cancer. These delicious fruits can control the release of the hormones that will protect the prostate. Some of the berries that you can choose include blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries that you can eat raw or that you can use in an assortment of recipes.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Fish
Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for the prostate gland. Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease the inflammation from the free radicals in your body’s cells, including in the prostate gland. Some of the fatty fish that you can eat will include salmon, tuna or mackerel, and dietitians recommend baking or steaming the fish rather than deep-frying it.
Learn the Signs of Prostate Problems
These dietary suggestions may help supplement your prostate health, but there are diseases that should be looked at by a professional and not managed by diet alone. There are some signs that can indicate that you have a prostate problem, including the inability to urinate comfortably or having problems with frequent urination. If you notice blood in your urine or have one of the other symptoms, then you should contact your primary physician for an examination and medical tests. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, except for skin cancer. However, there are treatments like prostate cancer radiation therapy that could help as treatment. If you have not been screened for prostate cancer and are above the age of 40 consult your primary care physician.