10 diet tips for a healthier prostate

The perfect prevention for prostate cancer, and the key for a healthier prostate, can be in your plate. Scientists have found that certain foods can help maintain the prostate healthy, while others can increase the risks of diseases. Here are ten tips to keep in mind when choosing your next meal:

1. Remember to eat vegetables from the cruciferous family, such as broccoli and cabbage. These have important photochemicals that are protective.

2. Omega-3 is also a protective substance, so it is important to eat fish and vegetable oils to get the right amount of this beneficial fat.

3. Vitamin E also tends to reduce the chances of cancer - and it can be found in a wide variety of food, such as whole grains, nuts, seeds and margarine.

4. Speaking of whole grains, they have plenty of substances important for prostate health. These include, asides from the above mentioned vitamin E, fibre, selenium and phytochemicals.

5. Quite obviously, substances that irritate the urinary tract are not good for prostate health, and should be avoided. These include alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods.

6. If there is one important substance not only for prostate health but for maintaining the health of the whole body, that is lycopene. This very benefical substance, found in tomatoes, strawberries and watermelons (along with any product made of these) seems to reduce the risks of prostate cancer. The good news is: it seems that tomatoes release more lycopene when cooked, and the substance is better absorbed when consumed with a little fat - so, the perfect combination for a good amount of lycopene would be some tomato-based pasta sauce, along with some olive oil. Sound good, huh?

7. Another important substance for protection is selenium, an antioxidant found in seafood and nuts, as well as wheat germ, oats and brown rice.

8. Try not to eat too much red meat - studies have shown it can lead to prostate problems.

9. On the other side, soy products can help prevent prostate illnesses, and can even help slow down the growth of a tumor.

10. Last, but not least: remember to drink plenty of water and other liquids. These fluids are important to flush the bladder and keep the urinary tract healthy.