5 Foods That Can Help Prevent Prostate Cancer

Medical communities were jumping up and down this week about the discovery of a new drug to help advanced prostate cancer. When the drug, Zytiga, was added to hormonal treatments, it eliminated the cancer in nearly one-third of the men studied, reports HealthDay.

While the news is groundbreaking, the tried-and-true methods to prevent prostate cancer still prove effective, namely your diet. Research shows that certain foods can prevent prostate cancer in men. Here's a list of the foods to eat and why they work:

Soy: Start pouring soy milk on your cereal and you'll see the difference — research shows that the nutrients in soy, isoflavones, act like estrogen in the body and inhibit tumor cell growth. Take a look at the Asian cuisine, as well — research shows that compared to China, the U.S. has much higher incidences of prostate cancer. It's been assumed that because of the Chinese diet, that's high in soy, Chinese men are less likely to develop the cancer.

Tomatoes: Load up on the tomato soup and bring on the spaghetti. Tomatoes have been shown to increase your body's lycopene reserves, a cartenoid that protects cells from damage. Higher lycopene levels have been linked lower prostate cancer rates.

Fatty fish: Tuna, salmon, sardines, and trout have that magic nutrient — omega 3's — that are known cancer fighters. These fish have been linked to lower prostate cancer incidences as well.

Flaxseed: In clinical studies, mice given flaxseed showed slowed cancer growth and reduction. Cook with flaxseed oil rather than vegetable oil.

Cruciferous veggies: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and bok choy are your new best friends. Several studies have linked these veggies to decreased risk for prostate cancer, thanks to their compounds that protect cells from damage.