What Men Should And Shouldn't Eat For Prostate Health Slideshow

A study of 4,500 men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer found that "study participants who ate the largest amount of vegetable fats were less likely to die from prostate cancer — or any other cause — than men who consumed the most animal fats." The main reason the men who ate healthy fats lived longer than those who ate a diet higher in animal fats was that the cancer didn't spread from the prostate to other areas of the body.  

A meta-analysis by the American Society for Nutrition showed that increased fish consumption correlated with a 63 percent reduction in prostate cancer-specific mortality. In other words, men who ate lots of fatty fish were less likely to succumb to the disease.  However, the study failed to find any evidence that eating more fish could actually prevent prostate cancer.  

Asian holistic healers identified the health properties of goji berries nearly 6,000 years ago, and now modern science has found evidence supporting the ancient remedy. A recent study showed that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), a compound found in goji berries, has been linked to tumor reduction in the prostate of mice. 

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, also known as also known as EGCG, has been shown to promote apoptosis in multiple cancer cell lines, including prostate cancer, with no effect on non-cancerous cell lines. Three clinical trials have been performed in prostate cancer patients, with results suggesting that green tea may help delay or prevent the cancer's progression. 

The antioxidants found in pomegranates specifically work to target prostate cancer cells. A study presented at the American Urological Association's annual meeting in 2009 showed that drinking a daily 8-ounce glass of pomegranate juice could slow the progression of prostate cancer. Though the pomegranate juice did not eliminate the cancer, it greatly reduced the rate at which the prostate-specific antigens (PSA) multiplied. 

Asian men were found to have a less dramatic increase in prostate size as they aged compared to men from Western countries, and some scientists are linking this difference to soy consumption. Soy contains phytoestrogens, which have been shown to inhibit a key enzyme linked to the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. 

A study from the American Society for Nutrition showed that whole milk intake was positively correlated with prostate cancer-specific mortality, specifically among male physicians. Skim and low-fat milk were associated with less fatal degrees of prostate cancer.  

Hot dogs and lunch meats have been linked to all types of cancers, but they are specifically associated with prostate cancer. Processed meats contain chemicals called heterocyclic amines, which have been found to be mutagenic, meaning they alter DNA and may increase the risk of cancer. HCAs are found almost solely in meats cooked at high temperatures.

There's strong evidence that overconsumption of red meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and goat increases the risk of developing all types of cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund suggests eating no more than 500 grams (cooked weight) of red meat per week.