Did you know that a staggering three million men in the U.S. are currently living with prostate cancer, many of who are seeking ways to increase their survival rate? Good news – according to a 14-year study, making a few dietary changes can not only improve your chances of survival, but also double your survival rate.
Eating Right Makes a Huge Difference
Research conducted at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that consuming a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables can increase your chances of surviving prostate cancer. Men who want to improve their chances of living longer should turn their back on the standard American overly-processed diet and embrace a healthier lifestyle by eating clean, nutrient-dense meals.
Now, you may be wondering what specific foods and changes you should be implementing in your diet. Well, experts recommend opting for fewer processed meats (like hot dogs and luncheon meat), more fish, healthier oils, beans, and whole grains.
A Closer Look at the Study
The Harvard study analyzed the diets and lifestyles of around 1,000 men who were battling prostate cancer and were participating in the Physicians’ Health Study. The researchers closely tracked their health and meals for a period of 14 years.
Shocking results showed that the individuals who followed what the researchers call a “Western” diet – one filled with processed food, processed meats, and lacking fruits and vegetables – were 2.5 times more likely to die from their prostate cancer. Moreover, they were 67% more prone to die of any and all causes during the 14 years.
On the other hand, the men who followed what the researchers refer to as a “prudent” diet, one filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables, were generally 36% less likely to die during the study duration than the overall average.
No More Fast Food
So, what’s the takeaway from all of this? Avoid falling into the traps of fast-food restaurant commercials marketing ‘manly’ fast food meals. These cheap, unhealthy offerings might save you a few dollars at the moment, but they do not offer you any health benefits and will most likely cost you more in medical bills in the long run. Instead, make it a habit to prepare wholesome home-cooked meals that are rich in nutrients, fruits, and vegetables.
4 More Diet Tips to Fight Prostate Cancer
Here are four more suggestions for your dietary plan to help you improve your odds against prostate cancer:
- Consume more fiber: Men who eat high-fiber diets have been shown to have a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Opt for fiber-rich foods like beans, legumes, whole grains, and flaxseed.
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Choose tomatoes: Cooked or raw, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. You could also opt for tomato-based products like tomato sauce or paste.
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Add more soy: Several studies have indicated that eating more soy products like tofu, edamame, and soy milk can help lower your risk of prostate cancer. The primary component in soy, isoflavones, is believed to be responsible for these protective effects.
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Hydrate with green tea: Rich in catechins, a type of flavonoid, green tea offers various cancer-fighting properties. Drinking green tea regularly has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
With these well-studied dietary suggestions in mind, you can start making changes to your diet today and begin your journey to fight prostate cancer and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
