Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
The prostate gland lies between the bladder and the penis. It is a small walnut-sized gland that produces seminal fluid to keep sperm safe.
The size of this gland increases with age. While generally, people do not face any problem, some may experience conditions such as:
- Prostatitis: An infection in the prostate which causes inflammation
- Enlarged prostate: Also termed benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), the condition causes a prostate enlargement in men over 50
- Prostate cancer: One of the most common forms of cancer in men, prostate cancer mainly occurs due to older age
A few symptoms of prostate complications include:
- Dribbling urine
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the semen or urine
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back
Like any other body part, the health of the prostate largely depends on the diet.
In this article, you’ll learn about the five dietary choices that can help keep the prostate gland healthy and improve your overall health.
Berries
Berries are a great source of antioxidants and can protect everything from your head to toe.
They are rich in several nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, vitamin B6, and magnesium, which help improve prostate health and minimize the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are some easily available berries that also provide a range of other benefits such as:
- Improving brain functions
- Managing diabetes
- Improving cardiovascular health
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Fighting cancer
- Improving digestion
- Minimize the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI)
Nuts
Nuts like cashew, pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are rich in antioxidant properties and other nutrients such as zinc, vitamin E, calcium, iron, and more.
According to studies, regularly consuming nuts in moderation improve prostate health and lowers the risk of fatality due to prostate cancer.
Opt for nuts as your snacks, mix them in your smoothie, or have them the way you want to. Nuts can also benefit you in the following ways:
- Managing weight
- Controlling cholesterol levels
- Managing Type 2 diabetes
- Improving heart health
- Reducing inflammation
Beans
Beans are plant-based proteins commonly used in almost every Indian household to make curry, salad, and many more recipes.
They are loaded with nutrients, such as protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and have high antioxidant properties that help promote prostate health.
Black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and pinto beans are some options you can include in your diet and attain benefits including:
- Lower risk of fatty liver
- Diabetes management
- Improve heart health
- Lower risk of cancer
- Improve gut health
Green tea
Green tea is undoubtedly one of the healthiest beverages loaded with antioxidant properties.
Its easy availability and cooking procedure makes it one of the most popular tea.
Regular consumption of green tea can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and provide other benefits such as:
- Improve brain function
- Maintain healthy weight
- Protect against cancer
- Improve heart health
- Manage diabetes
Tomatoes
Tomatoes aren’t just for making your curries taste and salad look better.
This fruit has a high volume of health-protective antioxidant properties and a host of vital nutrients such as – folate, vitamin C, potassium, and more.
According to research, tomatoes may help protect against prostate cancer. These fruits can also benefit your health in the following ways:
- Improving skin and hair health
- Making bones healthy
- Controlling blood sugar levels
- Boosting immunity
- Promoting digestion
Final thoughts
The prostate gland is an essential body part for men.
Including the above-mentioned five foods in your diet can help the gland function properly and reduce the risk of several complications.
Moreover, you should also frequently opt for prostate screening.
This health check can provide you with vital insights to prevent the onset of any complications.
In case you are already afflicted, it can help you to take necessary preventive measures to control the aggravation.