Overview
The prostate is a gland that produces fluid for semen. Before age 40, it rarely causes problems. From age 40 on, however, your risk for an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, and an inflamed prostate, or prostatitis, increase. One in six men will develop prostate cancer, often experiencing few initial symptoms, according to the Prostate Conditions Education Council. In addition to regular medical exams, certain foods may help lower these risks and enhance healing from prostate conditions.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are top sources of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, which support your body's ability to resist and heal from infections and disease. Eating at least 28 servings of vegetables per week, or roughly four servings per day, have shown a reduced risk for prostate cancer compared to men who eat less than 14 weekly servings, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Tomatoes and tomato products provide rich amounts of lycopene -- an antioxidant linked with lowered prostate cancer risk. Although research is lacking, vitamin C may support healing from bacterial prostatitis. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in vitamin C and other protective nutrients include berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers and squash.
Cold-water fish provide more omega-3 fatty acids-per-serving than other foods. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats your body must obtain from food. In addition to promoting positive brain function and cardiovascular health, increasing your consumption may lower your risk for prostate cancer and cancer progression, according to the UCSF Medical Center. They may also help manage inflammation associated with prostate conditions. Fish particularly high in omega-3s include herring, mackerel, salmon, halibut, flounder, lake trout and sardines. For added benefits, use heart-healthy cooking methods, such as poaching, broiling and grilling fish atop olive oil.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds provide heart-healthy, unsaturated fats and antioxidants, such as vitamin E. Pumpkin seeds have been used throughout history for improved prostate health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Flaxseeds, walnuts and canola oil are valuable plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. To maintain low saturated and trans-fat intake, which is important for positive overall and prostate health, snack on nuts and seeds instead of potato chips, and top whole grain bread with almond or peanut butter instead of butter or high-fat cheese.
Lean Meats and Seafood
Lean meats and seafood are high in the mineral zinc, which may help reduce an enlarged prostate, according to the UMMC. Choose lean meats to maintain modest saturated fat and cholesterol intake. Oysters, beef, crab, pork shoulder, chicken legs, pork tenderloin and chicken breasts are particularly rich in zinc.
Whole Grains
Because whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain, they provide more antioxidants, fiber and protein than refined grains, such as refined flour. The UCSF Medical Center recommends a primarily plant-based diet, rich in whole grains, for lowered prostate cancer risk. As fiber-rich, low-glycemic foods, or foods that have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels, whole grains may also delay hunger cues and ease the process of weight management. For best results, replace enriched breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods with whole grains. Nutritious options include brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, barley and popcorn.
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