Here Are 8 Natural Prostate "Foods" (Supplements) You Need to Know About
As men age, they are at increased risk for developing prostate problems.
If you're a man over the age of 40, you need to know about these "foods" - foods and supplements.
An enlarged prostate can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like urinary frequency and urgency, difficulty urinating, and even sexual dysfunction. But but these healthy foods and naturally occurring supplements can help keep your prostate healthy.
Here are 8 of the key dietary items you need to know about for maintaining a healthy prostate.
Green tea extract
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which are nutrients that scavenge harmful toxins called free radicals from the body. Free radicals have been linked to cancer development, so antioxidants like green tea extract may help reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. A 2007 study found that green tea extract was effective in reducing the growth of human prostate cancer cells in vitro (in a petri dish). Free radical damage can also lead to inflammation, so green tea extract may also help reduce inflammation associated with an enlarged prostate.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain high levels of zinc, which is essential for prostate health. Zinc helps to reduce inflammation and is essential for proper hormone balance. You can also get the benefits of these seeds in pumpkin seed oil supplements.
Pygeum Africanum
Pygeum Africanum is another old-time remedy for prostate problems.
It comes from the bark of an African tree and is thought to work in a similar way to saw palmetto, by reducing inflammation and cell growth.
A 2008 study found that pygeum africanum was effective in relieving urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is a supplement that's been used for centuries to treat urinary problems.
The Saw Palmetto is a type of palm tree whose berries have been shown to be effective in treating an enlarged prostate. It's thought to work by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of prostate cells.
A 2010 review of studies found that saw palmetto was effective in treating urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. In one study, saw palmetto was found to be more effective than a placebo in reducing urinary symptoms and improving sexual function.
Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that's important for many bodily functions, including metabolism, reproduction, and thyroid function.
It's also necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system.
Another little interesting factoid: a 2009 study found that selenium supplementation may improve some aspects of semen quality in men with infertility caused by an impaired sperm count.
While selenium hasn't been specifically studied for its effects on the prostate, it's thought to be beneficial because of its role in reproductive health.
Beta Sitosterol
Beta Sitosterol is a natural substance found in vegetable oils, nuts and avacados. It has been widely studied for how it lessens the effects of BPH (benign prostate enlargement). While this substance, by itself, hasn't been shown to reduce prostate size (by itself) it has proven to help lessen the symptoms of enlarged prostate.
The interesting thing about Beta Sitosterol is that it "amplifies" the effect of Stinging Nettle (which is listed next).
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle is an herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It has been shown to be effective in treating an enlarged prostate and reducing urinary symptoms associated withprostate problems.
The interesting thing about Stinging Nettle is that in addition to reducing the annoying affects of enlarged prostate, this stuff has actually been shown in some NIH studies to actually help reduce the SIZE of the prostate.
So it doesn't just alleviate the symptoms of prostate enlargement. It can actually help in reducing the size of the prostate.
And in those studies, it seems to work better when combined with the Beta Sitosterol, mentioned above.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for good health, and that includes prostate health.
A 2012 study found that men with lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to develop an enlarged prostate.
Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish, eggs, and fortified foods like milk and cereal. You can also get it from sunshine, but make sure to wear sunscreen!
Conclusion:
If you are over the age of 40, it is important to take steps to maintain a healthy prostate. Saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, green tea, soybeans, and stinging nettle are all great supplements that can help keep your prostate healthy as you age.
These are just a few examples of natural foods and supplements that can help keep your prostate healthy as you age.
Remember to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, as some supplements can interact with medications you may be taking or have other side effects. But incorporating some or all of these supplements into your daily routine could help keep your prostate healthy for years to come!