Foods and Prostate Health: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Diet plays an important role in supporting prostate health. While some foods may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, others can increase inflammation and worsen outcomes. Here’s a quick guide to foods to eat and avoid.

Foods and Prostate Health: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Urologists note that while diet alone cannot prevent prostate cancer, adopting a plant-forward, anti-inflammatory diet may support treatment outcomes and improve overall prostate health.

Foods That May Support Prostate Health

  • Tomatoes & Cooked Tomato Products – Rich in lycopene, linked to reduced prostate cancer risk.
  • Fatty Fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines) – Provide omega-3 fatty acids that lower inflammation.
  • Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts) – Contain compounds protective against cancer.
  • Green Tea – High in antioxidants that may slow disease progression.
  • Nuts & Seeds (Walnuts, Flaxseeds) – Provide healthy fats and beneficial nutrients.
  • Berries (antioxidants)
  • Pomegranate (shown in studies to slow prostate cancer progression)
  • Legumes (soy, beans, lentils – contain phytoestrogens that may lower risk)
  • Whole grains (fiber supports hormone balance)
  • Olive oil (anti-inflammatory healthy fat)

Foods to Limit or Avoid

  • Red & Processed Meats – Linked with increased prostate cancer risk.
  • High-Fat Dairy Products – May contribute to more aggressive cancer progression.
  • Fried & Processed Foods – Promote inflammation and obesity-related risks.
  • Sugary Drinks – Excess sugar raises obesity risk, indirectly affecting prostate health.

Quick Chart: Foods and Prostate Health

Foods to Eat More OfFoods to Limit/Avoid
Tomatoes, tomato sauce, lycopeneRed & processed meats
Salmon, sardines, mackerelHigh-fat dairy
Broccoli, cauliflower, kaleFried & processed foods
Green tea, soy productsSugary drinks
Flaxseeds, walnutsExcessive alcohol

Conclusion

Balancing your diet with more vegetables, fish, and whole foods—while reducing red meat, fried items, and high-fat dairy—can support a healthier prostate and may lower the risk of cancer progression.

References

  1. Harvard Health – A Healthy Diet May Help Keep Prostate Cancer Growth in Check
  2. American Cancer Society – How to Prevent Prostate Cancer (Diet & Lifestyle Tips)
  3. Healthline – Prostate Cancer and Your Diet Explained
  4. National Cancer Institute – Nutrition and Prostate Cancer: Making Healthy Diet Decisions (MSKCC)
john smith