Prostate cancer: diet reduces the risk of cancer spreading

The study shows that the plant-based diet can reduce this risk by half

A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts and whole grains can halve the chance of prostate cancer spreading, recent research suggests.

Men who consumed more plant-based foods were less likely to see their cancer grow, spread to the bones, and die from the disease than those who consumed fewer plant-based foods.

Scientists believe this may be due to reasons such as the high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in fruits and vegetables, which have been shown to help protect against disease.

The findings indicate that simple lifestyle changes can help many men living with early-stage disease live full lives.

The men followed for 6.5 years

The research involved more than 2,000 men in the United States who had been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (that had not spread) between 1999 and 2018. They were asked about their diet and lifestyle and were followed for an average of 6.5 years.

Those who ate a diet with a higher percentage of plant-based foods generally consumed 1.9 more servings of vegetables, 1.6 more servings of fruit, and 0.9 more servings of whole grains per day than those who ate they consumed less. They also consumed on average one serving less of dairy products, 0.4 servings less of animal fat, slightly fewer eggs and less meat.

Researchers at the University of California found that prostate cancer progression, including recurrences and secondary treatment, was 47 percent lower among those who consumed the highest levels of plant-based diets.

“These findings suggest that consuming a predominantly plant-based diet may be associated with improved prostate cancer-specific health outcomes among men with prostate cancer,” the authors wrote in the journal JAMA.

The Mediterranean Diet is a good inspiration

Slightly reducing your intake of animal products and emphasizing nutrient-rich plant-based foods can be beneficial, they say. Previous research had shown that the Mediterranean diet – which also includes oily fish – was linked to slower tumor progression among men with localized prostate cancer.

Eating less meat and dairy has also been linked to a reduction in common side effects seen in prostate cancer patients, including erectile dysfunction and loss of bladder control.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.