When it comes to the prostate, everyone knows it is the "life gland" for men. Prostate cancer is also the number one "killer" of male health. However, many of our habits in daily life are closely related to the incidence of prostate cancer. So, how should men prevent prostate cancer?
1. Eat more foods rich in lycopene (tomatoes, cabbage)
Studies have found that men with high levels of lycopene in their blood have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, about 35% lower than those with low levels.
Lycopene belongs to the vitamin A family and is mainly distributed in male tissues such as the testes and prostate. Lycopene has strong antioxidant ability, can effectively eliminate free radicals in the prostate, prevent prostate aging, maintain sperm vitality and quality, and effectively prevent prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer.
2. Eat more legumes
A study of Swedish men found that regularly eating legumes can greatly reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. This is because legumes contain natural estrogen, which has a preventive effect on prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.
The research team found that men who frequently consumed legume foods in their daily diet had a 26% lower probability of developing prostate cancer compared to men who consumed less legume foods. The researchers explained that the estrogen in legume foods can compensate for male body defects and provide certain protection for the prostate.
3. Masturbate appropriately
According to a report from the BBC, Australian researchers have found that appropriate masturbation in men can effectively reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer and prevent male diseases such as chronic prostatitis.
Researchers studied 1,000 prostate cancer patients and 1,250 healthy men and found that men between the ages of 20 and 50 who ejaculated more frequently had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Generally, men who ejaculate about five times a week can reduce their cancer risk by one-third.
At the same time, malignant tumors have obvious hormone dependence. Men who have not had sexual activity for a long time will have significantly increased levels of male hormones in their bodies. Masturbation can to some extent lower the level of male hormones in the body.
4. Get moderate sun exposure
In some epidemiological surveys, it was found that many men living in high latitude areas died of prostate cancer due to lower levels of vitamin D in their bodies.
Experts believe that the daily normal level of vitamin D in the body should be maintained at around 400 international units, and it is difficult to achieve this value relying solely on vitamin D in food. Therefore, it is best to spend 10 minutes a day in the sun, which is helpful for the body to naturally synthesize vitamin D. However, the time should be controlled and excessive sun exposure should be avoided.
5. Supplement vitamin E
A study in the United States found that vitamin E can interfere with the ability of prostate cancer cells to produce prostate-specific antigen. When prostate cancer cells are exposed to vitamin E, the level of prostate-specific antigen decreases by at least 90%, and the growth of cancer cells is inhibited. At the same time, the number of cancer cells also decreases by 25-50%.
Foods rich in vitamin E include tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, and soybeans. Men should consume more of these foods in their daily diet. As for vitamin E supplements, the amount consumed should be controlled and not excessive.
