Why Does the Mediterranean Diet Promote Prostate Health?

A Mediterranean-style diet promotes prostate health because it contains:

Fiber, garlic, onions and fresh fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with precious antioxidants and other phytonutrients.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids (fish, shellfish, soy products, and nuts).

Fewer saturated fats, hydrogenated oils and vegetable oils (the Mediterranean diet calls for olive oil as a major source of monounsaturated fat and fewer chemical and hormone-laden meats; meat is used more to flavor sauces).

To protect your prostate, you should also eat:

Tomato products (including sauce). Literature indicates that 10 servings of tomato-based products a week, including tomato sauce, can promote prostate health.

Oranges, grapefruit, and other fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Modified citrus pectin, a substance that comes from citrus products, promotes prostate health and healthy PSA levels. However, avoid grapefruit if you are taking pharmaceutical drugs like calcium channel blockers, antibiotics, or antihistamines.

Seeds, sunflower seeds, soybeans, cashews, almonds, kidney beans, broad beans, and pecans.

Other supplements and herbs for prostate health:

Vitamin E: Promotes prostate health by preventing prostate cancer from moving to the progressive stages. Take 400-800 units daily.

Selenium: A major player in promoting prostate health. Take 100 micrograms in supplemental form.

Saw palmetto: A premier extract for male health. Contains fatty acids, esters, and sterols that promote and maintain prostate health. Take 160-320 milligrams daily.

Quercetin and fish oil: 1-2 grams of quercetin and 1-2 grams of fish oil daily can help maintain prostate health.

Zinc: Take 15-30 mg daily to support the prostate gland.

Phytosterols: Contain vital plant nutrients that support prostate health. The best sources are corn oil, soybean oil, olive oil, and sesame.

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