Author: Dean Rouseberg
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, salmon and pomegranate ... Why exactly are they useful for men?
In recent years, the benefits of pomegranate have been constantly discussed by scientists, and more and more evidence is being found to support it.
This unusual fruit is valuable for its richness of antioxidants and a specific phytonutrient - elagitanin, which is actually useful especially for men and more specifically for prostate health. Studies show that pomegranate extract inhibits the reproduction of prostate cancer cells and accelerates their apoptosis.
Elagitanins have been found to be involved in the formation of new blood vessels, which are needed for tumor growth.
A University of California study also confirms that pomegranate juice slows the progression of prostate cancer in men after surgery or radiation therapy, although PSA levels rise, which is an indication of a possible return of the disease.
Pumpkin seeds are another unique natural product that is especially useful for men with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Enlarged prostate gland in men after the age of 50 is a common problem. A factor for it is the overstimulation of prostate cells by testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Pumpkin seed oil has the ability to prevent the increased synthesis of these hormones to a level that could bring growth to prostate cancer cells.
The oil is distinguished by its content of carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. At this stage, it is clear that men with higher carotenoid levels reduce the risk of prostate hypertrophy.
Another useful element in the seeds is zinc , which, in addition to being the mineral that fights infections, also prevents the development of prostate cancer.
Salmon is mentioned all the time when it comes to healthy eating. Salmon is the type of fish that is richest in omega-3s. In particular, these fish fatty acids suppress the development of prostate cancer, and when it is already present - slow down its growth.
A 2009 study published in Clinical Cancer Research mentioned that eating salmon once a week reduced the risk of developing prostate cancer, even in predisposed people. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are omega-3 fatty acids, have a strong antiangiogenic effect, ie they inhibit the development of new blood vessels in tumor formations.
In order for salmon to be useful, however, the one whose color varies from red to pink or orange should be consumed. Farmed salmon do not offer the same means to combat the development of new blood vessels.
Another useful product for men are tomatoes. The specific phytonutrient in them, lycopene, is not lost even during cooking, on the contrary - it is known to change the health of the prostate for good. It can be consumed in any way and only 50 g of tomato paste per day for 10 weeks are enough. It has been proven that tomato products can reduce the size of the prostate by 10%, the risk of developing prostate cancer by 35% and the risk of its aggressive form by 53%. It is enough to eat one serving of tomatoes or tomato product a day to protect DNA from changes leading to cancer.