In patients with prostate cancer it is important to take care of their diet. There are foods that are not advisable and others that should be ingested. Dr. Chechile, a renowned specialist in Urology, and Director of the Medical Technological Institute and the Institute of Prostatic Diseases at the Dexeus University Institute, explains that there is a list of foods that are beneficial in the cure of the disease, which is why he recommends consuming or increasing their presence in the diet.
Foods recommended for prostate cancer patients
The first group of recommended foods are cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts or white and red cabbage. They should be steamed, microwaved at low power or fried with olive oil. In this way, neither the glucosilonates nor the vitamin C they contain will be lost. It is also important to add well-washed fresh fruit (if consumed with skin), to eliminate possible pesticide residues. Organic fruit is also a good option and it is also advisable to eat the fruit with the skin, as it contains a lot of natural fiber.
On the other hand, the medical specialist recalls the importance of being well hydrated and recommends drinking at least three cups of green tea a day, keeping the infusion for about 10 minutes, to release all the polyphenols contained in the leaves.
What other foods should we consider?
In addition to those mentioned so far, Dr. Chechile also stresses the importance of incorporating fish with a high content of omega-3 fatty acids into our diet. Other advisable foods are:
- Red fruits
- Seeds of flaxseed
- Organic poultry and eggs obtained from free-range, low-corn diet are recommended. Corn increases the levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which favor inflammation related to tumor growth.
- Foods with turmeric, as it is the most potent natural anti-inflammatory.
In addition, it reduces tumor growth, inhibits angiogenesis and produces apoptosis in cancer cells, also enhancing the effect of chemotherapy. Related to spices, black pepper enhances the assimilation of turmeric by the body. Olive oil, rosemary or thyme can also be incorporated to season steamed vegetables and salads. Basil, garlic and parsley can be used for stir-fries.
- Garlic, onion and leeks. They reduce the effects of several carcinogenic substances that are released by the combustion of tobacco or barbecued meat. Thus, patients who eat a lot of garlic will reduce the occurrence of kidney or prostate cancer.
- Mushrooms.
- Ginger.
- Pomegranate juice. It is highly beneficial for patients with prostate or breast cancer. It should be consumed 250 ml. a day. Likewise, natural orange juice is also highly recommended, as is the consumption of two pieces of citrus fruit a day.
- Dark chocolate with more than 70% cocoa. It should be consumed between 20 and 40 grams per day. It will help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
And why not, if the doctor does not forbid it, we can also eat a glass of red wine a day.
Below is a series of daily amounts of foods with anti-cancer properties, according to R. Béliveau and D. Gringas (2007):
- Brussels sprouts: ½ cup
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage): ½ cup
- Onions, shallots: ½ cup
- Spinach, watercress: ½ cup
- Soybeans: ½ cup
- Raspberries, blackberries: ½ cup
- Dried blueberries: ½ cup
- Grapes: ½ cup
- Citrus juice: ½ cup
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Flaxseeds: 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper : ½ teaspoon
- Dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa): 40 grams
- Green tea: 3 cups of tea per day (250 ml)
- Red wine: 1 glass