4 ways to help prevent prostate cancer

It's impossible to prevent prostate cancer entirely, but an educated awareness of how to reduce the risks is certainly the best type of protection. Measures that considerably lower the risk -- encompassed by a healthy, balanced diet and a generally active lifestyle -- can help to protect you from prostate cancer.

There is a clear correlation between the amount of fruit and vegetables consumed daily and prostate cancer diagnosis. In East Asia, for example, prostate cancer in men is lower when compared to cases of prostate cancer in the West. This otherwise inexplicable difference has been attributed to the fact that, in general, East Asian men consume far more fruits and vegetables in their everyday diet.

Tomatoes, for instance, contain a highly potent antioxidant called lycopene, a chemical that has been proven to actively fight and decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Onions (and vegetables in the onion family) are packed with anticancer organosulphur compounds.

The benefits of cutting red meat from your diet can be illustrated by comparing cancer levels in the West with a country like Japan, which favours a diet of fish, supplemented by fruit, vegetables and starchy foods, such as rice and noodles.

Meat, which is high in animal protein, has shown to directly increase levels of prostate cancer. Cut down on consumption of processed meats, including sausages, ham, salami and bacon, and also try to limit red meats, including beef, lamb and pork.

Opt for poultry or fish instead.

Frying is a high-heat cooking method that creates certain dietary carcinogens and greatly increases the risk of prostate cancer. Meats, when fried, produce potentially harmful carcinogens like heterocyclic amines, while fried oil is known to produce aldehydes.

One study showed that the regular consumption of particular fried foods was directly connected with a heightened risk of prostate cancer diagnosis. Frequent consumption of fried chicken, french fries and fried bread, including doughnuts, present the highest risk and should be avoided.

Studies have shown that endurance-based exercises work as highly effective preventive measures. Those who engaged in three or more hours of intensive exercise a week were 61 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer. Regular exercise boosts the immune system and improves circulation. The most effective exercises include aerobic activities like swimming, walking or jogging.

By following these basic pointers, you may substantially lower your risk for prostate cancer. While these are methods proven to lower the risk of cancer, they also provide a healthy lifestyle, which helps prevent numerous other health problems and improve general well-being.