Nutritionists will tell you, the secrets of good health are often left on your plate. The higher proportion of men affected by prostate cancer in Western countries has identified the foods at risk. Doctissimo reviews recent studies on the subject.
By the early 1990s, several studies épidémiologiques have stressed the influence of some bad eating habits. A diet containing too much fat could promote the occurrence of prostate cancer. In the dock, animal fats are the worst.
Food: prefer fish to meat
Role of diet in cancer of the prostateLes men who do not eat fish two to three times greater risk of prostate cancer than those who consume moderate or large quantities. This is the astonishing conclusion of a Swedish study published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet4. The salvation he came from the sea? Particularly fatty fish (mackerel, sardines, salmon, tuna …).
The survey covered 6 272 Swedish followed for 30 years. During this period, 466 prostate cancers were diagnosed.
After reviewing the dietary habits and lifestyle of patients, it appears that even moderate consumption of fatty fish (two to three times per week) would be protective against this type of cancer . The origin of this phenomenon, it was suspected fatty acids chaîne5 long, with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor. But the small number of cancers identified in this study does not provide a definitive conclusion.
The carrots are cooked!
It was also alleged as a protective effect linked to the consumption of beta-carotene (found in green vegetables, carrots) and lycopene (a carotenoid primarily in tomatoes, watermelons, grapes and crustaceans). But by studying 317 cases of prostate cancer, researchers New zélandais6 contend the lack of effect of the first and a weak protection related to foods lycopene from tomatoes.
Last link between prostate cancer and diet, a study américaine7 concluded that flaxseed may slow the progression of prostate cancer. In addition to their content of beneficial fatty acids Omega 3 family, these foods would be able to reduce testosterone levels in the blood. This male hormone is believed to accelerate the progression of prostate cancer. However, this research covered only 25 volunteers and other studies will confirm this action. Another question, what are the possible influences on the development of sexual characteristics and libido in these patients? Stay tuned …
Finally, a recent study suggests that a diet rich in calcium increases the risk of prostate cancer. But this last link is still very controversial …