Five nutrients for prostate health

It's National Men's Health Week; this important health week occurs every year the week before Father's Day to promote an awareness of men's health issues, detection and prevention. This year it is being observed from June 15th through June 21st. One of the top issues for men is prostate health. Here are five nutrients that provide important benefits for the prostate.


Lycopene: This antioxidant gives many foods their red color. Research has shown it to be helpful in reducing cancer and and heart disease. Lycopene has also been shown to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. Find it in tomatoes and tomato-containing foods like sauces, salsa, ketchup, and tomato paste. Lycopene can also be found in watermelon, guava, papaya, and pink grapefruit.


Selenium: An essential trace mineral selenium is necessary to immune system and thyroid health. Research indicates that it can also protect the prostate as well as reducing heart disease. Get this important antioxidant from brazil nuts, tuna, salmon, shitake mushrooms, shellfish, and garlic.


Sulforaphane: This antimicrobial, antioxidant phytochemical has properties that help reduce inflammation and remove carcinogens. It also helps the body make detoxifying enzymes and fight oxidative damage. Sulforaphane can be found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale and kohlrabi.


Vitamin C: An antioxidant water-soluble vitamin which is highly available in red bell peppers, papaya, carrots, sweet potatoes, and citrus fruits. There are some reports that vitamin C's diuretic effect helps make urination easier for men with enlarged prostates. Additionally those who consume higher amounts of vegetables and fruits with vitamin C may have a lowered chance of developing an enlarged prostate to begin with.


Zinc: Men lose zinc every time they have an ejaculation making their need for this trace mineral higher than that of women. Zinc deficiency is also implicated in prostate enlargement so getting enough may help reduce or avoid this condition. Zinc can be found in shellfish – especially oysters, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, beans, peas, lentils, and molasses.


So remember, for prostate health eat a diet high in antioxidant vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Also remember to practice kegels and testicular self-examination, you can find out how in the links below.
http://www.examiner.com