Foods to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Surrounding a man's urethra, just under his bladder and next to his rectum, is a small gland known as the prostate. Responsible for the storage and secretion of seminal fluid, the prostate is an important part of the reproductive system. But it's also a gland at great risk of developing cancer. One out of six men, according to the Mayo Clinic, is affected by this disease. Recently, increasing focus has been placed on the connection between cancer and diet. Though the foods we eat may not necessarily prevent prostate cancer, it's believed that some may diminish the risk.

Lycopene

• While there's still debate on whether or not lycopene actually reduces the risk of prostate cancer, some studies, according to Harvard Medical School, show evidence to support its benefits. One of the main sources of lycopene is tomatoes, or at least tomato-based products, like spaghetti sauce, tomato soup and canned tomatoes. When tomatoes are cooked or processed, the lycopene is much more easily absorbed into the system than in raw tomatoes, potentially making tomato-based foods of a greater benefit. Other good sources of lycopene are watermelon, apricots, grapefruit, guava and papaya.

Quercetin

• Another nutrient believed to reduce the risk of cancer is quercetin, a natural antioxidant found in certain plants that "scavenge" free radicals associated with the development of cancer. Onions and apples are two of the main sources of this flavanoid, but it is also found in grapefruit, green tea, black tea and red wine. It can also be obtained from green leafy vegetables, though in much smaller concentrations.

Vitamin E

• While vitamin E has long been thought an ideal antioxidant for the skin, it is recently believed to have cancer-fighting properties as well. Sources of vitamin E are found in spinach, tomatoes, carrots, turnips, sweet potatoes, peppers and broccoli. Cereals and nuts are also great sources of this vitamin.

Selenium

• Selenium, a fiber and potent antioxidant, is also thought to possess cancer-fighting properties. Cereals made from corn, oats or wheat are good sources of selenium. Legumes and nuts provide another good source of this nutritious fiber. Even beef, chicken, turkey and cod all contain selenium.

Polyphenol

• Polyphenol, another powerful antioxidant, is a metabolite derived from plants that is thought to hinder the development and spread of cancer. Onions and apples are both good sources of polyphenol. It can also be found in green tea, red wine, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and red grapes.

Cruciferous Vegetables

• Foods belonging to the cabbage family, also known as cruciferous vegetables, are believed to help fight off cancer as well. Commonly referred to as "super vegetables," cruciferous foods are rich in the organic compound glucosinolates, believed to hold anticarcinogenic qualities. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula and bok choy all belong to this food group.