Tomatoes.Tomatoes cooked in olive oil seem to be more effective than raw tomatoes. Lycopene, found in cooked tomatoes, may be particularly beneficial — it is associated with lower risk of prostate cancer and with less aggressive cancers in those who do develop cancer. One small study involving 26 men with prostate cancer showed that 15 mg of lycopene twice daily for three weeks possibly led to reduction in the size and grade of the tumor found at surgery, and to a significant decline in PSA (prostate-specific antigen). Health food stores and some pharmacies carry lycopene. Given the tiny studies available so far, it is recommended that you stick to cooked tomato products (probably daily for high-risk patients) for lycopene.
Garlic and onions. Foods from the allium family, such as garlic, onions and scallions (green or spring onions), used daily appear to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 50 percent or more. They also may help reduce the progression of prostate cancer. A bonus: there is little in the way of risk or cost. Garlic supplements can’t be recommended because of insufficient evidence. Stick to the real thing for now.
Raspberries. These sweet red berries also appear to have significant anti-prostate-cancer properties, probably because of the ellagic acid they contain. One cup of raspberries per week is the therapeutic dose recommended by the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Cabbage-family foods. Cruciferous vegetables, which include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and horseradish, may be just as valuable as tomatoes. Raw is fine.
Increased fruit and vegetable consumption also is related to lower risks of other cancers, as well as lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol. In addition, it reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. What’s not to like about that?
