Fruit for prostate health

The prostate gland is controlled by sex hormones, including testosterone. Testosterone mainly produced in men by the testicles. Hormone testosterone is converted to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate gland. High levels of dihydrotestosterone could cause the cells in the prostate to enlarge.

Prostate gland enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are highly prevalent conditions among elderly men associated with an impaired quality of life. Estimates of BPH prevalence range from 40 percent to 50 percent at 50 years of age to as high as 80 percent for men aged 70 years. It is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

Basic studies suggested that fruits and vegetables intake may beneficially influence the disorders underlying BPH via inhibiting inflammation and oxidative damage, altering the hormonal or growth-regulatory factors to inhibit cellular proliferation, or modulating sympathetic nervous system and subsequently affect prostate smooth muscle tone.

Consume kiwi fruit can reduce the risk of cancer. Kiwi fruit has the capability of repairing damaged DNA. The study by the University of Auckland, researchers found that including 2-3 kiwis in daily diet, along with healthy meals and regular physical activity can prevent the formation of malignant cells in the body.

In a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in February 2007, researchers analyzed the diets and prostate health of more than 6,000 men aged 46 to 81.

The study found that participants who consumed rich amounts of vegetables to be significantly less likely to develop an enlarged prostate than participants who did not.

High intakes of fruits and vegetables overall, particularly those rich in beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C, was inversely related to BPH incidence. Examples of these foods are carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, broccoli, collard greens, corn, oranges, melon, and kiwi.

Consume one medium size of orange or kiwi fruit more than fulfills your daily need for vitamin C. Other fruits such as strawberries, grapefruit and tangerines also provide significant amounts.
Fruit for prostate health

Fruits and vegetables influence cell growth in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The prostate lies underneath the bladder and surrounds the tube which men pass urine and semen through (urethra). Overgrowth of this gland’s cells as a man ages constricts the urethra and results in problems in passing urine. Constriction of the urethra causes urgency, a weak stream, dribbling, hesitancy, and frequent urination during the day and at night. The condition is called “benign prostatic hyperplasia,” abbreviated BPH. An enlarged prostate is common in men after the age of about 50.

Eating more fruit and fibre will help to avoid constipation, which can put pressure on the bladder and worsen symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Fruits and vegetable contain high levels of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, anthocyanins, flavonoids, lutein, lycopene, selenium, vitamin C, A, and E, etc that may play important roles in altering inflammatory pathways and influencing cell growth and differentiation associated with the pathogenesis of BPH.

Lutein, an important phyto-chemical found in kiwifruit, has been linked to the prevention of prostate and lung cancer. Among the best fruits and vegetables to support prostate healths are:
• Argula
• Berries (e.g., blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
• Bok choy
• Broccoflower
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Chinese cabbage
• Citrus (e.g., oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes)
• Collard greens
• Daikon
• Horseradish
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Mushrooms
• Mustard greens
• Pomegranate
• Radish
• Rutabaga
• Tatsoi
• Tomatoes
• Turnip
Fruits and vegetables influence cell growth in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)