The prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system. It is about the size of a walnut but continues to grow with age. This normal growth happens when the prostate gland cells multiply, causing the gland to put pressure on the nearby urethra. 

This can cause problems to both urinary function and reproductive health. As many as 14 million men in the United States report unpleasant symptoms as they age. It is therefore important to maintain a healthy prostate to promote quality of life. While medications are available to help support prostate health, natural supplements and a few additions to your diet can also have a beneficial impact. 

Top 5 Favorite Foods For Prostate Health

A balanced diet full of nutrients is essential for every part of your body. However, if you want to take a proactive approach to your health and vitality, there are certain foods you can add to your diet to make sure your prostate and urinary tract get the essential nutrients for optimal function. 

1. Pomegranate

As a fruit or a juice, pomegranates have been studied for their prostate-healthy antioxidants. The polyphenols in the pomegranate possess the ability to support prostate health by slowing the growth of prostate cells. The prostate produces enzymes known as prostate-specific antigens (PSA), and elevated levels of these antigens can be associated with an increased risk of prostate problems. As the prostate grows with age, PSA levels can naturally increase, but pomegranates can help support healthy cell growth, slowing the rate at which this enzyme is produced. 

2. Avocados

Avocados are known as a source of healthy fats, but they can also be beneficial for prostate health, specifically. Avocados are rich in beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol thought to support healthy prostate cell function and reduce common discomforts. Additionally, the avocado’s high lutein content can support prostate health. Because the avocado also contains a significant amount of monounsaturated fat, bioactive carotenoids like lutein are likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can help reduce the growth of abnormal cells. 

3. Soybeans

Soybeans, along with its products like tofu, are healthier protein options over red meats. Diets high in red meats and dairy products are often associated with an increased risk for poor prostate health and unpleasant symptoms. Cooked meat contains heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which have been linked to prostate cell growth, so replacing meat with a healthier protein like soybean can help protect prostate health. Soybeans are also rich in fiber, which has been shown in several studies to support prostate and overall health. By interfering with the metabolic processes of abnormal cells, this fiber deprives these potentially dangerous cells of the energy they need to grow. 

4. Tomatoes 

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is the powerful carotenoid studied for its ability to support prostate and urinary tract function by maintaining healthy prostate growth and reducing unwanted symptoms. Lycopene also helps lower the PSA levels to reduce the risk of aberrant immune responses that can target healthy prostate cells. Additional studies have also shown that lycopene can help slow the growth of prostate cells. 

5. Green Tea 

Polyphenols are the active ingredients in green tea, and they’ve been shown to play a promising role in supporting healthy prostate growth. Specifically, a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can help reduce the overproduction of prostate cells associated with normal aging. As a result, there is also a reduction in symptoms. Additionally, the polyphenols in green tea are potent antioxidants and can protect the prostate from occasional oxidative stress caused by the body’s normal metabolic functioning.

Eating a healthy diet is one way to support prostate cell function and growth. In addition to these prostate-healthy foods, supplemental support with clinically-studied ingredients, such as those found in ProstateMD®️, provides additional support for optimal prostate health. 

ProstateMD^®: Prostate Health & Peace of Mind

You can’t stop the aging process, which means your prostate will continue to grow. What you can do for peace of mind is help encourage healthy prostate cell function to support comprehensive prostate and urinary tract health. A healthy prostate can support healthy hormone levels, normal urinary flow, and quality of life. 

ProstateMD^® was scientifically formulated with a blend of plant sterols, essential nutrients, and vital minerals that are clinically studied to support prostate, bladder, and urinary tract health. 

Saw Palmetto

Studies have found that saw palmetto is beneficial for prostate health and reduces the symptoms associated with normal aging. ProstateMD^® contains USPlus^®, a patented saw palmetto extract shown in independent third-party testing to contain three times the beta-carotene, ten times the lutein, and thirty times the zeaxanthin of typical saw palmetto extracts.

Pygeum Extract

Pygeum is an herbal extract from the bark of the African cherry tree and is used to support urinary function as well as reduce symptoms caused by occasional oxidative stress. As a result, prostate and urinary tract function are supported so you can maintain a normal urination schedule.

Pumpkin Seed

Alone or in combination with saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil has been shown to maintain healthy prostate function due to its ability to block unwanted hormone activity. 

Pine Bark 

As men age and the prostate grows, the risk of growth increases due to hormone changes. Pine bark extract has been studied for its ability to promote healthy prostate cell growth, promote prostate function, and reduce occasional urinary tract symptoms associated with normal aging. 

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle leaves contain essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K, amino acids, and polyphenols. Through disruption of hormone activity, stinging nettle compounds help maintain healthy prostate cell growth to promote quality of life in older men. Stinging nettle leaves also increase nitric oxide production in the body, which is associated with healthy urinary tract and bladder function. 

Final Thoughts

The anatomical location of the prostate predisposes men to develop urinary problems as the prostate grows with age. By taking a comprehensive approach to prostate health, you can promote healthy prostate size, hormone levels, and urinary flow. 

A healthy lifestyle that includes a diet rich in prostate-healthy foods and supplements like ProstateMD^® helps with occasional urinary issues associated with normal aging. By supporting prostate health, you stay in control of your health and vitality.

Dr. Daniel Brison

Dr. Daniel Brison is a board certified urologist who completed medical school at the State University of New York, and residency at the prestigious Endourology fellowship program at UCLA.