Foods High In Curcumin
In this case, we are talking about a spice instead of a nutrient. Thus, we do not have a long list of foods that contain curcumin. The primary source is turmeric, but you can also find curcumin as a powder in the market. Its what gives mustard its yellow color, too.
However, since the daily dose is rather high compared to what we usually have, we recommend using a supplement instead. Other ways you can increase your intake of curcumin is through one of these daily hacks:
- Turmeric smoothie: They taste great if you add whey powder, almond milk, peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder.
- Turmeric salad dressing: Mix one tablespoon of turmeric powder with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and any other spices that go along with the taste.
- Curry sauce recipes: Its an Indian sauce you can find already made in the market or do it yourself with turmeric, margarine, peanut oil, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, cilantro, chili peppers, and yogurt.
Classification And Nutritional Profile
Watermelon has association with cucumber, pumpkin, squash and gourds belonging to family Cucurbitaceae . Fruit of this plant is major consumed portion and variations in growth characteristics determine its end use quality . Considering the nutritional profile, consumption of 100 g watermelon provides 30 kcal. It contains almost 92 % water and 7.55 % of carbohydrates out of which 6.2 % are sugars and 0.4 % dietary fiber. It is enriched with carotenoid, vitamin C, citrulline, carotenoids and flavonoids and fat and cholesterol free, thus considered as low caloric fruit . Additionally, watermelon is rich source of ß-carotene acts as an antioxidant and precursor of vitamin A.
Besides the presence of lycopene, it is a source of B vitamins, especially B1 and B6, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium . Watermelon contains phenolics quite comparable with that of other fruits . It is an inexpensive and nutritious source that is readily available to all socio-economic groups of Pakistan throughout the summer season. Its consumption depends on number of factors e.g. availability, income, age, gender, racial and ethnic norms. In this context, per capita consumption in Asian communities is almost 3 times greater as compared to other part of globe ).
Botanical classification of watermelon
What The Research Says
A recent study has also evaluated a possible connection. The authors explored the link between prostate enlargement and vitamin D. They did it through the hormone testosterone. Their results show that higher vitamin D levels in the blood reduce the PSA levels. They also hypothesize that testosterone levels and function depend on vitamin D status. If thats the case, low vitamin D levels would also have a hormonal consequence that explains BPH and BPH symptoms .
Other studies explored a more direct association between the prostate tissue and vitamin D. Interestingly the prostate epithelial cells can activate vitamin D. Moreover, these cells have a vitamin D receptor, even prostate cancer cells. Upon binding, vitamin D sends signals to control the proliferation of cells.
Don’t Miss: Prostate Gland Medical Definition
What Happens In The Body During Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
So, everything starts with the body producing hordes of B-lymphocytes, a type of immune cells. Contrary to how it may sound, this doesnt improve immunity.
Heres what happens instead:
- When the body makes too much of one blood cell type , it makes less of other blood cell populations. Basically, these cancerous B-cells crowd out other blood cells.
- The mass-produced B-lymphocytes generally dont work very well, so immunity actually decreases.
- When too many B-lymphocytes are made, at one point or another they will start making aberrant antibodies that target the bodys own tissues and lead to autoimmune diseases.
What About Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Indian regimen that seeks to optimize health with diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Although the internet is peppered with accounts of Ayurvedic medicine shrinking an enlarged prostate, the actual evidence is slim to none.
With that said, lifestyle changes can make a difference for people with BPH, Dr. Swenor says. But your best bet is to follow the tips above by adopting a plant-based diet, getting enough exercise and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation.
Related Reading
Also Check: Prostaglandins Erectile Dysfunction
Eat Watermelon For Prostate Health
As mentioned earlier, watermelon supports prostate health, largely due to its high antioxidant content. According to a June 2014 review published in the EXCLI Journal, this fruit is one of the best natural sources of readily available lycopene. Red-fleshed varieties provide about 40 times more lycopene than tomatoes.
This antioxidant may protect the prostate gland against iron-induced oxidative stress, as reported in the above review. It also decreases lipid peroxidation, which further enhances its beneficial effects on prostate health. In one study, men with the highest lycopene intakes had a 25 percent lower risk of prostate cancer and a 44 percent lower risk of other cancers.
One serving of watermelon delivers 12689.6 micrograms of lycopene, according to the USDA. The International Food Information Council Foundation reports that consuming at least 12 milligrams of this antioxidant daily may help reduce high blood pressure. To reap the benefits, aim for about 0.5 milligrams of lycopene per kilogram of body weight.
This nutrient is found in a wide range of fruit and vegetables, not just watermelon. Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, red grapefruit, papaya, red bell peppers, red cabbage, mangoes, asparagus and guavas are all excellent sources of lycopene. Incorporate these foods into your diet for prostate health and general well-being.
Skip The Bottled Stuff
Shopping recently, I saw a big display of bottled organic watermelon cucumber cooler at the store and read the label. The first ingredient was filtered water, the second organic sugar, then juice concentrates, organic flavors and extracts, natural flavors and citric acid as a preservative. The label also stated that it contained 15% juice.
When you make homemade, its 100% fresh juice with no added sugar or anything else you dont want just pure refreshing, healthy goodness. If you dont have a juicer, see this link for another recipe that uses a blender.
Read Also: Viagra And Frequent Urination
How To Add More Tomatoes To Your Diet
Incorporating more tomato-based recipes into your diet is simple.
There are many nutritious tomato dishes to try. For example, adding some sun-dried or fresh tomatoes to salads, eating your eggs with sliced tomatoes or salsa, and enjoying tomato-based soups are excellent ways to boost your lycopene intake.
In the summer months, you can buy fresh, local tomatoes to add to sandwiches and chop into salads.
Drinking plain tomato juice each morning is another good option. Just make sure to pick a low sodium variety.
Summary
Why Are Beetroots So Healthy
There are some outlets that are now describing beetroot a superfood, even though it was just another harvest from allotments a few decades ago. It turns out theres more going on in every gram of beetroot than we initially thought.
Naturally, its low in calories and high in fibre, but its the vitamins and minerals where the real story is told. One surprising fact is that its high in vitamin C, something usually more associated with citrus fruits, that contributes to immunity and skin health. Its also high in another vitamin: B9, also known as folate or folic acid. This is used all over the body, supporting red blood cell production and reducing inflammation . One more important nutrient abundant in beetroot is manganese this is used in the creation of one of the more powerful antioxidants in the body, and is another reducer of inflammation.
Alongside these theres plenty of iron, phosphorous and potassium to be had. Theres a lot going on chemically, and these have been shown to have some effects on the male body. With that, letâs jump into an issue facing a huge percentage of men, especially as they get older:
Read Also: What Is Perineural Invasion In Prostate Cancer
Foods That Shrink The Prostate Gland
Benign prostatic hyperplasia becomes a common ailment as we age. It is an enlargement of the prostate gland and causes various urinary symptoms.
BPH is not cancer, but sometimes the prostate gland grows too much, and doctors decide to practice surgery. But if you have a slightly increased gland, you may need non-invasive treatment instead.
The normal prostate is made up of a given number of cells. In a prostate with BPH, the number of cells increases.
The exact cause is unknown, but aging and hormones are both critical factors. It is the primary cause of urinary symptoms in men, especially urinary retention and frequent urination.
Urination becomes frequent and sometimes difficult and wakes them up at night. Some patients may also have erectile dysfunction, but this symptom is usually due to other health conditions.
The majority of these problems can be solved by reducing the size of the prostate gland. But is it possible? How can you shrink the prostate gland with foods?
Can Certain Foods Lower The Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Sundried Tomatoes
Again, no food can eliminate the risk of prostate cancer entirely, but these foods may offer some protection. You should talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening, but I can give you the green light to eat more tomatoes.
Also Check: Does Enlarged Prostate Affect Ejaculation
Tweak Your Bathroom Habits
One of the simplest things you can do for the bothersome urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate is change some of your bathroom habits.
Make sure you urinate as soon as you feel the need to go and that you empty your bladder completely each time you go. This will reduce the number of trips you need to make to the bathroom, both day and night.
Michigan Medicine offers the following tips to make it easier to fully empty your bladder when you have BPH:
- Relax as much as possible before you urinate. As we mentioned earlier, anxiety can make it even more difficult to urinate, so try not to worry about your symptoms and consider meditation for a few minutes or doing some deep breathing.
- Don’t rush. Give yourself plenty of time in the bathroom.
- Consider sitting on the toilet instead of standing, to help you relax.
- Turn on a faucet or visualize running water this may help get your urine flowing.
- Read or think of other things while you urinate, to help you stay relaxed.
- Try “double voiding,” when you urinate as much as possible, relax for a few moments, then urinate again.
A New Gene Therapy Has Been Discovered For The Treatment Of Prostate Cancer Read On To Know About The Risk Factors Behind This Cancer And Foods That Can Help You Lower Your Chance Of Getting It
Written by Juhi Kumari | Published : February 7, 2019 8:46 PM IST
A new study conducted at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland has revealed a new gene therapy can potentially treat prostate cancer. This therapeutic system, named seek and destroy basically targets two prostate cancer cell lines. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men occurring in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland between the bladder and the penis. It produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Cancer cells in the prostate grow slowly and are confined to the gland initially. At this phase, it may not cause serious harm and can be treated successfully. However, once the cancer cells start spreading to the nearby or distant parts of the body, chances of successful treatment of prostate cancer become less.
If you are suffering from this serious disease, you will experience symptoms like blood in semen, trouble during urination, bone pain, decreased force in the stream of urine, discomfort in your pelvic area, and erectile dysfunction. However, these symptoms will become visible only at a later stage. Take precautions if you fall in the high-risk group for prostate cancer.
MAJOR RISK FACTORS FOR PROSTATE CANCER
Read Also: Do Females Have Prostate Cancer
How Can Diet Affect Bph
Similar to prostate cancer, BPH is a multifactorial disease. Many hormones and growth factors act in the prostate tissue to cause enlargement. But some epidemiologic studies have also identified dietary factors associated with BPH.
For example, a study in China showed that overeating animal proteins could increase the risk.
Another study from Japan showed that regular milk consumption has the same effect. Thats why a plant-based diet is recommended for preventing prostate enlargement and reducing the number of prostate cancer cells
According to other research, Asian men have a lower incidence of BPH. Such a lower incidence responds to a high-fiber diet compared to Western men . But why is diet so important?
The amount and proportion of nutrients we take influences the function of the body. Among many other things, they modulate hormone concentrations. They also modulate the role of the sympathetic nervous system, which acts directly in the urethra. Thats why changing your diet can improve your urinary tract symptoms if you have them .
In this article, we will discuss 3 foods that shrink prostate gland. The following foods, nutrients and diets are recommended to shrink the size of the prostate gland. You can always look for food sources or prostate supplements that include them in the list of ingredients.
Beets Help Your Body Detox
Beets support detoxification of the whole body and strengthen the immune system. Beetroot extract helps to get rid of free radicals from your bodys cells.
Studies have shown that beetroot is one of the most potent antioxidant drinks of all the vegetable and fruit juices. The betalin pigments in beets assist the phase two detoxification process. Broken down toxins are bound to other molecules so they can be excreted from your body. This helps purify your blood and your liver.
Beets are a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains. Betanin and vulgaxanthin are two best studied betalains and both have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification support.
Beets can help detoxify the whole body and strengthen the immune system.
Recommended Reading: Does Enlarged Prostate Affect Ejaculation
Read Also: Is Zinc Good For Prostate
Shave The Milk Mustache
Milk and dairy products are linked to an increased prostate cancer risk due to the hormone insulin-like growth factor , saturated fat, and dairy calcium and protein. Men who consume three or more servings of dairy products a day had a 141 percent higher risk for death due to prostate cancer compared to those who consumed less than on serving.
However, soy milk has shown to be beneficial for the prostate! An analysis of 14 studies showed that increased intake of nonfermented soy products, such as soy milk, resulted in a 30 percent reduction in prostate cancer risk!
Tomatoes Other Foods Containing Lycopene May Protect Against Prostate Cancer Study Finds
AICR
A new review suggests that eating tomatoes and other lycopene-containing foods lowers prostate cancer risk.
Consuming tomatoes, watermelon and other foods containing lycopene a naturally occurring phytochemical that gives red or pink fruits and vegetables their characteristic color may protect against prostate cancer, according to new research presented today at the American Institute for Cancer Research 25th Research Conference.
The study, one of over 140 posters presented at the conference, is not yet published and has not gone through the peer-review process.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men worldwide, after skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States, claiming more than 27,000 lives each year.
Previous studies have shown inconsistent results on the link between eating tomatoes and tomato-based foods, including tomato sauce, tomato juice and pizza, and a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This may be due to differences in study quality, as well as differences in the population groups studied.
When focusing on tomatoes alone, men who ate the highest amounts had a 10 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who consumed the least.
There was no association between lycopene or tomato intake and advanced prostate cancer, although there are only a few studies published on this topic.
AICR Impact
Recommended Reading: Chemo Pills For Prostate Cancer
Synthesis Route Of Lycopene
A complex mechanism persists in the biosynthesis of lycopene that starts when chlorophyll degrades to yield white colored leucoplast thus yielding specialized red color pigmented organelles i.e. chromoplast . Lycopene is a carotenoid that is produced as an intermediate product of xanthophylls production ß-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, leutin etc. Carotenoids are basically formed by 40-C isoprenoids , called tetraprenoids. A stepwise addition of isopentenyl diphosphate takes place with dimethylallyl diphosphate giving rise 20-C precursor, geranylgeranyl diphosphate . On desaturation of GGPP, 11 conjugated double bonds are produced that exist as lycopene in nature. From this point cyclic conversion takes place converting it to – and ß-carotene that on oxidation produce xanthophylls .
Lycopene crystals are in voluminous red color found in the form of small globules suspended throughout the fruit . At cellular level lycopene is present in thylakoid membrane as protein-lycopene complex due to its lipophilic nature. It is well documented that lycopene is present in all-trans form within the fruit that is transformed from cis-configured lycopene due to the action of carotenoid isomerase enzyme. However, in case of watermelon absence of this enzyme keep it in its cis-form .