You have tried eating right, which can help you with prostate cancer, but you might not be seeing the results you want yet. Well, I can tell you about the number one food for men with prostate, proven scientifically because of its numerous prostate health benefits, and no, it’s not tomatoes! It is… broccoli.
Can food really fight prostate cancer?
As a health coach who specializes on supporting men with prostate cancer through evidence-based exercise and nutrition, I can confidently say YES! It absolutely can.
You’ve probably eaten it many times without thinking twice, but broccoli is truly one of nature’s best gifts.
Let’s explore what the science says.
Why is broccoli so special for prostate cancer?
Broccoli, a member of the family of cruciferous vegetables, is rich in fiber, vitamins, and plant-based nutrients that support overall health, but did you know about this one unique ingredient that makes broccoli the star vegetable for the prostate? It’s called sulforaphane, a naturally occurring chemical compound in broccoli.
The activation of sulforaphane is quite interesting; it activates as you chop and chew, and it starts doing wonderful things to your body, such as helping protect your cells from damage, calming down inflammation, and supporting your body’s detox system.
But on top of that, a daily dose of broccoli can decrease the PSA levels in men with prostate cancer. Sounds too good to be true?
In a clinical trial of 78 men with rising levels of PSA after prostate surgery (removal of the prostate), were tested with sulforaphane. For 6 months, some men took sulforaphane supplements while others took a placebo (a pill with no active ingredient).
The results? CRAZY.
Men taking sulforaphane had much slower PSA increases. Their PSA doubling time (a key sign of how fast cancer grows) was 86% longer! YOU READ IT RIGHT… 86% slower prostate cancer growth.
How does broccoli fight prostate cancer?
In a clinical trial, they enrolled 20 men with recurrent prostate cancer (meaning PSA levels were rising after surgery or other treatments) were given a sulforaphane-rich extract made from broccoli sprouts, the most concentrated natural source of this compound, for about 5 months.
The results are mind-boggling! Here is what the researchers found:
One man had a large PSA drop (over 50%)
Seven others had smaller PSA decreases
The average PSA doubling time increased from 6.1 to 9.6 months.
In simple terms, sulforaphane appeared to slow the pace of prostate cancer, and the extract was well-tolerated and caused no serious side effects.
What exactly does broccoli do to prostate cancer cells?
In lab studies, sulforaphane and its partner (called SFN-NAC) stopped prostate cancer cells from growing (i.e., growth arrest) and even triggered them to self-destruct (i.e., apoptosis) in a dose-dependent matter (the more you eat, the more powerful the effect). They also reduced androgen receptor activity, lowered the activity of the PSA hormone, and decreased the signals cancer cells use to keep multiplying (Cyclin D1). In short, these broccoli compounds help shut down the cancer’s engine.
HOWEVER!
Did you know that the way you cook broccoli matters when it comes to how much sulforaphane is preserved? Also, did you know that if you pair broccoli with specific foods, it makes sulforaphane much more absorvable and powerful in the body?
These kinds of tips that make a huge difference to your prostate cancer outcome are what the men that I work 1-on-1 with have access to. So wait no longer, and take control of your health now!
If you want more free evidence-based lifestyle strategies for dealing with prostate cancer, my newsletter has that.
A great way to start taking control of your health is by joining my Prostate Cancer Health Coaching and Support Group. Apart from a plan and structure that will keep you consistent, you will regularly touch base in a group with other men with prostate cancer using their lifestyle as a medicine, who will give you support, camaraderie, and push you forward. You do not have to handle it by yourself.
Or for direct help and someone to check in with, I also do 1-on-1 coaching (and you also get access to the group). I help men with prostate cancer put together exercise and nutrition plans that fit their situation, like the diagnosis, past treatments, side effects, any injuries, their schedule, energy levels, and everything else life throws at them. And most importantly, I help them find strategies to use their lifestyle as a medicine consistently.
Other articles you may find interesting
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The supplement millions of men are taking that could actually make prostate cancer worse
Millions of men take this supplement daily, thinking it protects their prostate. But after a certain dose, it does the opposite. Find out if you are already taking too much.
Can you build muscle during ADT for prostate cancer?
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This workout lowered fear, stress, and anxiety during prostate cancer
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References
Cipolla BG, Mandron E, Lefort JM, et al. Effect of Sulforaphane in Men with Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2015;8(8):712-719
Alumkal JJ, Slottke R, Schwartzman J, et al. A phase II study of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extracts in men with recurrent prostate cancer. Invest New Drugs. 2015;33(2):480-489.
Traka MH, Melchini A, Coode-Bate J, et al. Transcriptional changes in prostate of men on active surveillance after a 12-mo glucoraphanin-rich broccoli intervention-results from the Effect of Sulforaphane on prostate CAncer PrEvention (ESCAPE) randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;109(4):1133-1144.