Men with prostate cancer, who eat so-called “Western diets,” are twice as likely to die of their disease than those who consume a “prudent diet” of mostly plants, whole grains and fish.
A recent U.S. study has found that men with prostate cancer, who eat so-called “Western diets,” are twice as likely to die of their disease than those who consume a “prudent diet” of mostly plants, whole grains and fish. A Western diet, according to the study, is heavy in processed and red meats, cheese, eggs, potatoes, butter, refined grains and sugary desserts.
According to the American Cancer Society, one in seven men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, usually after the age of 65. And while this study doesn’t prove that a Western diet causes the disease, it does show that what you eat can drastically affect your outcome.
Researchers also say that men with prostate cancer have one of the best prognoses of all cancer patients, which makes it even more possible to implement change in diet even years after the diagnosis.
ForMen takeaway: Because the study lacked data on what the men ate prior to their prostate cancer diagnosis, as well as their exercise habits, it’s impossible to conclude that eating a “prudent diet” will prevent prostate cancer. However, the study does add to the growing body of evidence touting the benefits of a healthy, plant-based diet that limits the amount of processed foods we ingest.
Relevant source:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/01/us-prostate-cancer-diet-idUSKBN0OH36U20150601
Curated from Reuters
