The American Cancer Society’s findings list prostate cancer as the most common cancer among males, with 1 in 8 males in the country affected by prostate cancer. Your food regime can significantly affect the health of your prostate. Adding prostate-friendly foods to your life will help reduce your risk of prostate cancer. You can improve your prostate health by including the following six foods in your daily life.

1. Broccoli
Broccoli contains many complex compounds that help protect people from cancer. Studies suggest a link between the number of cruciferous vegetables consumed by a person and the risk of prostate cancer. Broccoli contains concentrated levels of phytochemicals that target and kill cancer cells while sparing normal prostate cells. Add broccoli to your soups, salads, and stir-fries. You can also eat broccoli steamed, raw, and shredded.

2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene that slows prostate cancer metastasis and growth. Studies have shown that adult men who consume more than ten servings/portions of tomatoes every week reduce their risk of prostate cancer by 20%. You can have tomatoes fresh in your salads or as juices. Add tomatoes to your curries, pasta, and rice dishes to enhance flavor and take advantage of its cancer-fighting property.

3. Fish
Higher fish intake is correlated with a lower risk of prostate cancer and recurrence. Include sardines, salmon, black cod, trout, or herring in your food regime. Have at least two servings of fish every week, as it is a good source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Certain fish like swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish contain high levels of mercury and should be avoided.

4. Allium vegetables
Allium vegetables include garlic, leeks, chives, onions, scallions, and shallots. They are a storehouse of flavanols and organosulfur compounds that inhibit tumors. They have improved the body’s immune functioning since ancient times. Allium vegetables can kill prostate cancer cells.

5. Green tea
Research shows that green tea contains special compounds that can reduce prostate cancer risk. The compounds EGCG, epicatechin, and xanthine derivatives help reduce the risk of prostate cancer by fighting tumor growth and cell death. Substitute drinking coffee or black tea with green tea. Consuming green tea during or after a meal soothes the stomach.

6. Legumes
Studies show an inverse connection between the consumption of legumes and the incidence of prostate cancer. Protein and fiber-rich legumes like peas, beans, and lentils have many health benefits, besides cancer-fighting properties. Legumes contain phytoestrogens like isoflavones that help reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 20%. The cancer-fighting property of phytoestrogens is due to their antioxidant properties and the effects they have on hormone regulation and cell deaths. Swap meat with legumes wherever possible, as an increase of plant-based proteins helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer.