How You Can Eat For Prostate Health

Demark-Wahnefried led a phase II research study on the effects of ground flaxseed on prostate cancer growth rates that showed promise and resulted in significantly lower tumor proliferation rates. "Am I ready to say, 'All men should take flaxseed?'" she asks. "Not at this point in time — it was one trial. We need more studies."

Certain supplements may also have an effect on prostate health. Too much calcium in a man's diet — more than 1,200 milligrams per day — can increase the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, Demark-Wahnefried noted. According to her, men "should rely on food, not supplements, as a source of calcium as much as possible." But she cautioned that men should not cut back too much on calcium, which is essential to maintaining bone health, especially as they age.

"People are always after the magic bullet, taking supplements and thinking they're going to be helped," she says. "It's easy to take a supplement, and it's not so easy to lose weight. But losing weight is important — not only for prostate cancer, but for protection against heart disease and improving overall health."

Broccoli Caesar Salad

• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed for 2 minutes)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
• 1 lemon (juice)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon red chilies
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or lemon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon large crusty sea salt
• 2 tablespoon Parmesan or Romano Cheese
• 1 tablespoon herb bread crumbs
• Garnish: shaved parmesan (optional)
  

1.    Prep all ingredients to above specifications.
2.    Toss in a bowl and serve chilled.
3.    Garnish with shaved parmesan.

Creamy Spinach and Lemon Soup

• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup arborio rice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup egg whites
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• white pepper to taste
  
• sea salt to taste
  

1.    Place broth, rice and lemon zest in a soup pot on a low flame.
2.    Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer and cook until rice is soft (about 25 minutes).
3.    Cool.
4.    In a blender or a food processor, puree soup with lemon juice.
5.    Slowly add in egg whites while blending.
6.    Place back in soup pot. Bring to a simmer and heat.
7.    Add chopped fresh spinach, stir and heat about 3 minutes.
8.    Season with sea salt and white pepper.

Reprinted with permission from the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Chef Beth Ginsberg.

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