Low meat diet may reduce risk of prostate cancer

Saturday June 13, 2009 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new review published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics suggests that a diet low in fat and red meat and high in fruits and vegetables helps prevent and treat prostate cancer.

Researchers found a diet that incorporates lots of vegetables and fruit, and low intake of meat and dairy products and calcium may help prevent prostate cancer. It may also help treat patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. The study was conducted by Robert W.-L. Ma and K. Chapman of The University of New South Wales.

Foods that seem to reduce the risk of prostate cancer include tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, green tea, and vitamins such as vitamin E and selenium. A diet that includes highly processed or charcoaled meats, dairy products and fats were correlated with high risk of the malignancy, said researchers.
   
"Although not conclusive, results suggest that general dietary modification has a beneficial effect on the prevention of prostate cancer," the authors concluded. "In patients with prostate cancer, dietary therapy allows patients to be an active participant in their treatment."

(By Jimmy Downs and eidted by Sheilah Downey)