A study suggested that men might lower their risk of prostate cancer by eating vegetables. Researchers found that more than 1,700 men with and without prostate cancer, who consumed the most fiber mainly from vegetable sources, had decreased their chances of developing the disease. While some studies showed that "Western"-style diets consisting of large amounts of animal fat and dairy products increased the risk of prostate cancer, other diets rich with fruits and vegetables helped stave off the disease. However, not all of the studies pointed to these conclusions and the risk of prostate cancer still remains uncertain.

Evidence has shown the positive benefits of how fiber-rich foods lowered the risk of heart disease and some other cancers, however studies regarding fiber and its relation to prostate cancer remains inconclusive.

One study categorized men’s fiber intake according to the type and source of fiber. Fiber can be found in two forms, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber sources include vegetables, fruit, oatmeal and legumes that partially dissolve in water. Insoluble fiber sources include whole grains, seeds and skin on the fruit that pass through the digestive system mainly intact.

Participants of the study included 1,745 men between the ages of 46 and 74 and involved studying their diet and lifestyle habits. The men were surveyed between 1991 and 2002 while being treated for cancer. Some 1,300 of the men had prostate cancer and the others were being treated for conditions other than cancer.

Findings from the study revealed the men who had consumed the highest overall amount of fiber had a slightly lower risk of prostate cancer than the men who had consumed the lowest amount of fiber. Researchers discovered that after studying specific kinds of fiber, vegetables appeared to be the most protective form of fiber and the men who consumed most of their fiber from vegetables were 18 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Compared to vegetables, the fiber received from fruit or grains didn’t show a decrease in prostate cancer risks.

International Journal of Cancer March 2004;20;109(2):278-80

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Vegetable fiber emerged as the most protective fiber in this study, while fiber from fruit or grain products were not related to a lower prostate cancer risk. Of course it may not only be the fiber in vegetables that is providing the benefit, as other nutrients found in produce could be responsible. Either way, this is a strong encouragement for men to eat plenty of vegetables, especially if you are a carb or mixed nutritional type. Increasing your vegetables is one of the preventative measures I recommend against prostate cancer as it helps with many other cancers too. Studies have shown that boosting your intake of vegetables can cut your risk of prostate cancer by 35 percent. Below is the most current list of tools to avoid and treat prostate cancer (nutrients useful to treat prostate cancer are also likely to benefit breast cancer as well): Increasing your vegetable intake Omega-3 oils--this is probably the most important nutrient you could take Vitamin D Exposure to adequate sunlight Eliminating sugar Selenium Stress treatment with EFT Avoiding pesticides Using broccoli or cauliflower sprouts Following these simple methods along with getting your PSA screening after you turn 40, will provide you with some excellent natural preventative and treatment tools against this relatively slow-growing cancer that can be easily controlled if caught early. Related Articles: Simple Calculation May Predict Prostate Cancer Flaxseed (Not Flax Oil) Benefits Prostate Cancer Yearly Prostate Cancer Test Unnecessary in Men With Low PSA Calcium May Increase Prostate Cancer Some Vitamin E Supplements May Increase Prostate Cancer Risk Eat Tomatoes to Foil Prostate Cancer