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Will a Plant-Based Diet Lower the Likelihood of Prostate Cancer?

Studies demonstrate that men who eat more plants and less meat or dairy have a reduced likelihood of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men after skin cancer. Roughly one man in eight will develop this disease sometime during his life. Can a man’s diet reduce his likelihood of prostate cancer? Research from several studies suggests that it probably can, though no diet offers perfect protection.

Do Dairy Products Pose a Risk?

A recent study suggests that men who consume a lot of dairy products increase their risk for this kind of cancer (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Aug. 4, 2022). The researchers recruited more than 28,000 Seventh-day Adventists who were followed for an average of eight years. Approximately 6,400 of the men were Black. People with the highest dairy product intake consumed about 430 g/day (equivalent to about 15 ounces). They had a 27 percent higher likelihood of prostate cancer than those with the lowest consumption (20 g/day, under an ounce). Nondairy calcium intake, from foods like tofu or almonds, did not make any difference.

The investigators concluded:

“Men with higher intakes of dairy foods, but not nondairy calcium, had a higher risk of prostate cancer compared with men having lower intakes.”

Plant-Based Diet May Help:

Decades of data from nearly 50,000 men demonstrate that a plant-based diet can reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 4, 2022). The men answered detailed dietary questionnaires at the beginning of the study and every few years thereafter. These participants in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study also reported their health status on a regular basis.

How Does Diet Affect the Likelihood of Prostate Cancer?

Epidemiological studies have shown that men who eat red meat and dairy products have a higher chance of a prostate cancer diagnosis. Saturated and trans-fatty acids along with processed meat products appear to increase oxidative stress and disrupt hormone regulation of the prostate (Nutrients, Feb. 3, 2021). Men who frequently eat tomatoes and other high-lycopene foods are less likely to develop this malignancy, which is the most common cancer among American men.

Results from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study:

This research  confirms that men under the age of 65 eating more healthful plant-based diets have a lower risk of prostate malignancies, especially advanced or fatal cases. There was no clear association of plant-based diet with prostate tumors among men over 65. Perhaps a man’s risk has already been largely established by that age.

The investigators suggest that limiting compounds such as hormones and heterocyclic amines from animal-based foods may be protective. Too few of the volunteers followed strictly vegetarian or vegan diets to assess the pros and cons of completely avoiding meat.

However, the researchers conclude:

“Men should be counseled that consuming more plant-based foods is associated with a lower risk of fatal prostate cancer along with other health benefits.”

Mushroom Lovers Have a Lower Likelihood of Prostate Cancer:

No single factor determines whether a man will develop prostate cancer. However, diet might play a protective role. An earlier study suggests that men may get some protection if they eat mushrooms (International Journal of Cancer, Sept. 4. 2019).

How Mushrooms in the Diet Affect Prostate Cancer Risk in Japan:

Scientists conducting a long-term study have reported that mushrooms in the diet may lower the chance of prostate cancer. They have been following 36,499 Japanese men for more than a decade. Japanese people love the taste of mushrooms and believe they have health benefits. As a result, Japanese cooks utilize several different distinctive varieties, such as shiitake and maitake, in popular dishes.

What Is the Evidence?

The researchers did studies both in test tubes and on animals. Both lines of research indicated that compounds in the edible fungi have anti-prostate cancer properties.

Some of the men participated in the study for up to 25 years. During that time, they answered questions about their dietary habits, medical history, smoking, exercise and other elements of lifestyle. Men over 50 who reported consuming mushrooms most frequently were 17 percent less likely to be diagnosed. If they ate a fungi-rich dish at least three times a week, they lowered their risk of diagnosis by as much as 30 percent.

The investigators concluded:

“The present study showed an inverse relationship between mushroom consumption and incident prostate cancer among middle-aged and elderly Japanese men, suggesting that habitual mushroom intake might help to prevent prostate cancer.”

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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