There are natural ways to promote prostate health, and the easiest way to get those benefits is to do so through diet.
Vegetables
Specifically the ones that contain the nutrient indole-3-carbinol, which is found in vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts. Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is a compound that is formed in your body during the digestion of indole-3-carbinol, and not only does DIM appear to aid hormone balance (discoveries are still being made), it also has anticancer benefits for both men and women and is actively being evaluated by the National Cancer Institute.
Oils, Nuts, and Beans (Sources of Sterols)
Sesame oil, wheat bran, and assorted nuts like cashews, pecans, and macadamia nuts contain phytosterols, and an even better source would be half a cup of peas or kidney beans. In addition to cholesterol benefits, sterols and sterolins also have clinical evidence of support for the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune diseases, while phytosterols slow the growth of human breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells in clinical models.
Licorice
True licorice (not the candy) is an herb taken to treat osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome, among many other conditions. In combination with other herbs, licorice is also used to treat prostate cancer and eczema. The chemicals in licorice are thought to decrease swelling, thin mucus secretions, decrease cough, and increase ulcer-healing conditions in the body.
Not everything that can benefit prostate health can be accessed through diet, and sterolins (for example) can only be found in foods in small amounts. If you’re eating well, and cognizant of which foods carry benefits, you might still want to take a supplement with these ingredients and more to optimize your intake of nutrients.
