Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in American men. It’s also believed to be highly influenced by diet. Celebrate dad this Father’s Day by sneaking these five cancer-fighting foods into his eating routine:
Toss in tomatoes.
Lycopene is a carotenoid responsible for the bright red color of tomatoes. It does more than add color, though. Several studies link lycopene consumption to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Dad will be happy to hear he can get the most lycopene from cooked tomato products like tomato sauce and tomato juice.
Get fishy.
Maybe dad’s already upping his intake of fish rich in omega-3 fats for his heart and brain health. Well, he can add one more reason to continue to eat fatty fish like salmon and tuna at least twice a week. The omega-3s found in fish have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Fire up the grill.
For cruciferous veggies, that is. Vegetables in the cabbage family, like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, are known for their link to a reduced risk of cancer. You just have to convince dad that the benefits of these tasty veggies outweigh any unwanted socially unacceptable side effects.
Go nuts.
New studies link nut consumption to a reduced risk of death from any cause, including cancer. This might be due to the powerful antioxidants in nuts. Walnuts, in particular, may be beneficial in warding off prostate cancer. So, the next time dad is searching for a crunchy snack, hand him a handful of nuts.
Don’t let dad forget his morning caffeine kick.
Fill his mug with green tea or coffee every morning for an antioxidant boost. Both drinks are known to be high in protective antioxidants and have been tied to a reduced risk of cancer. There’s just one caveat – he has to drink the real stuff. Brew it fresh for the maximum benefit.
No foods are proven to eliminate the risk of prostate cancer, but increasing healthy food choices certainly can’t hurt. Remind him to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, stay at a healthy body weight and exercise regularly to reduce his risk of cancer even more. The following recipe features cancer-fighting foods the whole family will be sure to enjoy.
Grilled Salmon with Tomatoes and Basil
Serves 4.
All you need:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 tbsp Hy-Vee Select extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 whole wild salmon fillet (also called a “side of salmon,” about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, divided
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp Hy-Vee freshly ground pepper
All you do:
- Preheat grill to medium.
- Mash minced garlic and 3/4 teaspoon salt on a cutting board with the side of a chef’s knife or a spoon until a paste forms. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in oil.
- Check the salmon for pin bones and remove if necessary. Measure out a piece of heavy-duty foil (or use a double layer of regular foil) large enough for the salmon fillet. Coat the foil with cooking spray. Place the salmon skin-side down on the foil and spread the garlic mixture all over it. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup basil. Overlap tomato slices on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Transfer the salmon on the foil to the grill. Grill until the fish flakes easily, 10 to 12 minutes. Use two large spatulas to slide the salmon from the foil to a serving platter. Serve the salmon sprinkled with the remaining 1/4 cup basil.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 248 calories, 10g fat, 2g saturated fat, 80mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 35g protein.
Daily values: 22% vitamin A, 18% vitamin C.
Source: adapted from Eating Well, Inc.
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
