By: Robert Blanks Vachieri
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE),
College of Arts and Science, North Carolina Central University,
Durham, NC 27707, USA
Running Title: Foods That Help Prevent Prostate Cancer
Corresponding Author:
Robert Blanks Vachieri
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE),
College of Arts and Science,
North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville Street
Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 919-360-4133
Email: rvachier@eagles.nccu.edu
March 25, 2014
Dear Dr. Theodore S. Lawrence, editor-in-chief
You will find the enclosed …show more content…
manuscript entitled “Foods That Help Prevent Prostate Cancer”, by Robert Blanks Vachieri, as a review article. I can promise the contents of this paper will be appropriate for your journal and will create a lot of interest in the scientific community.
I believe that these findings could be of interest to the readers of the Translational Oncology 2014 Editorial Office because it provides a range of materials to consume and not to consume in order for the public to maintain a healthy prostate.
I hope that the editorial board will agree with the importance of this report.
Best regards,
Robert Blanks Vachieri
Robert Blanks Vachieri
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE),
College of Arts and Science,
North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville Street
Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 919-360-4133
Email: rvachier@eagles.nccu.edu
Abstract
In this article I summarize and examine the effects that food has on the prostate.
Although prostate cancer is not considered a life threatening cancer, it is still vital for men to get correctly in order to avoid this burden. First I provide a quick background on what prostate cancer is and how it comes to fruition. Then I present the information regarding the foods that can be helpful and/or hurtful in preventing prostate cancer such as: how tomatoes reduce the chances of prostate cancer, how proteins reduce the chances of prostate cancer, the effect of green and yellow vegetables, the advantages of vitamins, liquids and drinks that are beneficial, along with legumes and soybeans effects.. Also, I have included the best life style choices and medical supplements that can be beneficial.
Every year, men across the globe are “clamped down” with prostate cancer. Just like any other form of cancer, prostate cancer is the over growth of the gland tissue (5). During the course of a man’s life, the prostate gland starts off as the size of a walnut as the man grows, so does the prostate gland. Contributing to the semen becoming more of a fluid based substance, the protection and nourishment of sperm cells that is found in semen is ensured by the prostate. As seen in figure.03 the seminal vesicles, which are just behind the prostate gland, make most of the liquid for sperm
(5).
The prostate is abundant in the various types of cells that make it up. However, the gland cells are the primal site for all prostate cancers. The medical field is known for its vast terminology and Latin based terms. Adenocarcinoma is the term used for cancer that derives within the gland cells of the prostate (5). There are various numbers of cancers that can also begin in the prostate. However, those other forms cancers are so uncommon that it is practically a certainty that it is an adenocarcinoma. Though most prostate cancers grow gradually and take a severe amount of time to metastasize, there are some forms that grow exponentially (5).
Just like with many other diseases or forms of cancer, some foods have been confirmed to help reduce the possibilities of developing cancer cells. There are many different types of foods ranging from vegetables, meats, and vitamins that contain properties that prevent the growth of the gland cells thus reducing the chances of prostate cancer. It’s also important to know what foods to avoid, and the lifestyle choices that are counterproductive and can increase the chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant that is very powerful in preventing tumor causing cells in men (1). After several studies, many researchers have concluded that men who consume cooked and raw tomato based products are significantly less likely to develop prostate cancer than their male counterparts who practically never eat tomatoes (1). Also, the studies revealed that if the tomatoes are cooked the lycopene compound is more obtainable. Therefore, tomato based products such as: tomato paste, spaghetti sauce, and ketchup are excellent sources for lycopene (1). Animal protein, on the other hand, has been linked to higher risk of prostate cancer. Every man’s worst dream is now realized that the meat they love so much may potentially lead to a great deal of discomfort down the road. It has been shown that poultry, cow meat, and fish leads to a higher blood level of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), which is directly correlated to prostate cancer (4). Another compound found in animal protein that is linked to prostate cancer is choline. It is recommended that men limit their animal protein consumption to two servings per week.
Plant protein on the contrary is protective against prostate cancer. Phytoestrogen is an active molecule found in plant protein. Legumes and Soybeans are excellent sources of phytoestrogen, which is believed to contain cancer combating capabilities by acting as an antagonist of estrogen (1). In agreement, the consumption of soy based products has been associated with suppressing the growth of tumor cells. It has been reported that there is a 30% decrease in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in men with high soybean consumption versus men who rarely eat soybeans (1). Fig.01 shows how a high soybean diet is much better than a low soybean diet in regards to a male’s prostate.
Vegetables have been found to be an excellent diet for people not only, to sustain good health, but also, to be protective against aggressive prostate cancer. Men who consume large amounts of broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables have demonstrated a lower chance of developing prostate cancer according to several various studies (1) One Canadian study associated a decreased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with consuming greater number of such vegetables, particularly broccoli and cauliflower. Sulforaphane, one of the phytochemicals that can be discovered in these vegetables is believed by some researchers to selectively target and kills cancer cells while leaving normal prostate cells healthy and unaffected, although the reasons as to why remain a mystery (1).
Green Tea has also been linked to low rates of prostate cancer in Asia. Studies have shown that the polyphenolic compounds found in green tea, such as catechin, EGCG and epicatechin, may prevent the development of prostate cancer (1). For men who consumed greater than 5 cups of green tea per day have been found to have a 48 percent decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer versus men who do not according to researchers of the Japan Public Health Center study of 49,920 men (1). Also, much like green tea, there is another fruit that has been referred to as a miracle fruit in preventing chronic diseases. This miracle fruit is pomegranate, and it has been related in reducing chronic diseases related to oxidative stress due to its abundant source of antioxidants. Fig.02 illustrates the results of a small study of 46 men, who PSA levels were tested. Indication of a slower tumor growth and cancer progression over long periods of time or as long as possible or better known as “doubling time” is the overall goal. Ellagitannins, which are abundant in pomegranate, are advised by many authors that can exclusively targeting the prostate cancer cells and not the healthy cells by a “seek and destroy” method (1).
Vitamins have also been connected to prostate health. Watermelons are rich in Vitamin C, which has been linked to a reduction of cancer forming cells. Low Vitamin D levels, on the contrary, have been associated with an increased risk of various types of cancer, including prostate cancer (4). Common knowledge dictates that the best source of Vitamin D is sunlight, so it is recommended to get adequate sun exposure. However, too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, so taking Vitamin D supplements is the safest route. Not all vitamins and minerals are good for the prostate. Many researchers wanted to experiment the possible effects of selenium and vitamin E on prostate cancer risk; therefore, the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) study was devised. For about half a decade men were given these supplements along with an inactive placebo each day. The study concluded that neither selenium nor vitamin E aided in lowering prostate cancer risk. The fact of the matter is that men taking vitamin E supplements were at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer later in life (2). The study also concluded that selenium had no effect on the risk of prostate cancer in men who had lower selenium levels at the start. However, those who had high levels of selenium to begin with did have an increased risk of a fast growing prostate cancer (2).
Though the prostate cancer risk is unclear in regards to physical activity, body weight, and diet, there are ideas that might be beneficial in lowering your risk. Higher risk of the more fatal prostate cancer is correlated to men who are overweight according to some studies. The silver lining to this scary probability is that many overweight men are actually at a lower risk of developing prostate cancer at all. So obese men pick your poison, do you want prostate cancer that is likely to be your death call or live on? Just as anyone can imagine, men that are in great physical health, and get regular physical activity have a slightly lower risk of prostate cancer, but too vigorous activity has been linked to the development of advanced prostate cancer according to some studies (2). Calcium levels have been in great debate amongst some studies. Several have found a higher risk of prostate cancer in men who have diets high in calcium and as well as consuming dairy type products (2). For the time being, to possibly reduce the risk of prostate cancer, it is strongly recommended to: Be physically active, and remain at a weight that is deeming healthy. Also, is it wise to eat at least 2½ cups of assorted vegetables and fruits each day!
Prostate cancer has plagued the male specie for some time now. Foods such as tomatoes, legumes, soybeans, and vegetables are great edibles in regards to prostate health. Stated earlier, tomatoes are great sources of lycopene, which is a strong antioxidant, much like other compounds mention earlier. We this knowledge I can concluded that strong antioxidant compounds can be strongly correlated to reducing tumor growth in men. However, Vitamin D is linked to be very good in reducing tumor growing cells while Vitamin E on the other hand showed no reduction in tumor growing cells and in some cases caused a rise in them. The building blocks of life, better known as protein, are similar to vitamins as well. Some are beneficial, such as plant protein. Some are bad, such as animal protein.
Now the depressing reality is that a healthy diet and lifestyle isn’t a 100% effective against prostate cancer. Factors such as hereditary traits and environmental surroundings are the most prominent. Cancer itself is ever changing and is one of the most difficult diseases to treat. Advances in modern medicines have allowed patients to learn what medicine to take to help when healthy diet isn’t enough. It is widely known that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the major hormone involved with prostate growth (2). The prevention and formation of DHT enzyme can be blocked by the drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. In fact, two of these inhibitors are already in use. They treat a non-cancerous growth of the prostate known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Maybe you have heard of them, the names of these inhibitors are: Finasteride (Proscar), and Dutasteride (Avodart) (2). Large caliber studies were conducted on both of these drugs to see if they aid in lowering prostate cancer risk. The studies concluded some promising results in that men taking either drug were less likely to develop prostate cancer after several years than men getting an inactive placebo (2).
Discussion
Prostate cancer has plagued the male specie for some time now. Foods such as tomatoes, legumes, soybeans, and vegetables are great edibles in regards to prostate health. Stated earlier, tomatoes are great sources of lycopene, which is a strong antioxidant, much like other compounds mention earlier. We this knowledge I can concluded that strong antioxidant compounds can be strongly correlated to reducing tumor growth in men. Vitamin D is linked to be very good in reducing tumor growing cells while Vitamin E on the other hand showed no reduction in tumor growing cells and in some cases caused a rise in them. The building blocks of life, better known as protein, are similar to vitamins as well. Some are beneficial, such as plant protein. Some are bad, such as animal protein.
Now the depressing reality is that a healthy diet and lifestyle isn’t a 100% effective against prostate cancer. Factors such as hereditary traits and environmental surroundings are the most prominent. Cancer itself is ever changing and is one of the most difficult diseases to treat. Advances in modern medicines have allowed patients to learn what medicine to take to help when healthy diet isn’t enough.
I would like to give acknowledgements to Prostate Universal Scholastic Systems (PUSS) for providing information on the countless studies performed regarding the prostate. Also I would like to acknowledge the Prostate International Money Program (PIMP) for Detection Affection Deduction Direction of Yale University (DADDY) and its Director, Alex Beasley for the funds used to gather the research.
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Work Cited
1. http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/prostate-cancer-procrastination-6-foods-eat-today#2
2. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/detailedguide/prostate-cancer-prevention
3. http://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/issues/2009-september/eight-prostate-power-foods.html
4. http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/prevent_prostate_cancer.aspx
5. http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/detailedguide/prostate-cancer-what-is-prostate-cancer