This walnut-shaped gland surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine flows, and is part of the male reproductive system.
The prostate gland starts off small and has two main phases of growth. It doubles in size during adolescence and continues to grow again after the age of 25 for the rest of a man’s life.
However, an excessively enlarged prostate can lead to a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Ultimately, an enlarged prostate can press on the urethra and restrict urine flow from the bladder.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
This leads to problems such as:
- frequent urination
- difficulties urinating
- urine leakage
- urinary tract infections
Lycope
Found in pink and red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and papaya, lycopene has also been shown to inhibit the growth of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), according to a randomized controlled study conducted at the University of Hohenheim in Germany.
A 2013 review notes that increasing evidence suggests whole foods may be more effective than individual compounds in reducing disease risk, suggesting that a fresh tomato may provide more lycopene benefits than a slice of pizza with tomato sauce, but you probably already knew that.
Green Tea
Small studies, such as this one, have shown promising results using green tea and black tea extracts to treat lower urinary tract pain symptoms. While it has not been rigorously proven to reduce PSA (prostate-specific antigen), anything that alleviates urinary pain, hesitancy, and frequency can be beneficial for those suffering from an enlarged prostate.
Consuming antioxidant-rich green tea offers a range of potential dietary benefits beyond prostate health, but if caffeine exacerbates PSA symptoms, it is better to avoid it.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a healthy source of fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals, and are a rich source of zinc, an important but lesser-known agent for prostate health. It is less certain whether consuming pumpkin seeds will significantly reduce PSA levels.
More studies have shown that pumpkin seeds can alleviate urinary frequency and urgency associated with PSA. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition among men over 50, and current research does not show a clear way to prevent it.
However, there are several treatment options available that can reduce an enlarged prostate and alleviate symptoms, especially if detected early.
It can be easy to ignore early warning signs, and talking to your doctor about your symptoms may feel embarrassing, but the sooner you consult your doctor about PSA, the sooner you can find relief.
