The prostate is a very important organ for the sexual health of a male. It produces the seminal fluid essential for sperms and provides the pumping action to push sperms during ejaculation. It also acts as a valve by preventing the urine from mixing with semen during a climax.

Most men discover that they have a prostate only when it enlarges and causes urinary retention. Sometimes, this can be serious and can cause cancer. Prostate enlargement, which is mostly an age-related issue, can be prevented by following these tips:

Know if you have a predisposition for prostate cancer
Like every cancer, prostate cancer has increased incidence in men who have had a blood relative suffering from prostate cancer. So, if your father, grandfather, or any blood relative, has been affected by prostate cancer, then you should start getting yourself checked regularly from the age of 45 for any signs of prostate enlargement. You need to visit your physician and discuss with him/her about checking your PSA levels regularly.

Exercise regularly
Exercise is one of the best preventive actions for prostate health. The exact mechanism of prostate enlargement is not known, but it is said that old age causes decreased blood flow to the prostate gland, which then reacts by enlarging itself. A healthy weight maintained through regular exercise increases the blood flow to the prostate. This makes sure that all the nutrients are supplied to the prostate gland and prevents hypertrophy of the prostate gland.

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Eat right
The most important way to maintain a healthy prostate is to eat right. Nature has gifted us with the best foods to maintain the complete health of our body. Modify your diet to include a lot of plant-based foods with plenty of fruits and vegetables. A low fat, low sugar, diet that is rich in fiber helps your prostate. These foods naturally contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that fight free radicals.

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What foods to include in your regular diet?
Here are some of the easily available options to include as a part of your diet to have a healthy prostate:

• Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower
• Carrots and foods, that contain rich amounts of beta-carotene
• Lycopene rich, food like tomatoes
• Anti-carcinogenic foods, like mushrooms that contain beta-glucan and a protein called lectin
• Pomegranates, grapes, and their juices
• Fruits rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits (orange and lemon)
• Avocados
• Apples and berries
• Green tea
• Whole grains
• Selenium rich foods, like tuna
• Consume organic food as much as possible, as organic food is devoid of pesticides and fertilizers.

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Avoid animal proteins like red meat
Animal protein, especially from red meat like beef, is not good for prostate health. You can replace it with plant proteins, like beans, and other healthy proteins, like eggs, oats, etc.

Stop smoking
Smoking is directly linked to the incidence of prostate cancer. Smoking releases carcinogens in our body that could lead to prostate cancer. Also, the survival rate of men who smoke after prostate cancer treatment is very poor. Therefore, if you smoke, then it is the time that you quit smoking for your prostate’s health.

So, take a resolution today to follow the mentioned suggestions and keep your prostate healthy. This walnut-sized gland is very important to you.

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