The prostate is a gland that is important for male sexual function. Many factors affect prostate health, and diet plays a key role. Eating too much sugar, saturated fat, salt, processed meats, or spicy foods, and drinking alcohol and caffeine may negatively impact prostate health.
Some studies show that eating too much sugar may increase your risk of getting prostate cancer. Added sugars are present in many foods in the American diet. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a major source of these added sugars.
High SSB consumption is linked to many health conditions, including prostate cancer.
A study looked at more than 22,000 people who were born male. Some drank many sugar-sweetened drinks, while others drank less. The study found that those who drank the most SSBs had a 21% higher chance of getting prostate cancer compared to those who drank the least.
Here are some examples of sugar-sweetened beverages:
- Regular soft drinks or soda (non-diet)
- Sweetened fruit drinks
- Sweetened iced tea
- Energy drinks
- Sports drinks
- Sweetened flavored water
- Sweetened coffee or tea drinks
Other foods that contain high amounts of added sugars include:
- Candies
- Pastries
- Breakfast cereals
- Condiments and sauces
- Sweetened yogurt and other flavored dairy products
- Ice cream and frozen desserts
- Jams, jellies, and fruit spreads
Eating higher amounts of red and processed meats is linked to a higher risk of cancer. One reason is that when meat—especially red meat—is cooked at high temperatures, harmful compounds can form. Too much of these compounds may increase the risk of cancer.
A 2022 study found that people who ate a lot of processed meat had a 6% higher chance of getting prostate cancer. Also, for every 50 extra grams of processed meat eaten, the risk of getting prostate cancer went up by 4%.
Here are some examples of red and processed meats:
- Beef
- Pork
- Lamb
- Bacon
- Sausages
- Hot dogs
- Deli meats
Poultry and fish can be alternatives to red and processed meats.
Prostate-related conditions can cause difficulty urinating. Spicy foods can cause irritation and painful urination in some people who have prostate-related symptoms.
Ingredients commonly used in spicy foods include:
Eating too much saturated fat and trans fat may be linked to prostate cancer. Research suggests that eating a lot of these fats can cause inflammation, affect hormone levels, and disrupt metabolism.
A 2017 study found that people who eat more saturated fat have a 51% higher chance of having aggressive prostate cancer.
However, another large study in 2015 showed no link between saturated fat intake and prostate cancer.
Foods high in saturated fat include:
- Fatty cuts of meat
- Poultry with skin
- Full-fat dairy products
- Lard and shortening
- Coconut oil
- Palm oil
- Fast foods
- Pastries
Foods high in trans fat include:
- Fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken, and donuts
- Packaged foods such as crackers, chips, frozen pizza, and many other snacks
- Fast food
- Margarine
A study found that people who eat more salty foods scored higher on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)—a test that measures urination problems. They were also more likely to have severe symptoms, difficulty urinating, trouble storing urine, and waking up at night to use the bathroom.
High-sodium foods include:
- Canned soups
- Processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and sausages
- Salty snacks, like chips, pretzels, and salted nuts
- Fast food
- Frozen meals
Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can increase urination. Since people with prostate conditions may have difficulty urinating, they are advised to limit caffeine intake.
Some drinks and foods that contain caffeine include:
- Coffee
- Energy drinks
- Soda
- Some teas, like black and green tea
- Chocolate—it does contain caffeine, but in small amounts
You can choose decaffeinated coffee and naturally caffeine-free teas, such as herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or rooibos.
A study found that drinking alcohol, like liquor, beer, and wine, might increase the risk of prostate cancer. But how much alcohol you drink can change how it affects you.
Here are some alcoholic beverages:
- Beer
- Wine
- Whiskey
- Cocktails
- Liqueurs
Some studies show a link between dairy consumption and a higher prostate cancer risk. However, the evidence is not very clear.
A 2021 study linked milk and yogurt consumption to a higher risk of prostate cancer. How much was consumed also mattered—higher consumption of these dairy products was linked to a greater risk.
In another study, dairy consumption was linked to a 1-3% increase in prostate cancer risk. Consuming 400 grams of dairy daily was associated with a 2% increase in risk. However, drinking 100 milliliters of whole milk a day was linked to a 3% decrease in the risk.
Dairy products include:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Butter
- Cream
- Ice cream
Research suggests the Mediterranean diet may support prostate health. In comparison, the Western diet is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
This is because the Mediterranean diet contains many foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber. In contrast, the Western diet is high in sugar, saturated fats, and salt.
Here are some foods that support prostate health:
- Fiber-rich foods: Eating more fiber has been linked to lower prostate cancer risk. Fiber is found in whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
- Antioxidant-rich foods: Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other compounds commonly found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. They protect cells from damage or harm, preventing disease. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals include Vitamin A, C, E, selenium, zinc, and copper.
Some foods can worsen prostate health. Foods high in sugar, saturated fat, sodium, caffeine, as well as processed meats, red meats, and alcohol, can negatively affect prostate health. To support your prostate health, focus on eating healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
