Plant-Based Diet is Better for Men
A recent study published in Cancer found that men with prostate cancer who ate a plant-based diet had higher quality of life than those who consumed more meat in their diets. The study involved 3,505 men who had non-metastatic prostate cancer. Men in the study filled out a diet questionnaire every four years. Another survey was completed every two years that tracked their health problems.
The main findings showed that a higher plant-based diet index was associated with better scores for sexual function, urinary irritation/obstruction, urinary incontinence, and hormonal/vitality. In the study 48% of the men underwent a radical prostatectomy and 35% underwent radiation. Both forms of treatment are associated with sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Men who ate a plant-based diet scored 8% to 11% better in measures of sexual function compared to men who consumed more animal meats. In addition, to having less erectile dysfunction, men consuming plant-based diets, had less urinary incontinence.
Prostate cancer patients who limit meat and dairy but eat lots of plant-based foods tend to suffer less erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence and other embarrassing side effects associated with their treatment, researchers say.
The plant-based men also scored up to 14% better in urinary health, with fewer instances of incontinence, obstruction and irritation.
A plant-based diet also produced 13% better scores in hormonal health, which involves symptoms like low energy, depression and hot flashes.
The same research team previously found that eating a plant-based diet full of vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts reduces a man’s overall risk of developing prostate cancer.
Eating more plant-based foods was associated with better bowel function as well. This is likely due to the amount of dietary fiber in plants.
Plant-Based Diets
Plant-based diets have consistently been show to have health benefits. But for men who have to have meat, simply adding more fruits and vegetables to their current diet can likely help prevent prostate cancer and improve quality of life in the event a male develops prostate cancer.
