NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Low-fat, plant-based diets may help prevent or slow the progression of prostate cancer, according to a new research review.
A number of studies, though not all, have suggested that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may help ward off prostate cancer, while "Western"-style diets heavy in animal fat and dairy products may increase a man's risk of developing the disease.
In the current study, researchers reviewed 25 previously published studies that examined the effects of plant-based diets on prostate cancer development or progression.
Overall, the evidence suggests that diets high in fiber, fruits and vegetables, and low in meat and dairy, can help battle the disease, they report in the journal Nutrition Reviews.
For example, several studies of men with prostate cancer have linked high saturated fat intake to faster disease progression and a higher risk of death. Saturated fat is found mainly in animal products.
In contrast, some small trials have found that a high-fiber, low-fat vegetarian diet may slow the growth and spread of early-stage prostate tumors. Some other studies have suggested that components of plant-based foods -- like certain antioxidants or soy isoflavones -- might be beneficial.
"For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, the key to improving the odds of survival is avoiding high-fat fare and instead choosing fruits, vegetables, beans and other cancer-fighting vegetarian foods," lead study author Dr. Susan Berkow said in a statement.
Berkow is with George Mason University in Alexandria, Virginia, and serves as a consultant to Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a group that advocates vegetarian and vegan diets.
Berkow and her colleagues speculate that the fiber and other nutrients found in plant-based diets may affect prostate cancer by altering levels of certain hormones that can feed tumor development, including testosterone and insulin.
The balance of fats in a man's diet may also be key, the researchers point out. Some studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids may help stall prostate cancer progression. Omega-3 fats are found largely in oily fish, but also in some vegetable sources, like flaxseeds and canola oil.
SOURCE: Nutrition Reviews, September 2007.
| Options on campus available to vegetarian students |
| Thursday, 06 September 2007 | |
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by ANNE BAKER Intern News Reporter Pesto pizza, bean quesadillas, and teriyaki rice wraps are three dishes that may sound pretty appetizing. However, meat lovers may not like the fact that there is a lack of pork, steak or chicken in the ingredient list. Welcome to the world of being a vegetarian. Vegetarianism has been an option in different cultures for thousands of years and recently, an increase in vegetarians at Appalachian State University has been noticed. Director of Food Services Pat Weaver said, “We are very aware that the student body is becoming more conscious about eating healthier things and vegetarians on campus are a growing population.” Many students decide to give up meat for a vast number of reasons, with the most common being ethical or religious ones. “After watching a chicken dissection at school when I was 12, I decided to become a vegetarian,” Erin N. Poindexter said. Poindexter is a sophomore arts management major. Choosing to have a meat-free diet at such a young age made it possible for her to get used to the fact that it would be harder to find vegetarian options away from home. As a vegetarian, it is necessary to eat a wide range of foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, whole grains, and nuts. This provides those living on a vegetarian diet with good sources of calcium, zinc, and iron, all of which help the body function properly. With this in mind, how easy has it been for vegetarian students on campus at Appalachian to find healthy food options that fit their lifestyles? Poindexter said she was actually “pretty excited” about what is available. She enjoys Freshens Smoothies located in Cascades Café often, especially since protein powder can be added. “The market in Trivette Hall is also nice,” Poindexter said. Morningstar Farm products, which specialize in veggie burgers and other meatless meals, can be found for sale there. Vegetarian sushi is also available. More dining options that serve vegetarian entrees include On the Lite Side and Noodle Works, both located in the east wing of Welborn Cafeteria. Both are open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and serve popular items such as stir-fry vegetables, sweet potatoes and seasoned black beans. A favorite among students is the Portobello mushroom subs. However, some students are not completely satisfied with the choices given on campus. Sophomore philosophy major D. Bill McIlvaine said, “The food offered there is a little too typical, and doesn’t offer necessary nutrition to people who don’t eat meat.” Weaver said there have also been some complaints regarding the limited hours On the Lite Side and Noodle Works hold. Food Services did try to extend operating hours to cover dinner but there was not enough business, Weaver said. “Sometimes we only had around 12 people come in,” Weaver said. However, Food Services is very open to suggestions regarding vegetarian choices. Weaver urges those who might not be completely satisfied to talk to either her or the managers of the dining halls. “I will be glad to see that any suggestion is passed on,” she said. Weaver can be reached through Food Services at 262-3061 and her office is located in Welborn Cafeteria |