Soy Protects Your Prostate
Soy isn’t just a superfood for women anymore, according to a large-scale study of Japanese men. Researchers from Japan’s National Cancer Center found that increased intake of soy isoflavones significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 50%. Considering that over 500,000 new cases of the disease are diagnosed worldwide every year and that its incidence seems to be increasing each year, eating soy foods could be a important step in prevention.
The study recruited 43,509 Japanese men (average age 57) with a generally high soy isoflavone intake and followed them for five years. During that time, 307 men were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer (in which 74 cases were advanced, meaning it had spread past the prostate), and 220 cases were localized in the organ. High dietary intakes of isoflavones (compounds found in soy and other plant foods), miso soup and other soy foods were associated with significant risk reduction for localized prostate cancer. In fact, the highest intake of soy isoflavones had a 40% reduced risk compared to those with the lowest intake. (Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 16 (3): 538-545, 2007.)
How can soy have such a profound effect on prostate cancer? Soy isoflavones may reduce testosterone levels and inhibit an enzyme involved in the metabolism of testosterone. It is this hormone that may increase prostate cancer risk. But before you start reaching for your wife or girlfriend’s “made for her” soy-fortified foods, know this: these results occur in men eating whole soy foods, such as edamame, tofu, tempeh and miso. These are things that you should add to your diet if you are a man over the age of 60. Your prostate will thank you.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Prostate cancer accounts for some 30,000 deaths each year in the U.S. This research indicates that adding traditional, unprocessed soy foods to your diet can significantly lower your risk of developing prostate cancer.
QUICK TIP: While some recent studies have raised concerns about soy’s safety profile, most nutritionists agree that in moderation (up to 25 g of soy protein per day), whole soy foods are safe and beneficial. If you prefer to avoid soy, you can use other foods and supplements for prostate protection such as saw palmetto, pygeum, vitamins D and E, boron and cruciferous vegetables.
Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.
