Jena DeMoss: Protect the prostate: Fueling men’s health from the inside out
Published 5:42 pm Tuesday, June 10, 2025
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Prostate health is an important aspect of men’s wellness, yet it is often overlooked. As men age, the risk for prostate-related conditions — including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer —increases. While regular screenings and medical checkups are key, nutrition can also play a powerful role in supporting prostate function and reducing risk. Let’s explore evidence-based dietary strategies that can help promote long-term prostate health — starting with what you put on your plate.
Consume Cruciferous Veggies: Think of broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage as nutritional powerhouses that offer protective benefits for prostate health. These veggies contain natural compounds that can help fight off oxidative stress and support your body’s built-in detoxification processes. These cruciferous champs are versatile, affordable, and easy to enjoy roasted, sautéed, or raw!
Fit in More Healthy Fats: Let’s hear it for the good guys—healthy fats! These heart-loving, hormone-helping powerhouses (like avocado, olive oil, walnuts, and salmon) also play a key role in supporting prostate health. They help fight inflammation, keep your cells in check, and give your meals a major flavor boost.
Pump Up the Protein: Lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, legumes and even Ready-to-Drink Oikos protein drinks are not just muscle-building MVPs —they’re also key players in supporting prostate health. Swapping out processed meats for these cleaner options helps reduce inflammation and keeps your body running like a well-oiled machine. They pair perfectly with veggies and healthy fats, making your plate a prostate-protecting powerhouse.
Hydrate to Feel Great: Keep your glass half full —of water, that is! Staying hydrated helps your body flush out toxins and keeps everything, including your prostate, running smoothly. On the flip side, too much alcohol can throw your system off balance and may irritate the prostate. So while a toast now and then is fine, moderation is key.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping your weight in check isn’t just about looking sharp in your favorite jeans — it’s a power move for your prostate, too! Extra weight, especially around the belly, can crank up inflammation and hormones that your prostate would rather skip. The good news? Small steps like staying active, choosing balanced meals and dodging those late-night snack attacks can go a long way.
When it comes to protecting your prostate, your plate plays a powerful role. By loading up on colorful veggies, healthy fats, lean proteins, and staying hydrated, you’re giving your body the fuel it needs to stay strong and resilient. Pair those smart food choices with regular movement and a healthy weight, and you’ve got a recipe for long-term wellness. Not sure where to start? A Hy-Vee dietitian can be your go-to guide for making it doable and delicious.
Chicken Waldorf Lettuce Wraps
Serves 2
All you need
• /4 cup Hy-Vee Short Cuts sliced celery
• 1/2 small Honeycrisp apple
• 1/4 cup red grapes
• 1 cup Hy-Vee rotisserie chicken
• 1/3 cup Bolthouse Farms creamy salad dressing
• 4 large romaine lettuce leaves
• 2 Tbsp. Hy-Vee chopped English walnuts
All you do
1. Add celery, apples, grapes, and chicken into a medium bowl; toss to combine. Fold in creamy salad dressing.
2. Add chicken mixture to large lettuce leaves and top with walnuts.
Recipe source: https://www.hy-vee.com/discover/recipes/chicken-waldorf-lettuce-wraps