Why Japanese men don’t get prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. In 2018, about 165,000 new cases are predicted, with close to 30,000 deaths.

Prostate drugs can cause side effects including erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure.

Because the prostate is close to several vital structures, prostate cancer and its treatments can disrupt normal urinary, bowel, and sexual functioning.

If there is a healthy, natural way to stop prostate cancer in its tracks, clearly men should be taking advantage of it.

My colleague Dr. Gia Espinoza recommends several diet plans that lower the risk of prostate cancer. One of these is the Japanese diet. Prostate cancer rates in Japanese men are three times lower than in American men.

Walnuts, pomegranates and other foods are known to reduce the occurrence of prostate tumors.

And, there is still another food to try, one that has been the subject of some controversy regarding how beneficial or potentially harmful it may be. Still, given the right circumstances, this food shows great promise for slowing the onslaught of prostate cancer.

To soy or not to soy

Over the years, there has been seemingly convincing research on both sides of the soy question. This has made it difficult to determine if soy is good or bad for your health.

On the plus side, the isoflavones in soy have been shown to slow the growth of breast cancer tumors. On the down side, other research seems to claim it has the opposite effect.

A lot of the controversy has been over the fact that soy crops are often genetically modified. GMO crops are known to cause organ damage, accelerated aging, immune system disorders and infertility in animals.

In addition, non-organic soybeans are sprayed heavily with pesticides such as Roundup, which contains glyphosate, a known carcinogen.

However, several recent reviews of observational studies point to a connection between unfermented soy and the prevention of prostate cancer.

Research says soy can help

A January 2018 analysis of thirty previous studies found a significant association between soy consumption and lowered prostate cancer risk. This lowered risk seemed to be associated in particular with unfermented soy foods such as tofu and soy milk, rather than with fermented soy products.

These were observational studies, and more research is needed. But this was not the first time that a systematic review of research pointed to unfermented soy as a way to prevent prostate cancer.

This study was not the first to look at unfermented soy as a way to decrease prostate cancer risk.

In 2009, an analysis of existing publications on soy and prostate cancer yielded similar findings: unfermented soy was associated with lowered risk. This study also made note of prior research which showed that adding miso to the diet reduced the likelihood of stomach and colon cancer.

How to eat and drink soy for prostate health

There’s no need to go overboard with eating unfermented soy. Just like any other dietary plan, moderation is always the key.

Unfermented soy foods are easy to find in your supermarket or health food store. No matter how you get your soy, make sure it is organic and non-GMO.

Raw soybeans, salted or unsalted, are a great snack. Miso soup is delicious, and can be made at home or ordered in Japanese restaurants.

Of course, tofu is probably the most versatile form of unfermented soy. It can be found in any supermarket, health food store or Asian market. Firmness ranges from very soft to very chewy; it’s a matter of preference.

On its own, the flavor is bland. This makes it possible to incorporate it into any number of cuisines and dishes. In stir fries, salads or curries, the possibilities are many. Tofu lends itself to pretty much any seasoning or cuisine.

Soft tofu can be used as a spread in place of nut butter. The firmer version can become a “meat” loaf or cut and cubed in soups and casseroles.