Researchers in Mexico City studied 394 men with prostate cancer and 793 healthy men to understand how different eating patterns affect cancer risk. They found that men who ate diets rich in antioxidants—nutrients found in vegetables, fruits, and seeds that protect cells from damage—had about 30% lower chances of developing prostate cancer compared to men who ate more foods that cause cell damage. The protective effect was strongest in men who had never smoked and those with less aggressive forms of cancer. While these results are encouraging, scientists say more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating foods with antioxidants (like vegetables and fruits) versus foods that cause cell damage affects a man’s chances of getting prostate cancer
  • Who participated: 1,187 men from Mexico City: 394 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and 793 healthy men of similar ages. All participants reported what they ate over the previous three years
  • Key finding: Men who ate diets with moderate to high amounts of antioxidants had about 29-30% lower odds of developing prostate cancer compared to men eating mostly pro-oxidant foods (foods that can damage cells)
  • What it means for you: Eating more vegetables, fruits, seeds, and whole grains may help reduce prostate cancer risk, especially for men who smoke or have smoked. However, this study shows association, not proof of cause-and-effect, so diet alone shouldn’t replace regular health screenings

The Research Details

This was a case-control study, which means researchers compared men who already had prostate cancer to similar men who didn’t have cancer. They asked both groups detailed questions about everything they ate over the three years before diagnosis (for cancer patients) or before the interview (for healthy men). Researchers used a special food questionnaire to estimate how much of different nutrients each man consumed.

The researchers then grouped the men’s eating patterns into three categories based on how much antioxidant and pro-oxidant foods they ate. Antioxidants are protective substances found in colorful vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Pro-oxidants are substances that can damage cells. The three patterns were: mostly pro-oxidant foods, moderate antioxidants with low pro-oxidants, and high amounts of both antioxidants and pro-oxidants.

They used statistical methods to compare cancer rates between the different eating pattern groups, adjusting for factors like age and smoking history.

Case-control studies are useful for studying diseases like cancer because researchers can quickly compare people who have the disease with similar people who don’t. This approach helps identify dietary patterns that might protect against cancer. By looking at what people ate before diagnosis, researchers can understand long-term eating habits and their effects

This study has several strengths: it included a large number of participants (nearly 1,200 men), used confirmed cancer diagnoses, and carefully matched healthy men to cancer patients by age. However, the study relied on people remembering what they ate years ago, which can be inaccurate. The study was done only in Mexico City, so results may not apply to other populations. The researchers adjusted for important factors like smoking, which strengthens the findings

What the Results Show

Men who ate diets with moderate antioxidants and low pro-oxidants had 29% lower odds of prostate cancer (OR: 0.71). Men who ate high amounts of both antioxidants and pro-oxidants had 30% lower odds (OR: 0.70). These protective effects were strongest in men with well-differentiated prostate cancer, which is typically less aggressive and slower-growing.

The protective effect was also stronger among men who had ever smoked. This was surprising because smoking usually increases cancer risk, but it suggests that antioxidant-rich diets may be especially helpful for smokers in reducing prostate cancer risk.

The main foods that made up the protective eating patterns included green vegetables, corn tortillas, seeds, and fruits. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that protect cells from damage.

The study found that the protective effect was mainly seen in well-differentiated prostate cancers (cancers that grow slowly and are less dangerous). The effect was weaker or not seen in more aggressive forms of cancer. This suggests that antioxidant-rich diets may be particularly protective against slower-growing cancers. The findings were consistent when researchers looked at smokers and non-smokers separately, though the effect was stronger in smokers

Previous research has suggested that antioxidants may help prevent various cancers by protecting cells from damage. This study adds to that evidence by showing a specific protective effect for prostate cancer in a Mexican population. However, some earlier studies have had mixed results, with some showing strong protective effects and others showing weaker associations. This variation may be due to differences in study design, populations studied, and how antioxidant intake was measured

The main limitation is that participants reported what they ate years ago from memory, which can be inaccurate. The study was conducted only in Mexico City, so results may not apply to other countries or ethnic groups. Because this is a case-control study, researchers can’t prove that antioxidants directly prevent cancer—only that eating them is associated with lower cancer rates. The study didn’t account for all possible factors that might affect cancer risk. Finally, the researchers need to confirm these findings with prospective studies where they follow healthy people over time

The Bottom Line

Based on this research (moderate confidence level), men should consider eating more antioxidant-rich foods including green vegetables, colorful fruits, seeds, and whole grains. These foods are healthy for many reasons beyond cancer prevention. However, diet should be part of a complete approach to health that includes regular exercise, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular health screenings. This study should not replace medical advice from your doctor

This research is relevant for all men, particularly those with a family history of prostate cancer, smokers, and men over 50 (when prostate cancer risk increases). Men should discuss prostate cancer screening with their doctor based on individual risk factors. The findings may be most relevant to men of Mexican descent or those living in similar climates with similar food availability, though the general principle of eating antioxidant-rich foods benefits everyone

Cancer prevention is a long-term process. Dietary changes typically need to be maintained for years to show protective effects. Men shouldn’t expect immediate results but should view antioxidant-rich eating as a lifelong healthy habit. Regular health screenings remain important regardless of diet

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of antioxidant-rich foods: green vegetables (target 2-3 servings), colorful fruits (target 2-3 servings), seeds and nuts (target 1 serving), and whole grains (target 3 servings). Log these separately to see patterns over weeks and months
  • Start by adding one antioxidant-rich food to each meal. For example: add spinach to breakfast eggs, include a side salad at lunch, snack on berries or seeds, and include roasted vegetables at dinner. Use the app to set reminders for these additions until they become habits
  • Review weekly summaries of antioxidant food intake. Set monthly goals to gradually increase variety and amounts. Track any health metrics your doctor recommends (like PSA levels if applicable). Note energy levels and overall wellness to reinforce positive changes

This research suggests an association between antioxidant-rich diets and lower prostate cancer risk, but does not prove that diet alone prevents cancer. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Men concerned about prostate cancer risk should discuss screening and prevention strategies with their healthcare provider. Individual dietary needs vary based on personal health conditions, medications, and other factors. Always consult with a doctor or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications