Beans
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Key, T.J.A., et al.
A case-control study of diet and prostate cancer. British Journal of Cancer,
Vol. 76, No. 5, September 1997, pp. 678-87 Main dietary concerns were fat intake (saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fatty acids) and the intake of carotenes (beta-carotene and lycopene). Participants were also asked if they had taken vitamins or other supplements. The researchers found no statistically significant differences in the intake of fats or carotenes between the prostate cancer patients and controls. They do point out however, that total fat intake (in per cent of total energy intake) of both patients and controls was quite high (34-43 per cent) and that they can draw no conclusion as to what effect a low fat intake would have on the risk of developing prostate cancer. Among foods and other nutrients examined, significant associations were observed for garlic (food only or food plus supplements), baked beans, vitamin B6 and garden peas. The association with garlic and vitamin B6 was later found to be statistically insignificant when adjusted for social class. Another recent study in England found that men who ate beans and peas more than once a week had a 37 per cent reduction in risk compared to men who ate these foods less often. The confirmed risks for prostate cancer include age, a family history of prostate cancer, social class and ethnic group/country of residence. A history of prostate cancer in fathers and brothers was associated with a two- to three-fold increased risk for the disease and manual workers were found to have a 63 per cent higher risk of prostate cancer than did non-manual workers. No correlation was
found between risk and alcohol intake or smoking. Contrary to other recent
studies, the researchers found no effect of increased lycopene intake. However,
they point out that their estimate of lycopene intake was very crude and did not
account for the wide differences in bioavailability of lycopene from different
sources. The researchers also noted that the use of vitamin E supplements was
considerably higher among controls, but no significant correlation with cancer
rate was observed. The researchers conclude that there is, as yet, no clear
correlation between diet and prostate cancer risk but that the effect of a high
intake of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), garlic, peas and beans warrants further
investigation. An adequate supply of zinc affects sex drive, potency and fertility. It also helps the body heal wounds and resist disease. Active men may require slightly more than the recommended 15 milligrams of zinc per day. Zinc can be found in lean beef, turkey, oysters, diary products, cereals and beans. Beans are good for you as is most Mediterranean food.
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