Men may now have more reasons than just weight loss to reduce their carbohydrate intake as scientists have found restricting carbohydrates may slow the growth of prostate tumors.
Based on animal studies, researchers at the Duke Prostate Center determined that insulin and an insulin-like growth factor contribute to the growth and proliferation of prostate cancer, and that a low-carb diet decreases serum insulin levels, thereby slowing tumor growth.
“Its very exciting this is a potential new mechanism to fight prostate cancer growth and help patients live longer with their disease,” says Dr. Stephen Freedland, a urologist in the Duke Prostate Center and lead investigator on this study.
The researchers are now planning to recruit patients for a clinical trial which is expected to be held within a few weeks.
Recent research has suggested a vegetable-rich diet and pomegranate juice may lower the risk of prostate cancer due to their antioxidant power.
Other studies have linked omega-3 fatty acids to better prostate health, while the known association between lower cholesterol levels and prostate cancer inhibition suggest that some people may benefit from cholesterol-lowering natural products such as niacin, fish oil and red yeast rice extract nutritional supplements. 