Saturated Fats and Prostate Cancer

Balance in our diets is important when looking at the overall picture of what we are eating on a daily basis and how it affects are health. Gone are the thoughts that fat in general is a bad component of the diet. What we have learned is that the TYPES of fat we consume are more important than the overall fat content. Trans fats and hydrogenated fats are a definite must to keep out of the diet, but heart-healthy unsaturated fats should be eaten regularly. Saturated fats can be eaten in moderation if they are from healthy sources and aren’t prone to exacerbating a health condition as they are good for cooking because they are less damaged by heat. But there may be certain cases where they should be limited.

Researchers at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina looked at a correlation between saturated fat in the diet and men who have prostate cancer and found that high dietary saturated fat content is associated with increased prostate cancer aggressiveness. They looked at more than 1,800 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and asked about their eating habits and other factors at the time of their diagnosis. A higher intake of saturated fat from foods such as fatty beef and cheese was linked with more aggressive prostate cancer, suggesting that there may be a correlation between the two factors.

The study also found that higher levels of polyunsaturated fats, found in foods such as avocados, fish and nuts, were associated with less aggressive prostate cancer. We already know that these types of foods are important for other functions such as brain and nerve health and they promote healthy levels of HDLs in the body, the “good” cholesterol that helps protect our blood vessels by removing excess cholesterol and fats. The omega 3’s (EPA and DHA) are also necessary because they help fight inflammation. With prostate cancer and any other type of cancer, damage has occurred on a cellular level. While steps need to be taken either surgically or pharmacologically to remove or eradicate the cancer, the body still needs support from the diet to assist in the healing and regeneration process. Or, at the very least, not to make the situation worse. An intake of the healthy dietary fats while limiting the ones that may be aggravating the condition is an easy way to take a step in the right direction.

Beyond that, high levels of protective antioxidants from fruits and vegetables or proper supplementation will benefit in further care in helping to restore a healthier state to the body. Natural components such as saw palmetto and pygeum bark have also been shown to be supportive for prostate health, but speak to a doctor who is familiar with a nutritional approach to improving your health so that you can find the best means to help you achieve your health goals.

In Health, 

Dr. Brad Niewierowski