Men and women have different health concerns. For example, men have a greater risk of having a heart attack than women do, and they tend to have heart problems earlier in life. Men also deal with the risk of prostate cancer, with nearly 16% of American men expected to be diagnosed during their lives. While all men, like women, are encouraged to eat a balanced diet, there are four “super foods” that can help promote better health in men.
Four Super Foods for Better Men’s Health
- Legumes: Legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and folic acid. Fiber helps lower insulin release and delays nutrient absorption, which helps with weight maintenance. Protein helps build lean muscle mass, which also helps with weight control, and helps men recover from injuries more quickly. Folic acid found in legumes may lower homocysteine, promoting healthy blood vessels.
- Spinach: Packed with the powerful antioxidants vitamins C and A, spinach is also a great source of folic acid. Spinach may also help protect against prostate cancer because it contains neoxanthin, a carotenoid.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain lycopene, which may decrease the risk of prostate cancer. One study showed that men who ate 10 servings or more per week had a 35% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men who only ate one-and-a-half servings per week.
- Soy: While soy is often recommended for women dealing with menopause, recent studies have shown that the isoflavones in soy may also inhibit the growth of prostate tumors. Soy is also a great source of protein.