While the FDA may think some of these additives are safe, known carcinogens are still being allowed to be used in the manufacture of foods and drinks.

• Acesulfame-K: This artificial sweetener is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Since 1998, the FDA has allowed this chemical to be used in soft drinks, along with chewing gum, sugar-free baked goods, and gelatin desserts. It is often used along with sucralose. Two rat studies suggest that acesulfame-K may cause cancer, and large doses of a breakdown product, acetoacetamide, have been shown to impact the thyroid in lab animals. A study published in 2008 found that acesulfame-K and saccharine caused more damage to DNA in mice than did another artificial sweetener, aspartame. (Bandvopadhvay 2008)

• Artificial colorings: All artificial colorings are on the CSPI “avoid or best to avoid” list, even though they are all acceptable according to the FDA. The artificial colorings you may see on food labels include blue 1 and 2, green 3, citrus red 2, red 3, red 40 (most widely used), yellow 5 (may cause allergic reactions), and yellow 6.

• Artificial and natural flavoring: The food industry uses hundreds of chemicals to mimic natural flavors, and most of them are used in junk foods. When you see the words artificial flavoring or natural flavoring, it usually means that the real thing, often fruit, has been left out. Because companies keep the identity of artificial and natural flavorings a proprietary secret, you don’t know what you are consuming, so it is best to avoid them.

• Aspartame: You may know it as Equal or NutraSweet, but it is really a combination of two amino acids and methanol. For decades, scientists have been conducting studies and suggesting that aspartame causes cancer, but each time the FDA refused to accept the recommendation that the sweetener be banned. In 1970 a study suggested it caused brain tumors in rats; in 2005 an Italian study found that it caused lymphomas and leukemias in male and female rats. (Soffritti 2005) A 2006 study by the same Italian researchers exposed rats to aspartame in utero and found that the chemical caused leukemias, lymphomas, and breast cancer. (Soffritti 2006) The National Cancer Institute conducted a five-year study of people aged 50 to 69 and reported in 2006 that aspartame appeared to pose no risk of cancer. (Lim 2006) The study had several limitations; for example, it was not controlled (participants reported a rough estimate of how much aspartame they consumed) and the participants had not consumed aspartame as children (a critical exposure time). The CSPI concludes that lifelong consumption of aspartame probably increases a person’s risk of cancer, and that everyone, especially young children, should not consume foods and beverages that contain it.

• Brominated vegetable oil: This substance is used in some citrus-flavored soft drinks to keep flavor oils in suspension. When you consume brominated vegetable oil, it leaves small residues in body fat. Is this dangerous? No one knows, which is a signal to avoid it. Fortunately, this additive is not used often.

• Butylated hydroxyganisole (BHA): This additive retards rancidity in oils, fats, and foods that contain oil. Study results do not agree, as some indicate BHA causes cancer in lab animals while others do not. The results have been convincing enough for the US Department of Health and Human Services, however, which considers BHA to be  reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Yet while one government entity says one thing, another department says something else, and the FDA says BHA is safe enough to be added to foods.

• Butylated hydroxytoloene (BHT): You will see this additive in items such as cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and oils. It is added to retard rancidity in oils. In various animal studies BHT either increased or decreased the risk of cancer. Residues of BHT are found in human fat. It seems clear: avoid this additive.

• Caffeine: We’re not asking you to give up your coffee, although it is a good idea to limit yourself to just a cup or two daily. The caffeine we are talking about here is what manufacturers add to food, beverages, and supplements. Caffeine is a drug, and the only one that is found naturally or added to a wide variety of foods. (Quinine is the other drug used in foods.) If you are already drinking coffee and you are consuming other products that contain caffeine, such as energy drinks, gum, cocoa and chocolate, tea, and coffee-flavored yogurt and desserts, you are likely getting more caffeine than you bargained for. Caffeine can affect sleep, cause jitteriness, and have a negative impact on calcium metabolism. You don’t need it, so check labels (and that includes supplements and over-the-counter medications) and avoid it.

• Carmine/Cochineal extract: Conchineal extract is a coloring obtained from the cochineal insect, which lives on cacti. Carmine is a more purified coloring also made form cochineal. In both cases, carminic acid provides the color, which is used in candy, yogurt, ice cream, beverages, and other foods, as well as in cosmetics and drugs. A small percentage of consumers experience allergic reactions to this coloring, ranging from hives to anaphylactic shock. In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration gave food manufacturers until January 1, 2011, to begin accurately identifying the colorings on food labels as carmine or cochineal extract rather than as ‘artificial coloring’ or ‘color added’ as they do now.

• Carrageenan: The Centers for Science in the Public Interest says this seaweed product is safe in small amounts, but some people disagree. Carrageenan has been found to cause colitis and anaphylasis in humans and to harm test animals’ colons when given in large amounts. Read labels to discover this thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent in ice cream, jelly, chocolate milk, infant formula, and cottage cheese, among other items, and then put the item back on the shelf.

• Corn syrup: Corn syrup contributes empty calories, promotes tooth decay, and is used in foods that have little to no nutritional value. Candy, marshmallows, syrups, snack foods, and imitation dairy foods often contain corn syrup. To make matters worse, several recent studies have reported the presence of mercury in high fructose corn syrup. (Dufault 2009)

• Dextrose: This sugar is found naturally in fruit and honey, but it is often added to foods as a sweetener, contributing empty calories and a greater risk of tooth decay. And as you’ll read in chapter 18 on limiting liabilities, sugar is a definite no-no for prostate and overall health because of its cancer-promoting properties and lack of nutritional value, among other  merits. Food manufacturers dump dextrose into everything from bread to soda pop.

• Diacetyl: If you eat butter flavored  popcorn or cooking oils, then you are probably ingesting diacetyl. Low amounts of this chemical are found in butter, but much higher levels are used in butter-flavored foods. After long-term exposure to diacetyl by workers in factories that produce microwave popcorn resulted in the development of obstructive lung disease, many food producers stopped using the ingredient. But it’s still out there.

• Fructose: Fruits and veggies contain a small amount of fructose, but food producers also use this sweetener. You can also get fructose in your diet from foods that contain high-fructose corn syrup, another sweetener you want to avoid (see entry below). Food manufacturers sometimes promote fructose as being healthier than high-fructose corn syrup, but that’s just a sweet deception. Although modest amounts of fructose do not raise blood glucose levels, which is a concern for diabetics, large amounts (and the definition of “large” really depends on the individual) can increase triglyceride levels and thus the risk of heart disease. Lots of fructose can also elevate levels of the hormones leptin, insulin, and ghrelin, which regulate appetite and thus can contribute to weight gain.

• High-Fructose Corn Syrup: Food manufacturers like this sweet syrupy liquid because it’s cheaper than sugar and has a very long shelf life. But that’s what’s good about it for manufacturers. What about you? You may have seen commercials in which high-fructose corn syrup is promoted as “natural” and in moderation, a part of a good healthy diet. High-fructose corn syrup, which begins its life as cornstarch, is not exactly natural, because it is made sweeter via a process that converts the starch into glucose subunits, which are then transformed to fructose. And there isn’t anything healthy about it, as its use has been associated with weight gain, damage to the liver and other organs, and an increase in insulin resistance, which leads to diabetes. Fructose must be metabolized by the liver, and if the liver has too much fructose to process, it can damage the organ, causing, for example, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. High-fructose corn syrup is found in hundreds, probably thousands of processed foods. Avoid it when possible.

• Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate (HSH): This is another sweetener often used in dietetic and reduced-calorie foods. It is poorly absorbed by the body and can cause intestinal gas and diarrhea. Thus, you don’t need it.

• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP): HVP consists of vegetable protein  (usually soybean but also corn or wheat) that has been boiled in hydrochloric acid and then neutralized with sodium hydroxide. HVP is used to enhance the natural flavor of food and contains monosodium glutamate (MSG; see below), which can cause adverse reactions in sensitive people.

• Lactitol: This sugar alcohol and sweetener is made from lactose, or milk sugar. It is not absorbed well by the body and does not promote tooth decay. However, it can cause diarrhea or loose stools if consumed in large amounts (more than 20 grams). Lactitol is found in candies, baked goods, ice cream, and sugar-free foods.

• Lactose: This is a carbohydrate found only in milk, which is where it belongs because it is Nature’s way of delivering nutrients to infants. Lactose is added to foods as a mildly sweet source of carbohydrate. Many people are lactose intolerant and experience gas and stomach discomfort when ingesting lactose.

• Maltitol: Another sweetener and sugar alcohol, it is not absorbed well by the body and does not promote tooth decay. However, like lactitol, it can cause loose stools or diarrhea if consumed in large amounts. Maltitol is made by hydrogenating maltose, which is obtained from corn syrup. It is a common ingredient in candies, chocolates, jams, and other sugar-free foods.

• Mannitol: Have you ever noticed that some chewing gum looks dusty? That’s mannitol. Like other sugar alcohols, it is not absorbed well by the body and does not promote cavities. The FDA requires foods whose reasonably foreseeable consumption may result in a daily ingestion of 20 grams of mannitol to put the following warning on its products: Excess consumption may have a laxative effect.

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG): MSG is a flavor enhancer and allows companies to reduce the amount of real ingredients in their products; for example, the amount of beef in beef soup. Some people are sensitive to MSG and may experience headache, nausea, weakness, and a burning sensation in the back of the neck and forearms.

• Mycoprotein: This is a unique ingredient found in a frozen meat substitute called Quorn, which is made from processed mold (Fusarium venenatum).  The products are advertised as being mushroom in origin, which is not accurate because the mold or fungus from which the products are made does not produce mushrooms. In fact, the mold is grown in liquid solution in large tanks. Quorn products have been available in the UK and Europe since the 1990s and in the United States since 2002. Quorn foods are meat-free and high in protein, but they have been associated with side effects, including vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and hives in some people. In summer 2009, a woman in Arizona sued Quorn after she got violently ill shortly after eating the products. Although both the British and American governments acknowledge that Quorn foods can cause allergic reactions in some people, they have not agreed to require Quorn foods to bear a warning label.

• Olestra: This synthetic fat, made by Procter & Gamble, is marketed as a no-fat additive, as it passes through the digestive system without being absorbed. People who eat foods that contain Olestra pay a price for using this fat replacement, is it can cause diarrhea and loose stools, abdominal cramps, flatulence, and other adverse effects. Olestra also reduces the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble carotenoids from fruits and vegetables. Foods that contain Olestra are not really fat-free because they contain substantial amounts of indigestible fat.

• Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil: This oil reduces the levels of polyunsaturated oils and also creates trans fats, which promote heart disease and have been declared by the Food and Drug Administration to be even more harmful than saturated fat. The Harvard School of Public Health researchers have estimated that trans fat has been causing about 50,000 premature heart attack deaths per year. Consumers should know that Nutrition Facts labels are required to list the amount of trans fat in a serving, but that foods labeled as having 0 g trans fat are allowed to contain 0.5 g per servings, while  no trans fat means the food is trans fat free. Although the use of partially hydrogenated oil in fast food and processed foods has declined, there are still many foods that contain this unhealthy fat.

• Polydextrose: This additive is a bulking agent and is found in baked goods, candies, puddings, frozen desserts, and salad dressings, among other foods. It is made by combining dextrose with sorbitol, resulting in a slightly sweet, reduced-calorie substance. The FDA has decided that if a serving of a food will probably provide you with more than 15 grams of polydextrose, the label will warn you that Sensitive individuals may experience a laxative effect from excessive consumption of this product. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

• Potassium bromate: This food additive is used to increase the volume of bread and to produce bread with a fine crumb structure. Bromate causes cancer in animals, and tiny amounts that may remain in bread pose a small risk to consumers. Bromate has been banned around the world except in the United States and Japan.

• Propyl gallate: This additive is used to retard the spoilage of oils and fats and is often used along with BHA and BHT because of their synergistic effects. Studies have suggested that this preservative may cause cancer in animals.

• Saccharin: Saccharin (sold as Sweet ‘N Low) is 350 times sweeter than sugar and is used in diet foods or as a tabletop sugar substitute. Several studies have shown that saccharin causes cancer of the uterus, ovaries, skin, blood vessels, and other organs in rodents. A National Cancer Institute study found that use of saccharin and cyclamate (which has been banned) was associated with a higher incidence of bladder cancer. (Natl Cancer Inst)  In 1977, the FDA proposed that saccharin be banned, but Congress voted to allow its continued use provided that foods that contained it carry a warning label. In May 2000, the US Department of Health and Human Services removed saccharin from its list of cancer-causing substances.

• Sodium benzoate, benzoic acid: These preservatives are found primarily in fruit juice, carbonated drinks, some condiments, and pickles, and they prevent the growth of microorganisms in acidic foods. Although they appear to be safe for many people, sensitive individuals may experience hives, asthma, or other allergic reactions. If sodium benzoate is used in beverages that also contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid), the two substances, in an acidic solution, can react and form small amounts of benzene, a chemical that cause cancer. Although the risk is small, it is real. A 2006 lawsuit finally forced soft drink makers in the US to reformulate their beverages to remove the substance.

• Sodium nitrite/nitrate: Sodium nitrite stabilizes the red color in cured meat and provides a characteristic flavor, while sodium nitrate is used in dry cured meat because it slowly breaks down into nitrite. The addition of nitrite to food can lead to the development of small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines. Food manufacturers now add ascorbic acid or erythorbic acid to bacon to inhibit the formation of nitrosamine, which has greatly reduced the problem. However, several studies have linked consumption of cured meat and nitrite by children, pregnant women, and adults with various types of cancer. Thus avoidance of nitrite and nitrate is still recommended.

• Sorbitol: Yet another sweetener, but this one also is a thickening agent and helps maintain moisture. It can be found in dietetic drinks and foods, candy, shredded coconut, and chewing gum. It is half as sweet as sugar and is used by some diabetics because sorbitol is absorbed more slowly and does not cause blood sugar levels to spike. Sorbitol is a natural laxative and can cause diarrhea and stomach pain and exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome. Some people have reported dizziness, dry mouth, and abdominal bloating. The FDA requires food producers to label items  whose reasonably foreseeable consumption may result in a daily ingestion of 50 grams of sorbitol with the warning Excess consumption may have a laxative effect.

• Sulfites (Sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfate): Sulfites are used to prevent discoloration (in dried fruit, some dried, fried, or frozen potatoes, seafood, vegetables) and bacterial growth (in wines). At the same time, they also destroy vitamin B1 and can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals, especially asthmatics. The FDA has banned the most dangerous uses of sulfites and now requires that wine labels list sulfite when used. When shopping for dried fruit, wine, or other foods that may contain sulfites, look for brands that say no sulfites or sulfur-free.

• Xylitol: A sugar alcohol and sweetener that is found in sugar-free chewing gum and low-calorie foods. Like the other sugar alcohols, it is not well absorbed by the body and does not promote tooth decay. Large amounts may have a laxative effect.

1. Prostate cancer. Research shows that pomegranate extracts can encourage prostate cells to commit suicide (apoptosis) and can also slow the reproduction of prostate cancer cells. (Albrecht; Rettig; Seeram) Components in pomegranates called ellagitannins can interfere with the growth of new blood vessels, which are necessary to nourish prostate tumors. (Sartippour) Other compounds, specifically punicic acid, delphinidin chloride, and kaempferol, can inhibit prostate cell growth stimulated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). (Gasmi) Scientists have also noted that pomegranate can inhibit gene expression in androgen-independent prostate cancer. (Hong)

2. PSA. In studies, men with prostate cancer who had had surgery or radiation but whose PSA levels had climbed were given 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily. While the average PSA level had doubled every 15 months before drinking pomegranate juice, it was taking 54 months by the end of the study. The juice also was associated with a 17 percent increase in cancer cell apoptosis and a 12 percent decline in the spread of cancer cells. (Pantuck)

3. Erectile dysfunction. Several studies provide evidence that pomegranate may have a role in erectile dysfunction. In one animal study, investigators compared pomegranate juice, red wine, green tea, and several berry juices and found that pomegranate juice showed the most antioxidant capacity. Long-term intake of pomegranate juice improved erectile function and reduced erectile tissue fibrosis. (Azadozoi) A study of men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction found that pomegranate juice intake resulted in some improvement in erectile function. (Forest)

4. Breast and lung cancers. Studies in Israel report that pomegranate juice kills breast cancer cells without damaging healthy cells, and that it may also stop breast cancer cells from forming. (Kim) Other research indicates that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer. (Khan)

5. Osteoarthritis. Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent the deterioration of cartilage, which is characteristic of arthritis. A February 2010 study reported that pomegranate juice helped prevent cartilage damage in the knee joints of animal models with osteoarthritis. (Hadipour-Jahromy)

6. Rheumatoid arthritis. In a mouse model, pomegranate extract reduced inflammation and joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis. (Shukla) Another study reported that pomegranate extract and extract-derived compounds may be helpful in inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing mast cells and basophils. (Rasheed)

7. Cholesterol and blood vessels. Pomegranate juice has been associated with both lowering cholesterol levels (the bad LDL cholesterol) and protecting blood vessels by preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries and the development of atherosclerotic lesions. (Aviram 2002) A recent study found that 100% pomegranate juice and 100% black currant juice were superior to other beverages tested in inhibiting the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. (Rosenblat 2010) In another study, pomegranate had a positive impact on carotid intima-media thickness progression in some patients who had moderate risk of coronary heart disease. (Davidson)

8. Heart health. In patients with coronary heart disease, daily intake of pomegranate juice for three months improved stress-induced myocardial ischemia. (Sumner) Another study found that pomegranate juice can reduce cholesterol accumulation and the formation of foam cells, which contribute to lesion growth. (Fuhrman) Pomegranate juice also demonstrated several heart-related benefits in a study conducted in Israel, including reduction in lesion size in mice with advanced atherosclerosis, reduction in macrophage oxidative stress, and prevention of the development of atherosclerosis. (Kaplan) An analysis of both pomegranate juice and extract revealed that both have the ability to inhibit platelet activity, which is helpful in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. (Mattiello)

9. Metabolic syndrome. Pomegranate extract increased the actions of nitric oxide and supported arterial function in obese rats, suggesting it has potential clinical use in metabolic syndrome. (de Nigris)

10. Blood pressure. Research shows that adults with high blood pressure who drank 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice daily lowered their systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent. (Aviram 2001)

11. Improves recovery from exercise. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that supplementing with ellagitannins from pomegranate extract significantly improved recovery of isometric strength two to three days after engaging in exercise that had caused muscle damage. (Trombold)

12. Alzheimer’s disease. In an animal study from Loma Linda University, researchers administered pomegranate juice, which is rich in polyphenols, to one group of mice and sugar water to another. The mice given the pomegranate juice learned tasks more quickly than those given the sugar water. The pomegranate-treated mice also had significantly less (about 50%) accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain. Beta-amyloid protein is believed to play a major role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. (Hartman)

13. Supports healthy immune response. Pomegranate extracts and pomegranate juice are both rich in polyphenols. Experts note that daily consumption of these pomegranate products can support the immune system’s antioxidant, antimalarial, and antimicrobial capacities. (Reddy)

14. Type 2 diabetes. Pomegranate seed oil, which is a rich source of conjugate linolenic acid (CLA), was associated with an improvement in insulin sensitivity in one animal study, which suggests it may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. (McFarlin) Two other studies found that pomegranate juice and/or pomegranate extract had a positive impact on diabetic patients, suggesting daily use of these products could reduce their risk of developing atherosclerosis. (Rock; Rosenblat)

Whether you choose a fresh pomegranate, pomegranate juice, or a supplement, you will be treating yourself to a wealth of antioxidants and other nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, folic acid, fiber, potassium, and niacin and a boost to prostate and overall health.

References

Albrecht M, et al. 2004 Pomegranate extracts potently suppress proliferation, xenograft growth, and invasion of human prostate cancer cells. J Medic Food 2004; 7:274-83

Aviram M et al. Pomegranate juice flavonoids inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation and cardiovascular diseases: studies in atherosclerotic mice and in humans. Drugs Exp Clin Res 2002; 28(2-3): 49-62

Aviram M, Dornfeld L. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic blood pressure. Atherosclerosis 2001 Sep; 158(1):195-98

Azadzoi KM et al. Oxidative stress in arteriogenic erectile dysfunction: prophylactic role of antioxidants. J Urol 2005; 174:386-93

Davidson MH et al. Effects of consumption of pomegranate juice on carotid intima-media thickness in men and women at moderate risk for coronary heart disease. Am J Cardiol 2009; 104:936-42

Forest CP et al. Efficacy and safety of pomegranate juice on improvement of erectile dysfunction in male patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study. Intl J Impot Res 2007; doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901570

Fuhrman B et al. Pomegranate juice inhibits oxidized LDL uptake and cholesterol biosynthesis in macrophages. J Nutr Biochem 2005; 16:570-76

Gasmi J, Sanderson JT. Growth inhibitory, antiandrogenic, and pro-apoptotic effects of punicic acid in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. J Agric Food Chem 2010 Nov 10

Hadipour-Jahromy M, Mozaffari-Kermani R. Chondroprotective effects of pomegranate juice on monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis of the knee joint of mice. Phytotherapy Res 2010 Feb; 24(2): 182-85

Hartman RE et al. Pomegranate juice decreases amyloid load and improves behavior in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiol Dis 2006 Dec; 24(3): 506-15

Hong MY et al. Pomegranate polyphenols down-regulate expression of androgen-synthesizing genes in human prostate cancer cells overexpressing the androgen receptor. J Nutr Biochem 2008; 19:848-55

Kaplan M et al. Pomegranate juice supplementation to atherosclerotic mice reduces macrophage lipid peroxidation, cellular cholesterol accumulation and development of atherosclerosis. J Nutr 2001; 131:2082-89

Khan N, et al. Pomegranate fruit extract inhibits prosurvival pathways in human A549 lung carcinoma cells and tumor growth in athymic nude mice. Carcinogenesis 2006 Aug 18

Kim ND, et al. Chemopreventive and adjuvant therapeutic potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum) for human breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2002 Feb; 71(3):203-17

Mattiello T et al. Effects of pomegranate juice and extract polyphenols on platelet function. J Medicinal Med 2009; 12(2): 334-39

McFarlin BK et al. Pomegranate seed oil consumption during a period of high-fat feeding reduces weight gain and reduces type 2 diabetes risk in CD-1 mice. Br J Nutr 2008

de Nigris F et al. The influence of pomegranate fruit extract in comparison to regular pomegranate juice and seed oil on nitric oxide and arterial function in obese Zucker rats. Nitric Oxide 2007; 17:50-54

Pantuck AJ, et al. Phase II study of pomegranate juice for men with rising prostate-specific antigen following surgery or radiation for prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2006; 12:4018-26

Rasheed Z et al. Polyphenol-rich pomegranate fruit extract (POMx) suppresses PMACI-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the activation of MAP Kinases and NF-kB in human KU812 cells. J Inflammation 2009; 6(1)

Reddy MK et al. Antioxidant, antimalarial and antimicrobial activities of tannin-rich fractions, ellagitannins and phenolic acids from Punica granatum L. Planta Medica 2007

Rettig MB, et al. Pomegranate extract inhibits androgen-independent prostate cancer growth through a nuclear factor-kappaB-dependent mechanism. Mol Cancer Therapeutics 2008; 7:2662 71

Rock W et al. Consumption of Wonderful Variety Pomegranate Juice and extract by diabetic patients increases paraoxonase 1 association with high-density lipoprotein and stimulates its catalytic activities. J AgricFood Chem 2008; 56: 8704-13

Rosenblat M et al. Anti-oxidative effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) consumption by diabetic patients on serum and on macrophages. Atherosclerosis 2006; 187:363-71

Rosenblat M et al. Consumption of polyphenolic-rich beverages (mostly pomegranate and black currant juices) by healthy subjects for a short term increased serum antioxidant status, and the serum’s ability to attenuate macrophage cholesterol accumulation. Food Function 2010; 1:99-109

Sartippour MR et al. Ellagitannin-rich pomegranate extract inhibits angiogenesis in prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. Intl J Oncol 2008; 32:475-80

Seeram NP et al. In vitro antiproliferative, apoptotic and antioxidant activities of punicalagin, ellagic acid and a total pomegranate tannin extract are enhanced in combination with other polyphenols as found in pomegranate juice. J Nutr Biochem 2005 Jun; 16(6):360-67.

Shukla M et al. Consumption of hydrolysable tannins-rich pomegranate extract suppresses inflammation and joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Nutrition 2008; 24:733-43

Sumner MD et al. Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on myocardial perfusion in patients with coronary heart disease. Am J Cardiol 2005; 96: 810-14

Trombold JR et al. Ellagitannin consumption improves strength recovery 2-3 d after eccentric exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2010; 42(3): 493-98

2. Avoid vigorous exercise and activities that stimulate or “jostle” the prostate, including bike riding, motorcycling, and riding a horse, ATV, or tractor, or prostate massage, for example, for 48 hours before your test.

3. Abstain from sexual a ctivity for 48 hours before your test. Ejaculation within this time period may affect PSA results, especially in younger men.

4. Wait at least six weeks after undergoing certain procedures including: prostate biopsy, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), urethral catheter, cystoscopy (procedure in which tube with a camera is passed through the penis to look into the bladder), or other procedures that involve the prostate. Consult your doctor before having your PSA tested if you have had any type of prostate procedure.

5. Have the DRE test. If you have a PSA test and a prostate examination scheduled (including a digital rectal examination [DRE]), make sure you have the PSA test done first. Although a DRE or other parts of a prostate exam should not affect PSA levels, doctors generally recommend doing the PSA test first as a precaution.

6. Stop taking certain medications before your test. Talk to your doctor if you are taking statins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, medications to control urinary problems such as finasteride or dustasteride, or other medications, natural supplements, and herbal remedies, such as saw palmetto. All of these substances have the potential to affect PSA levels.

46 Things to AVOID for Prostate Health

Calcium supplements

Smoking

Overweight/obesity

Alcohol (2 drinks per week maximum)

Excess caffeine

Red and processed meats

Fast food

Trans fats

Saturated fats

Excess omega-6 fatty acids

Refined/processed foods

Foods high in sugar

High-fat foods

Atkins diet (and other high-protein, low-carb diets that promote fats)

Excess salt

Fried foods

Charred meats

Animal products that contain hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides (nonorganic meat and dairy foods)

Microwave popcorn

Dehydration

Acrylamide (carcinogen found mostly in French fries, potato chips)

Exposure to BPA (bisphenol A, found in plastics, food cans)

Exposure to pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other environmental chemicals

Excessive multivitamin/mineral use (“mega-dosing”)

Supplements that contain fillers and additives

Chondroitin (use glucosamine instead for joint health)

Synthetic hormone therapy (ask for bio-identical hormones)

Artificial colors

Artificial sweeteners

Artificial flavors

Protein supplements

Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines

Self-diagnosis (if you are experiencing prostate symptoms, see your doctor)

Trauma to the perineal area (e.g., uncomfortable bike seat)

“Holding it” (delaying urination promotes urinary infections)

Poor genital hygiene

Unprotected sex

High blood pressure

Urinary tract infections

Lack of sleep

Sitting around (exercise regularly)

Bike riding

Excess emotional stress

Social isolation

Putting off getting your PSA checked

Putting off talking to your doctor about erectile dysfunction

Putting off talking to your doctor about urinary tract problems

Send us any comments or additions with supporting studies and we will make sure to add to the list!

Some of the things are pretty explanatory like getting your PSA checked and others will need more explanation (like avoiding calcium supplements and eating turmeric and cayenne for example). And there are also other items that you may say “What?” (like limiting soy intake which I know is bound to be controversial) and I am sure there are also a lot of “what about this?” and “what about that’s?”. But stay with me because its part of an overall lifestyle approach to great health and not just prostate health and I guarantee I will be giving you all the background and research as we move forward so you can make informed decisions.

So without further introduction, here is the list; do as many as you can and you are moving in the right direction.

Eat organic

Drink spicy tomato juice

Eat Fatty Fish

Drink organic green tea all day

Try white tea

Eat lots of vegetables

Limit your dairy

Avoid calcium supplements

Have lots of sex

Eats lots of cooked tomatoes

Have your PSA checked

Count your calories

Exercise every day

Practice safe sex

Don’t drink soda

Do Kegel exercises

Don’t smoke

Get a DRE

Limit intake of alcohol

Drink pomegranate juice

Use non-BPA containers

Drink organic vegetable juice

Get protein from plant based foods

Snack on raw vegetables and hummus

Eat less red meat (if any at all)

Use capsaicin (cayenne) when cooking

Limit salt intake

Take saw palmetto

Switch from coffee to tea

Know your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Eat less sugar

Skip the edamane

Only eat foods you can pronounce

Practice yoga

Use turmeric when cooking

Try acupuncture for prostatitis

Avoid “protein” bars

Try a prostatic massage

Avoid high-fat foods

Avoid all trans fats

Take bee pollen

Use olive oil

Eat blueberries

Balance your hormones

Eat fresh and dried fruits

Avoid fried foods

Don’t use steroids

Drive past McDonalds and don’t stop

Avoid potato chips

Don’t forget vitamin D

Avoid processed meats

Fill up on fiber

Limit your soy

Have even more sex (yep, we mentioned this twice )

Maintain a healthy weight

Avoid the Atkin’s diet

Avoid microwave popcorn

Get plenty of sun

Only use testosterone supplements under strict medical supervision

Forget French Fries

Eat mushrooms

Eat with family and friends

Chew your food thoroughly

Learn to meditate

Only use bio-identical hormones

Don’t eat packaged “soy” foods

Shop at Whole Foods

Have an “email free” day

Don’t cook with a Bar-B-Que

Take deep breaths

Limit the use of butter

Purify your own water

Take refined omega-3 oil supplements

Snack on almonds and pumpkin seeds

Avoid microwave cooking

Be happy with what you have in life

Buy food in glass containers

Avoid canned tomatoes

Shop in the outside aisles

Make your own almond butter

Practice tai chi

Use turmeric in cooking

Eat sardines

Do a weekly lemon/cayenne cleanse

Take green tea (catechin) supplements

Avoid daily multivitamins (in excess)

Eat brightly colored vegetables

Get plenty of sleep

Never eat charred food

Research supplement ingredients

Drink unsweetened cranberry juice

Avoid all street drugs

Skip the soy sauce

Buy high quality supplements

Laugh a lot

Learn to cook

Drink red wine in moderation

Avoid high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)

Avoid chondroitin

Get second opinions

Eat slowly

Try herbal remedies

Be honest with your doctor

Avoid protein powders

Take resveratrol supplements

Eat “like a Greek”

Read food labels

Wash all fruits and vegetables

Avoid artificial sweeteners

Eat high-protein grains

Take capsaicin supplements

Eat smaller meals

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Have “treats” every week as a reward

Ok, so it was 115 ways to love your Prostate but who’s counting,,,,,

The Bottom Line

Small steps can make a big difference to prostate health so make your own list of 5, 10 or 20 things to change in your lifestyle this week and get started!

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