Munch garlic for fewer loo trips

IF A healthy diet can slow down the abnormal growth of prostate cancer cells, can it also slow down the abnormal growth of normal prostate cells? Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition characterised by enlargement of the prostate gland, which leads to frequent trips to the loo. It affects as many as half of all men by their 50s and 80% by their 80s. Yet historically, the condition was extremely rare among Chinese and Japanese men who ate a traditional plant-based diet. Does this mean that we, too, can lessen the risk of BPH by eating differently? Yes, according to researchers. Studies have shown that Westerners eating the same kind of diet as Chinese and Japanese men can suppress the abnormal growth of noncancerous prostate cells — and the effect doesn’t seem to dissipate with time. Some plants may be particularly prostate-friendly. Men given three tablespoons of flaxseeds a day experienced relief comparable to that provided by commonly prescribed drugs, yet without the drugs’ side-effects, such as sexual dysfunction. Is it possible to prevent BPH in the first place? Eating garlic and onions has been associated with a significantly lower risk, as has eating beans, split peas and lentils. In general, cooked vegetables may work better than raw ones.