Real Men Eat Fruits and Vegetables

It may say November on your calendar, but more and more people know it as "Movember" — a month dedicated to raising money for men's health. You may have noticed your man looking a little extra scruffy these days, and it’s not because they’re trying to nail down the Brad Pitt look. Men everywhere are growing out their mustaches and facial hair to raise funds to help change the face of men’s health, but there’s so much more you can do to make “Movember” last well beyond Thanksgiving. Remember, real men eat fruits and vegetables—and no, canned fruit and fruit juices don’t count. Try these fruits and vegetables to boost you or your man’s health year round.

· Apples: An apple a day keeps the doctor away—and could help men fight diseases, thanks to the antihistamine and anti-allergy properties of quercetin. Quercetin reduces the risk of allergies, heart attack, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and prostate and lung cancers. But not all apples will keep the doctor away. Given the wide variety of apples in the U.S. and farming that focuses on juice and sweetness rather than variety and nutrition, the most popular apples in the supermarket are rarely the most nutritious. If given the choice, opt for Red Delicious, which contain the most inflammation-fighting antioxidants.

· Broccoli:  Several studies have shown broccoli along with other cruciferous vegetables are major cancer fighters (key word here: major!). Broccoli contains something called sulforaphane, which may help combat prostate, liver, lung, bladder, skin, and stomach cancer. Plus it’s rich in compounds that boost healthy tumor suppressors—and destroy ineffective ones.

· Tomatoes: Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, may be beneficial in the prevention of prostate cancer and reducing tumor growth among men with prostate cancer.  Research suggests that men who eat a lot of raw tomato and cooked tomato products are less likely to develop prostate cancer.  Because lycopene is tightly bound to cell walls, our bodies have a difficult time extracting it from raw tomatoes. Therefore, cooked or pureed tomato products such as tomato paste, spaghetti sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and tomato juice may be better options.

· Berries: Blueberries are another fruit that has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer, thanks to high levels of proanthocyanidins. However, blueberries' positive benefits for men don't stop there, as studies have also suggested that blueberries may be effective in reducing risk of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and age-related memory loss; a condition more prevalent in men than women. Blueberries – along with blackberries, bilberries and raspberries – are also rich in the antioxidant lutein, which helps promote eye health. When fresh berries are expensive or tough to find, try buying them frozen and making a shake.

We all know that men will put off visiting the doctors as long as possible, but small changes like eating more fruits and vegetables can really make a difference. Celebrate Movember by encouraging male family members and friends to get healthy – a simple conversation could help save a life!

How will you raise awareness for men’s health? Share your comments below.


Sources:

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/prostate-cancer-procrastination-6-foods-eat-today#1

http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-eat/the-best-8-fruits-for-better-health

http://www.webmd.com/men/ss/slideshow-foods-to-boost-male-health