As we enter November, the appearance of moustaches starts to frequent the workplace, on the streets, within the sports clubs and on social media, as men take on Movember.
For those new to the movement, Movember is a month where men grow their moustaches to raise awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer found in men and contributes to around 40,000 diagnoses every year.
It’s so important to get regular health checks when it comes to your prostate, especially if you have a history of cancer within your family. However, there are changes you can make to your own lifestyle to help support prostate health, including changes in your diet.
What foods should you eat for a healthier prostate?
Foods that contain healthy fats, vitamin A and C, antioxidants, Omega-3s, protein and lycopene are great for lowering cholesterol and encouraging prostate health.
Delicious ingredients such as tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, soybeans, fish, pomegranate, grapefruit, berries, along with healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts and avocados are perfect examples of foods that consumers should be eating when trying to keep a healthy prostate.
Red meat, fat, processed meat, sugar sweetened drinks and salt are all foods consumers should be avoiding.
What can the food industry do to help prostate health?
Promotion of healthier foods is at the forefront of the Government and department of health’s mind right now. Encouraging consumers to make better choices when it comes to their diet. The focus being on reducing fat, sugar, and sodium in retail and food service.
This not only helps with the rising obesity crisis we have in the UK, but also can also help with other health concerns including prostate health.
Brands can help by making simple swaps or by creating an addition to their existing range to encourage a healthier lifestyle. This means customers can stay loyal to the brands they love, but also keep the brand in line with the legislations placed by officials.
Changes to help with Prostate Health
Swap meat/processed meat with other sources of protein
Meat and animal fat are related to the development of cancers such as prostate cancer. Lowering use of meat, especially red meat, and replacing with plant-based proteins can help reduce the risks associated.
Ingredients such as beans, pulses, and nuts, offer a lot of the protein’s consumers need for a healthy diet. Tofu, soybeans, and tempeh are also popular ways of increasing protein without the use of meat.
Add more cruciferous vegetables to your product
Vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale all contain phytochemicals, which reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer.
There are various formats out there, that maintain the health benefits of these types of vegetables yet are still in keeping with storage capabilities of the company.
Ambient (pre-cooked) and IQF are the most popular options regarding vegetables.
Increase the use of healthy fats
Swap saturated fat and trans fats with healthier fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados. This is relevant within sweet or savoury dishes.
This may take some NPD work to maintain your standard texture/taste but will help create a healthier final product.
Swapping dairy for plant-based alternatives
Research has shown evidence that men who enjoy a calcium heavy diet, are more likely to develop cancer.
The production of plant-based milk has improved and increased over the years, offering so many delicious alternatives.
Coconut is one of those ingredients that can be used as a dairy replacement, within a huge selection of dishes. Whether you want to add creaminess to a dessert, add healthier fats to a curry or swap soy sauce for an allergen free alternative, coconut ingredients are ideal.
Reduce sodium levels
Sodium has come under fire over the years and has been associated with several health concerns. The Government have set sodium reduction targets to the food industry, which must be adhered to by 2024.
Swapping the regular salt within your application with a Sodium Reduction Technology, such as Smart Salt will help lower sodium levels and keep companies inline with the sodium reduction targets and upcoming HFSS legislation.
Looking to a healthier future
As we exit a time where health is the main topic of conversation, it’s time that the food and beverage industry come in line with the concerns of their consumers.
If you have any questions on how to adapt your current product or if you are looking to create healthier alternatives get in touch with the team.
We are always looking at challenging and exciting NPD opportunities and open to discuss our product line with you.
