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Three new studies assessing men on plant-based diets report several key health benefit boosts.
They include decreased risks of developing prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, as well as helping lower PSA levels, which is linked to a healthier prostate.
Each study is published in The Journal of Urology, which is peer-reviewed and published on behalf of the American Urological Association.
Decreased prostate cancer risk
Over 28 years, the Association Of Plant-Based Dietary Patterns With Prostate Cancer Risk study took place. More than 47,000 men on varying diets were assessed by collecting questionnaire data every four years.
The authors concluded that plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of fatal cancers. Moreover, men under the age of 65 on diets free from animal products were at less risk of developing prostate cancer.
However, less than one percent of men in the study followed a ‘strict’ vegetarian or vegan diet – and the authors cite this as a limitation.
Lower PSA levels in plant-based diets
A further study published in the same journal looked into prostate health in more detail. Its aim was to see how diets affect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which are produced in the prostate.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, raised PSA levels may suggest problems in the prostate.
A total of 1,399 men were assessed via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database.
Authors claim there is a ‘significant’ association between eating a ‘healthy’ plant-based diet – consisting of mainly plant-based whole foods – and lower PSA levels.
Erectile dysfunction study
Thirdly, research titled Plant-Based Diets Are Associated With Decreased Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction examined the same database.
Analysis of 2,549 men proved varying results in the dietary patterns of those eating plant-based diets, and the frequency of erections they reported.
Similarly, ‘healthful’ plant-based diets are connected to decreased chances of having erectile dysfunction, the authors claim.
Dr. Stacy Loeb, one of the authors, said: “These three studies show that dietary interventions can make positive impacts for overall health, as well as, specific urologic conditions faced by millions of men.
“…Increased consumption of a healthy plant-based diet has significant benefits for urologic and sexual health.”
