Is your PSA too high? Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer or are you at risk for developing it? Simply want ways to get that pesky number down?
If this sounds like you, you’ve got options.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is a common screening tool used to detect prostate cancer and monitor prostate health in men, including Black men who are at higher risk for developing the disease. While traditional treatments and interventions for elevated PSA levels exist, there are also lesser-known remedies that may help lower PSA levels and promote prostate health.
From supplements to beverages and even a common fruit, there are always natural ways to battle the illness. Let’s explore six unexpected remedies backed by research and their potential benefits for Black men.
1. Green Tea
Feel like sipping? Green tea contains polyphenols, and antioxidant compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
Research from Harvard University suggests that green tea polyphenols may help reduce PSA levels and inhibit prostate cancer cell growth. These compounds may exert protective effects on the prostate by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. In other words, green tea protects you!
2. Tomatoes
If you like tomatoes, you’re in luck. These popular red fruits are rich in lycopene, a pigment with potent antioxidant properties. What this means is they fight damages on the cellular level – very important!
Studies have shown that lycopene intake is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer and may help reduce PSA levels. Harvard studies show that lycopene’s ability to neutralize free radicals and modulate cell signaling pathways could contribute to its protective effects on the prostate.
RELATED: Men: Knowing Your PSA Number May Save Your Life
3. Saw Palmetto
You’ve probably heard of saw palmetto when it comes to prostate health. Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement derived from the fruit of the Serenoa repens plant. It is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of
