Patients often consider if there’s anything they can do to improve their chances of surviving and thriving with prostate cancer. Research continues to support the role of diet. For example, a recent study of nearly 900 patients showed that men on active surveillance who ate a “higher quality” diet were less likely to have their prostate cancer progress. What’s a “quality” diet? In the study, this meant eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods across food groups and limiting intake of saturated and trans fats, sodium, and cholesterol.
Men with a higher diet quality score were 15% less likely to have their prostate cancer worsen to Grade Group 2, and 30% less likely to progress to Grade Group 3. Beyond the potential to improve prostate cancer outcomes, there is ample evidence that a healthy diet reduces risk of heart disease – which can be a more significant risk for patients with localized prostate cancer.
Spread holiday cheer with this festive salad!
Our December recipe, Beet Winter Salad, is full of fresh veggies and whole grains, making “higher quality” eating simple and delicious. This colorful dish includes quality ingredients that make it both healthy and beautiful. This can make a great appetizer or side dish as is, or consider adding a hearty protein like shrimp or chicken to make the perfect holiday entree.
Beet Winter Salad
Prep time: 30 minutes to cook, 10-15 minutes to assemble
Servings: 4-6 (as a side dish)
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 cups arugula
- 2 cups cooked red beet wedges
- 2 cups cooked yellow beet wedges
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 2 cups thinly sliced fennel
- 2 cups cooked barley
Dressing
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons red- or white-wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced shallot
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 pinches of salt (or to taste)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, cooked beets, carrots, barley and fennel
- In a small bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, shallot, pepper, and salt.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad.
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or other protein as desired.
Adapted from Eating Well’s Beet & Shrimp Winter Salad.
Recipes on the Prostate Cancer Foundation website are offered for general interest on healthier cooking. They have not been reviewed by a nutritionist or other qualified health professional, and do not constitute medical or dietary advice or recommendations. Always talk to your health care provider to obtain personalized diagnosis and treatment advice, including your specific dietary needs.