By Blox Content Management

Copyright thenassauguardian

Throughout the course of history, the diet of humankind has undergone a remarkable evolution, reflecting our adaptation to changing environments and the advancements of civilization. From the early days of hunting and gathering to the advent of agriculture and the modern era, the journey of our species can be traced through the food we consume.

The story of the evolution of diet in man is a testament to our ability to adapt, innovate, and explore new culinary horizons.

In the depths of prehistory, our ancestors relied on hunting and gathering for sustenance. They foraged for wild plants, roots, and fruits, and pursued game animals, forming a diet rich in diverse nutrients. As nomadic beings, they traversed vast landscapes, following the seasonal cycles of nature and harnessing the abundance it provided. The hunter-gatherer diet was marked by flexibility, diversity, and an intimate connection with the natural world.

Around 10,000 years ago, a monumental shift occurred as humans transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agricultural communities. This period, known as the agricultural revolution, saw the domestication of plants and animals, leading to the birth of farming.

Cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, rice, and maize, early agricultural societies cultivated a stable food supply. As settlements grew, so did the complexity of their diets, incorporating grains, legumes, and domesticated livestock. Agriculture marked a pivotal moment in our history, enabling the rise of civilizations and the growth of human populations.

The industrial revolution of the 18th century brought forth radical changes in technology, transportation, and food production. Steam engines, factories, and mechanization revolutionized agriculture, resulting in an exponential increase in food production. The rise of processed and preserved foods offered convenience and extended shelf life, but also introduced additives and refined ingredients that impacted the nutritional quality of diets.

The urbanization that accompanied industrialization brought new challenges, as access to fresh and nutritious foods became a concern for many.

The modern era has witnessed an unprecedented proliferation of dietary choices, reflecting the diverse cultural, economic, and technological landscapes of our world. Scientific advancements and nutritional research have deepened our understanding of the vital role diet plays in our health and well-being. As a result, vegetarianism, veganism, organic farming, and sustainable practices have gained prominence. There is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of our food choices, leading to a rise in plant-based diets and a resurgence of traditional and local culinary practices.

Truly, we find ourselves having come full circle in our relationship with food. Our interest now extends beyond the sustenance it provides, encompassing the profound impact it wields upon our corporeal existence. While we have long acknowledged its indispensable role as the life-sustaining essence, we now question whether it may also be held accountable for some of the afflictions that plague our modern society. Can a specific dietary regimen hold the key to preventing diseases such as cancer? And where does prostate cancer fit within the complex interplay of dietary factors and human health?

Prostate cancerProstate cancer is the second most common cancer among men. In 2023, an estimated 288,300 men in the United States were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Worldwide, an estimated 1,414,259 people were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020.Several risk factors have been identified in the development of prostate cancer. Age is a significant risk factor, with the incidence increasing with advancing age. Family history plays a role, as men with a first degree relative with prostate cancer are at higher risk. Genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, are associated with increased risk, especially in younger men. Race and ethnicity also contribute, with African American men having higher incidence rates compared to other ethnic groups. None of these factors are modifiable to change or impact the course of prostate cancer.

In terms of dietary impact on prostate cancer (PCa), the Word Cancer Research Foundation and the American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) have provided insights in their 2018 report, noting limited evidence regarding its association. So far, research has explored the role of diet in PCa risk through various approaches: analysing single nutrients, examining specific foods or food groups, and investigating dietary patterns.

Dairy food and calcium intakeIn a recent article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2022, Dr. M. Orlich and their research team presented findings from the Adventist Health Study-2 regarding the potential relationship between dairy and calcium intake and the risk of developing prostate cancer. The study focused on a cohort of 28,737 Seventh-day Adventist men residing in the United States and Canada, with an average follow-up period of 7.8 years. This North American cohort encompassed a diverse range of participants adhering to various vegetarian dietary patterns, including vegans who abstain from dairy, lacto-ovovegetarians who consume approximately half the average amount of dairy, and non-vegetarians who adhere to typical American levels of dairy consumption.

During the study period, a total of 1,254 incident cases of prostate cancer (including 190 advanced cases) were identified. The findings indicated that men in the 90th percentile of dairy intake, consuming an average of 430 g/d, had a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to those in the 10th percentile, who consumed an average of 20.2 g/d. This supported the notion that a higher intake of dairy foods, rather than non-dairy calcium, was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer among men, as opposed to those with lower dairy intakes.

The available data on this topic varies internationally, which contributes to the lack of consensus among scientists. Each of the study has its strengths and weakness that may affect the outcome of the results. The Physicians’ Health Study, a large-scale investigation, discovered positive associations between both dairy and calcium intakes and prostate cancer risk. Similarly, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study reported a statistically significant association between dairy intake and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening trial cohort did not find convincing evidence linking dairy products to prostate cancer risk.

Diet patternsA wealth of research has indicated that trace elements have significant implications in various biological processes. They can influence these processes by activating or inhibiting enzymes, competing with other elements and metallo-proteins for binding sites, affecting cell membrane permeability, and employing other mechanisms. Given these findings, it is reasonable to infer that these trace elements may have direct or indirect effects on the development of cancer.

The impact of the Mediterranean diet in preventing prostate cancer remains a topic of debate, as there is currently no consensus on its effectiveness. A recent study conducted in Australia revealed that patients with prostate cancer had low levels of essential micronutrients like lutein, lycopene, carotene, and selenium. This suggests that a diet rich in a variety of colourful foods, such as the Mediterranean diet, may potentially reduce the risk of prostate cancer. However, the CAPLIFE study, which involved around 1000 participants, failed to establish any significant association between prostate cancer and either the Western or Mediterranean diet.

On a different note, an article by Dr. Loeb and their team, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2022, discussed their study involving 47,239 men. The findings demonstrated that a higher consumption of healthful plant-based foods was linked to a decreased risk of aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

AlcoholIn a review article in the Journal Biomolecules, 2022, A. Macke and A. Petroysan concluded that high alcohol intake especially binge drinking is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer and this effect is not limited to any type of beverage. In their article they elucidate the various ways that alcohol can lead to formation of cancer but also highlight that it may have a more add on effect especially in those individuals with existing risk factors.

For a considerable period, we have been grappling with the profound question of how different dietary choices influence our overall well-being and the emergence of diseases that plague our modern society, some of which have escalated in prevalence in recent times. However, owing to the intricate interplay and inherent variability of our diets, it remains a challenge to establish concrete scientific evidence linking prostate cancer to specific dietary factors based solely on observational data. Nevertheless, with advancements in our understanding of the subject and the advent of sophisticated technologies, we are now capable of conducting more comprehensive and refined studies that yield more precise and accurate results. The day when we can definitively settle this matter is not far on the horizon. However, considering the myriad other advantages that a healthy and balanced diet confers upon us, there is little reason to delay embarking on this transformative journey toward improved health and increased productivity. THE TIME IS NOW!!

FatIn the human diet, there are several types of fat that play distinct roles in our health and nutrition. Firstly, saturated fats are commonly found in animal products such as meat, dairy, and certain oils like coconut and palm oil. On the other hand, unsaturated fats can be divided into two categories: monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.

Monounsaturated fats are found in foods like olive oil, avocados, and nuts, and they have been associated with reducing bad cholesterol levels and improving heart health.

Polyunsaturated fats, which include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are essential fats that our bodies need for proper functioning. They can be found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, and certain vegetable oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in brain health. Overall, a balanced diet should include moderate amounts of healthy fats while limiting the intake of saturated fats to promote optimal health and well-being.

Many observational studies, including cohort and case-control studies, have found a positive correlation between higher dietary fat consumption and the risk of prostate cancer.

However, it is worth noting that there are also conflicting findings from other studies that did not establish a significant association between dietary fat intake and prostate cancer risk. Epidemiological investigations indicate that while a high consumption of saturated fatty acids (commonly found in meat and butter) lowers the survival rate of individuals with prostate cancer, unsaturated fatty acids (plentiful in fish and vegetable oils) are purported to diminish the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Certain studies propose a potential mechanism wherein the progression of prostate cancer involves prostate-specific inflammation triggered by proinflammatory chemicals (such as cytokines and chemokines) induced by dietary saturated fats. In addition to that, evidence suggests that a high-fat diet (HFD) has an impact on hormone metabolism, potentially raising the risk of specific hormone-dependent diseases in men. It is well established that sex hormones play a crucial role in the development and progression of prostate cancer.

Obesity has also been implicated as a risk factor for prostate cancer. The elevated presence of insulin in the bloodstream and the increased levels of bioactive insulin-like growth factor1 (IGF-1) contribute to the promotion of various cancer developments including prostate cancer, in these individuals.