A recent study has found that a diet high in ultra-processed foods—such as convenience meals and instant snacks—is associated with an increased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men.
A multicenter research team, including experts from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College and Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, analyzed the relationship between dietary habits and prostate health over a 10-year period. The study followed 77,951 men in the UK aged 45 and older, and the findings were recently published in the international journal Nutrition Journal.
The 10% Rule: How processing impacts the prostate
During the study period, 7,387 participants were diagnosed with BPH. The researchers focused on how the proportion of ultra-processed foods in a daily diet influenced this diagnosis. The analysis revealed a clear correlation:
Ultra-Processed Risk: For every 10% increase in the share of ultra-processed foods consumed, the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia rose by 4%.
Plant-Based Protection: Conversely, when the share of minimally processed plant-based foods increased by 10%, the risk of the condition decreased by 9%.
The researchers noted that this is the first study to specifically identify ultra-processed foods as a definitive risk factor for BPH. They emphasized that while a high proportion of processed items negatively impacts prostate health, a plant-heavy diet serves as a significant protective measure.
Why convenience foods trigger prostate enlargement
The study suggests several biological mechanisms through which ultra-processed foods may drive the development of BPH. These include the promotion of chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and disrupted energy metabolism.
Ultra-processed foods are typically characterized by high levels of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium, while being notably deficient in dietary fiber, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. These nutritional imbalances can lead to metabolic abnormalities that, over time, increase the likelihood of prostate enlargement. To maintain long-term prostate health, experts recommend reducing reliance on "heat-and-eat" meals in favor of whole, plant-based nutrition.
