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The issue: Prostate cancer and reproductive health

After lung cancer, prostate is the second leading type of cancer deaths for men—and there are more than 190,000 new diagnoses of prostate cancer in the United States each year. The rate of infertility in men is on the rise, as well.

What to eat:

Foods high in zinc (oysters, crab, beans, pumpkin seeds, duck and lamb) can suppress tumor growth, especially in the prostate gland, where cells accumulate more zinc than in other human tissue.

Also, choose selenium-rich foods (tuna, seafood, wheat germ, beef liver, eggs, cashews, garlic and onions). Finally, a heart-healthy diet can benefit prostate health and fertility, as well. Add plant-based cruciferous vegetables to your plate whenever possible by choosing broccoli, brussels sprouts and kale for salads and side dishes. Add tomatoes, peppers and peas to boost heart and prostate benefits even more.

What to do:

To protect your prostate, don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight and get regular physical exercise.

Your best bet to boost fertility is to protect your sperm. Some preliminary studies speculate that long-term exposure to high temperatures (such as sitting daily in a hot tub or setting your laptop on your scrotal area for an extended time) can adversely affect sperm. Experts say smoking nicotine reduces sperm production, as well. And there is some evidence that exposure to agricultural pesticides can harm fertility in both men and women. You can reduce exposure by eliminating any synthetic chemicals used in your own garden or lawn, as well as nearby lawns and farmland, and by choosing organic products whenever possible.