Fruits and vegetables get their red, pink, orange, and yellow coloring from lycopene. It is a carotenoid that has been associated with bone health, cardiovascular health, hyperglycemia, and metabolic syndrome, in addition to preventing cancer.
According to a 2013 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, lycopene works by enhancing the antioxidant response of prostate cells while also inhibiting the rapid growth of prostate cancer cells. The study also linked prostate cancer cell death (apoptosis) and reduced metastatic capacity of these malignant tumor cells with lycopene consumption. A 2023 study published in the journal Cancers suggested that an increased consumption of foods rich in lycopene and selenium (a mineral found in nuts, seafood, eggs, etc.) could help reduce your risk of prostate cancer and DNA damage that happens because of ionizing radiation and/or oxidative stress.
Watermelon is a rich source of lycopene. A cup and a half of the delicious and refreshing fruit contains about 9 to 13 milligrams, per the United States Department of Agriculture. In addition to being a food that can help prevent prostate cancer, watermelon has another unexpected effect when it comes to prostate health.