Some food give men a boost

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Both men and women require the same basic nutrients for optimal health, but there are certain nutrients which boost men's health, a U.S. food expert says.

"Seafood, especially oysters are rich in zinc, which is essential for a robust immune system as well as for prostate health. Zinc is also necessary for healthy male hormone levels," Phil Lempert, a food industry analyst, trend watcher and creator of supermarketguru.com, said in a statement. "Pumpkin seeds and other seeds, grass-fed lamb, beef and calf's liver are also rich sources of zinc."

Cold-water fish such as wild salmon, mackerel and sardines are rich in the essential omega-3s that combat inflammation and pain, support cardiovascular health for optimal circulation and blood lipids, help balance hormones, as well as support prostate health. Walnuts, chia and flax seeds are also great sources of omega-3s, Lempert said.

"Eat lycopene-rich foods like cooked tomatoes, apricots, spinach, kale, mangoes, berries and watermelon," Lempert said. "Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that helps combat free radicals as well as protect against prostate cancer."

Avocados are rich in potassium, needed to regulate nerves, heartbeat and, blood pressure. In fact avocados contain two to three times the potassium in bananas and are an excellent source of health promoting fats and filling fiber. Use avocados instead of mayonnaise as a spread inside a sandwich, or use chopped avocados as a garnish for black bean soup and guacamole.

for optimal health, but there are certain nutrients which boost men's health, a U.S. food expert says.

"Seafood, especially oysters are rich in zinc, which is essential for a robust immune system as well as for prostate health. Zinc is also necessary for healthy male hormone levels," Phil Lempert, a food industry analyst, trend watcher and creator of supermarketguru.com, said in a statement. "Pumpkin seeds and other seeds, grass-fed lamb, beef and calf's liver are also rich sources of zinc."

Cold-water fish such as wild salmon, mackerel and sardines are rich in the essential omega-3s that combat inflammation and pain, support cardiovascular health for optimal circulation and blood lipids, help balance hormones, as well as support prostate health. Walnuts, chia and flax seeds are also great sources of omega-3s, Lempert said.

"Eat lycopene-rich foods like cooked tomatoes, apricots, spinach, kale, mangoes, berries and watermelon," Lempert said. "Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that helps combat free radicals as well as protect against prostate cancer."

Avocados are rich in potassium, needed to regulate nerves, heartbeat and, blood pressure. In fact avocados contain two to three times the potassium in bananas and are an excellent source of health promoting fats and filling fiber.

Use avocados instead of mayonnaise as a spread inside a sandwich, or use chopped avocados as a garnish for black bean soup and guacamole, Lempert advised.