Dietary Choices Differ Between Men and Women
In ancient times, men and women had different dietary practices. However, in modern society, advocating such distinctions might seem contrary to social progress. Yet, real differences do exist in dietary needs between genders.
Food Beneficial to Men's Health
Tomatoes: Regular consumption of cooked tomatoes by men reduces the risk of prostate cancer by 45%. This is due to lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and dietary fiber found in tomatoes. When smoking, the structure of beta-carotene—which has anti-cancer properties—changes, but lycopene remains stable.
Shiitake Mushrooms: For men who drink alcohol but cannot tolerate it well, eating more shiitake mushrooms offers good liver protection. This is because shiitake contains a unique substance called beta-glucan.
Oysters: Zinc deficiency leads to reduced sperm count and lower testosterone secretion. Oysters contain 30 times more zinc than eggs, making them ideal for men under stress. Additionally, oyster glycogen helps rapidly relieve fatigue caused by sexual activity.
Food Beneficial to Women's Health
Broccoli: Broccoli contains twice the vitamin C of lemons; 100 grams provide 1.9 mg of iron. Its sulforaphane eliminates Helicobacter pylori. I3C, a natural compound in broccoli, affects estrogen metabolism, helping prevent breast cancer. I3C also effectively inhibits human papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer.
Soybeans: Soybeans are rich in isoflavones. Research confirms this substance helps prevent breast cancer and osteoporosis, and alleviates symptoms of menopause.
Dr. Li Guangfeng, Chief Physician, General Hospital of Jinan Military Region