A love for eating is one of the few things men and women have in common. However, the foods we eat have different impacts on our health. Just as women need certain foods during our pregnancies or to protect us from breast cancer, men need certain foods to protect their bodies too.

June is National Men’s Health Month and spreading awareness about different health issues men can face is important. The top two causes of death in men 35 or older is heart disease and cancer.

According to the CDC, 1 in every 4 men die of heart disease. Of those, nearly half never experienced any symptoms prior to the cardiac event. 70-89% of all sudden cardiac events occur in men.

Prostate cancer is also a big issue in men’s health. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 181,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year with about 26,000 deaths. On average 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Making sure the men in your life go to doctor’s appointments, exercise, and know the signs are all key things you can do to reduce their risk of these serious health issues. Another way you can protect them is by food.

There are many superfoods that can boost men’s health in a variety of ways. Things like yogurt, berries, bananas, and leafy greens are a few foods that can help boost men’s health.

Instead of taking the men in your life out to dinner this father’s day, try making them a nice home cooked meal. Here are 4 foods you can make for dinner that can help boost their health and satisfy their bellies.

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    Shellfish

    If you are feeling fancy for dinner, try cooking up some crabs, oysters, or shrimp. Shellfish are a good source of zinc which is important for the heart, muscles, and reproductive system. It also can protect against cellular damage that leads to prostate cancer.

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    Fatty Fish

    If you aren’t a fan of shell fish, fatty fish like salmon, halibut, or herring are a healthy source of fat. They have a special type called omega-3 fatty acids. This fatty acid can protect against heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone eat fish at least twice a week.

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    Mixed Vegetables

    You can’t have a full meal with your veggies. Mixed vegetables have nutrients in them that can boost cell health can reduce the risk of cancer. The more colors on your plate the healthier you’ll be, so try mixing a variety of veggies together to get as many nutrients as you can.

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    Brown Rice

    Brown rice is a healthier alternative to white or yellow rice. It is a good source of fiber and can help you maintain a healthy weight. Brown rice is said to reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

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