November is Men’s Health Month – the leading charity in men’s health is Movember. This campaign has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of men’s health since 2003.
Using humour by encouraging men to grow a moustache for the month, this remarkable charity has increased awareness around some key men’s health issues – prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. It has also raised over £5 million in funds and invested in a wide range of health projects across the globe.
The Movember website is packed with useful information from how to have difficult conversations to finding a fundraising event to signposting for those concerned about cancer.
Movember’s 5 key things men should know and do when it comes to their health:
Spend time with people who make you feel good - Quality relationships are crucial for mental wellbeing. Make time for mates, family, or anyone who lifts your mood.
Talk, more - Blokes aren't always great at opening up, but talking about what's going on – whether it's stress, worries, or just life – makes a real difference.
Know the numbers – At 50 talk to your doctor about whether it’s right for you to have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. If you are of African or Caribbean descent or have a father or brother with prostate cancer you should be having this conversation at 45.
Know thy nuts. Simple - Check your testicles regularly – get to know what’s usual for you. You're looking for lumps, swelling, or anything unusual. Early detection of testicular cancer has a 95% survival rate.
Move, more - You don't need to become a gym fanatic - just add more movement to your day - walk instead of drive, take the stairs, arrange a walking meeting. Regular movement reduces disease risk and boosts mental health.
What about diet?
These five Movember points are spot on – they're your foundation. But if you're the type who wants to dig a bit deeper into prevention, especially when it comes to prostate cancer, there's some evidence behind certain nutrients.
The polyphenol lycopene found in tomatoes (including cooked and sun-dried tomatoes) is a powerful antioxidant with some research showing decreased cell damage. Protective compounds including glucosinolates, in broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous veg decreases inflammation that could cause cell damage. An anti-inflammatory and antioxidant active compound found in green tea called Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Certain phytoestrogens and isoflavones contained in lentils, black beans and chickpeas. Many laboratory studies have shown benefits of anthocyanins - the purple/blue plant chemicals found in berries -in part due to their antioxidant properties.
None of this is about restrictive eating or becoming a health bore – it's just about being aware that some everyday foods might give you an edge. Small changes, potentially effective results.
Looking after your health isn't just about the big stuff – it's the small, daily choices too. At Haskapa, we're all about those easy wins: products packed with natural goodness that fit into your routine without any fuss. Because sometimes taking care of yourself is as simple as choosing something that's good for you. No lectures, no complications – just a straightforward way to give your body a bit of what it needs.
Fancy upleveling your snack or adding something interesting to lunch try this anti-inflammatory hummus and get that good stuff in!
Haskapa Hummus
A simple twist on a classic that's packed with health benefits. Serve with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and whatever veg you've got knocking about.
Ingredients:
· 1 tin chickpeas (400g), drained
· 1 x precooked beetroot (drained)
· 2 tbsp tahini
· 1 tbsp Haskapa berry powder
· 1 garlic clove
· Juice of 1 lemon
· 3 tbsp olive oil
· Salt and pepper
· Water to loosen
Method: Place everything in a food processor and blitz until smooth. Add water a tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency you want. Require plenty of seasoning to get the taste you want. Serve with cherry tomatoes, cucumber sticks, peppers, or whatever you fancy. Job done.
Research
Almatroodi, Saleh A., et al. “Potential Therapeutic Targets of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), the Most Abundant Catechin in Green Tea, and Its Role in the Therapy of Various Types of Cancer.” Molecules, vol. 25, no. 14, 1 Jan. 2020, p. 3146, www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/14/3146, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25143146.
Kapała, Aleksandra, et al. “The Anti-Cancer Activity of Lycopene: A Systematic Review of Human and Animal Studies.” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 23, 3 Dec. 2022, p. 5152, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9741066/, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235152.
Lin, Bo-Wen, et al. “Effects of Anthocyanins on the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer.” British Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 174, no. 11, 25 Oct. 2016, pp. 1226–1243, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5429338/, https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.13627.
Long, Jirong, et al. “Cruciferous Vegetable Intake and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Urologia Internationalis, vol. 107, no. 7, 1 Jan. 2023, pp. 723–733, https://doi.org/10.1159/000530435. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.
“Movember.” Movember, uk.movember.com/mens-health/general.
Zhang, Qiang, et al. “Phytoestrogens and Risk of Prostate Cancer: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Epidemiologic Studies.” International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, vol. 68, no. 1, 9 Aug. 2016, pp. 28–42, https://doi.org/10.1080/09637486.2016.1216525.