Given the manifold functions of the prostate, maintaining prostate health holds significant importance for men. Consequently, there arises a necessity to explore indigenous remedies and culinary offerings that can potentially provide support for prostate well-being.
Many of these remedies are readily available in our kitchens and on our farms. One such intriguing yet underexplored option is palm nut soup, which merits investigation for its potential benefits to the prostate.
Palm nut soup is derived from the fruit of the palm tree. A study by Sundram et al. (2003) revealed that the palm fruit (Elaies guineensis) yields palm oil, a semi-solid fat rich in palmitic and oleic acids, alongside fat-soluble components such as vitamin E (tocopherols, tocotrienols), carotenoids, and phytosterols.
While some controversies surround vitamin E and its relation to prostate cancer, a crucial aspect often overlooked is the existence of two primary forms: tocopherols and tocotrienols, exhibiting substantial variations in their proportions.
Remarkably, palm vitamin E is composed of 30% tocopherols and 70% tocotrienols. Tocotrienols, extensively studied, possess nutritional and health attributes encompassing antioxidant properties, cholesterol reduction, anti-cancer effects, and safeguarding against atherosclerosis. These benefits are predominantly attributed to the tocotrienol content.
An emerging development originating from oil palm fruit is the water-soluble phenolic-flavonoid-rich antioxidant complex. This complex, marked by potent antioxidant traits, showcases advantageous effects against diverse cancers, including those of the skin and breast.
Its water solubility opens avenues for its application as nutraceuticals and cosmetics, potentially countering skin aging. A subsequent challenge would be to effectively consolidate these diverse palm constituents into a singular functional food offering, enhancing overall nutrition and well-being.
Vitamin E comprises tocopherols, and within this category, four variants of tocotrienols naturally occur: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. Tocotrienols can be found in the oils of rice bran, palm fruit, barley, and wheat germ.
Notably, palm fruit contains the highest proportion, particularly the abundant 70% tocotrienols present in the soup.
Furthermore, palm oil stands as the most concentrated natural source of tocotrienols. However, achieving the suggested levels of tocotrienols with health benefits would require consuming a significant quantity of palm oil daily.
This brings forth the practicality of palm nut soup as a more accessible means to attain these essential levels of tocotrienols, given that consuming the oil directly isn’t feasible.
The challenge with Tocopherol
A previous study asserts that supplementing with alpha-tocopherol either doesn’t work or may cause harm—by increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease. This systematic review of randomized, controlled trials published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that supplementing with the alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E increased the risk of death from all causes( Bjelakovic et al. (2007).
The very most recent study was conducted by Duell et al.(2022) published by the American Heart Association scientific statement suggesting that long-term supplementation with alpha-tocopherol can increase the risk of prostate cancer and heart failure.
Another issue with supplementing with alpha-tocopherol is that high doses of tocopherols interfere with the beneficial effects of tocotrienols 70% in the palm fruit. With too much alpha-tocopherol in the system (from supplements), tocotrienols are blocked from absorption and entry into the bloodstream.
The 70% tocotrienols-the benefits
Four studies (Constantinou et al. 2020; Marelli et al. 2019; Sailo et al. 2018; Constantinou et al. 2009) have reported that in a supplement form at higher doses, tocotrienols have great potential against a wide range of cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate, colon, pancreatic, and skin cancers. They also reduce cancer cell proliferation and induce cancer cell death (i.e. apoptosis), with the most malignant forms of cancer appearing to be most sensitive to the actions of tocotrienols. Unlike tocopherols, tocotrienols have no known contraindications or long-term adverse effects.
Other emerging interests
Mohamad et al. (2012) study found that tocotrienols in palm fruit support postmenopausal rats with osteoporosis as they strengthen and more quickly heal bone fractures than other vitamin-E-based supplements.
Sen et al.(2004) on humans suggest that tocotrienols get into the brain faster, where they may improve brain function and health.
Meganathan and Fu(2016) tocotrienols may help slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries and decrease cholesterol levels. Also an overall positive effect on human health.
Getting vitamin E tocotrienols in the diet
Natural vitamin E tocotrienols can be found in palm fruit especially delta- and gamma-tocotrienol, but not at high enough doses to be therapeutic. But is enough for prostate support especially for those concerned about reducing their risk of prostate cancer. Even those diagnosed with prostate cancer could also incorporate palm nut soup as part of their diet plan.
However, for those interested in vitamin E tocotrienols supplement look out for the Delta- and gamma-tocotrienols; they are the most potent form and annatto –is a natural food additive is the only known plant that contains 100 percent delta- and gamma-tocotrienol, with no other forms of tocotrienols and no tocopherols. I shall tell you more about that plant.
Also, make sure for the supplement you do not take more than 30 mg/d of tocopherols from other supplements. Most multivitamins and vitamin E supplements contain tocopherols, rather than tocotrienols, so check the labels of your current supplements.
I adapted this table from Kresser Chris(2022) to provide a guide for the recommended dosages of tocotrienol for various uses based on the current clinical evidence.
Take home
Palm fruit used for palm nut soup has 70% of tocotrienols. Hence, it is good for prostate health. For those interested in the supplement form of vitamin E tocotrienols; you can get them in the pharmacy. Vitamin E, like many vitamins, has several isoforms that occur naturally in foods. These isoforms are called vitamers and include 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols, each labelled alpha, beta, delta, or gamma.
The study on vitamin E and cancer risk eventually used a single vitamer, alpha-tocopherol, which may be one reason for the negative findings. Evidence indicates other vitamins of E play a more prominent role in reducing the risk of cancer, including prostate cancer. Tocotrienols were also not part of the negative study. When next you are buying vitamin E make sure you do not buy tocopherol, choose tocotrienols. However, just in case there are mixed tocopherols and/or tocotrienol along with selenium may still be beneficial for the reduction of prostate cancer risk. Until that, the home delicacy of palm soup should be helpful.
NB:
Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.