A healthy man's diet should include adequate zinc. Studies have suggested that zinc's ability to promote cell repair might protect against the specific cell damage that causes prostate cancer. Need another reason to get plenty of zinc in your diet? Zinc has been linked to improved sexual function and increased sperm counts.
Fortunately, it's easy to get enough zinc in your diet. The recommended daily dose of 11 milligrams of zinc can be found in just one serving of shellfish, lean meat, pork or legumes. Oysters are particularly high in zinc; maybe that's why they're often considered an aphrodisiac. Many fortified foods, such as cereals, are good sources of zinc. Most multivitamins contain adequate zinc, and you can buy zinc-specific supplements.
If you generally eat a healthy diet, you probably get enough zinc without thinking too much about it. But two factors in particular might make you zinc-deficient:

• Going vegetarian. If you don't eat meat, you may not be getting enough zinc from non-meat sources such as green leafy veggies, whole grains and nuts. If you aren't eating enough of these foods, consider a zinc supplement.
• Drinking alcohol regularly. Studies have shown that long-term heavy drinking (defined as more than 2 drinks daily for men younger than 65 years) can impair the body's ability to absorb some vitamins and minerals, including zinc.