10 Foods That Are Great For Pancreatic Health
The pancreas doesn’t take up too much space
– with a length of 15 cm in total and a mass that doesn’t exceed 85-100
grams, but it is an essential organ that plays a significant role in
the digestive system. The pancreas not only regulates and neutralizes
the high acidity that reaches our stomach from various foods, but also
the enzymes secreted by this organ are important and very essential for
the proper digestion of a variety of components such as carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats.
A healthy pancreas means a controlled sugar
intake and a better functioning digestive system - so we recommend
consuming the following 10 foods, which have significant and proven
health benefits for the pancreas, and will also help you preserve and
protect this irreplaceable organ.
1. Turmeric
Curcumin, which is found in turmeric, is
often thought to be a natural anti-inflammatory, which helps to relieve
pain caused by a burning sensation in the pancreas, as has been shown in
a study published in 2014. Beyond these properties, turmeric also
strengthens the production of insulin in the pancreas, which helps
regulate blood sugar levels and prevents the effects of diabetes.
2. Garlic
You've probably heard people recommending
eating garlic and honey together as a cure-all of sorts - this is a
well-known "Grandma Remedy" that brings together two ingredients that
are somewhat different, but whose medicinal properties are well known.
Garlic can also go with many other healthy ingredients, such as onions
or fenugreek. All these combinations were found by a study at the
Federal University of Technology in Nigeria to strengthen the immune
system as they help the body repair tissue damage in various organs,
including the pancreas.
3. Spinach
“Armed” with the best B vitamins and a
stock of iron, spinach is one of the most satisfying foods to meet the
most basic needs of your pancreas. The iron found in spinach helps
prevent infections in the area, while the B vitamins nourish the organ
properly. In addition, these green leaves are packed with an anti-cancer
component called MGDG, which in a study from 2016 found that eating it
reduced the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. So, mix spinach with
some onion to create a tasty salad or lightly sauté spinach in a pan,
and provide your pancreas with a dose of health.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli, as well as other cruciferous
vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower and kale, were found in a recent
study published in 2017 as having health properties that help the body
fight cancer cells that may develop in the pancreas, while also helping
to ensure proper functioning of this vital organ, and keeping it free of
diseases and infections. These vegetables, headed by broccoli, provide
the body with an abundance of easy-to-absorb nutrients such as
flavonoids, natural compounds that help ensure the health of our body's
detoxification system.
5. Red grapes
food
Red grapes contain resveratrol, a phenolic
compound considered to be a powerful antioxidant. This makes the grapes
effective for preventing and reducing pancreatic infections as well as
eliminating cancer cells that may develop in it. Experts recommend
eating a serving of red grapes once a day, in their natural and uncooked
form, meaning red wine doesn’t count!
6. Sweet potato
There is a theory that the more a food
looks like a certain organ in the body, the better it is for that organ.
There are several examples: walnuts are good for the brain, celery for
the bones and tomatoes for the heart, and in the same way, sweet potato
is good for the pancreas, and it really does contribute to its health.
Eating sweet potatoes reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer by 50
percent, as well as stabilizes blood sugar levels by helping to
gradually release sugar into the bloodstream.
7. Oregano
This herb can treat various disorders
caused by the body's oxidation processes, as it is rich in phenolic
antioxidants. Various studies, such as the one at the University of
Massachusetts, indicate that oregano is also an anti-hyperglycemic
substance, which is one that can prevent high blood sugar levels, just
another reason why it’s good for your pancreas.
8. Dandelion
This yellowish plant has many advantages,
which can be gained by drinking it as a tea - a drink that is considered
a very effective detoxifying agent for the pancreas as well as for the
liver, which helps to repair pancreatic tissue damaged by various
hazards and to increase production of bile juices. Dandelion root
extract helps fight the development of cancerous cells without damaging
healthy cells.
9. Mushrooms
In a study conducted in Israel at the
Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Haifa in 2012, in which
a concoction of medicinal mushrooms was formulated, it was found that
it could inhibit the development of cancer cells in the pancreas.
Another study from the University of Indiana in the United States
indicated that a traditional East Asian drug based on wild mushrooms has
been shown to have the ability to block the effect of a gene called
MMP, which is directly related to the development of pancreatic cancer.
These studies clearly show that besides for mushrooms being a good
source of dietary fiber and potassium, they can also be of great benefit
to your pancreas.
10. Cherries
Bright red cherries are a particularly rich
source of various antioxidants, as well as a unique compound called
perillyl alcohol, which has been found to be effective in preventing
pancreatic cancer. So in the summer months, when cherries are
everywhere, do your pancreas a favor and eat a handful of them every day.