10 Foods for Your Pancreas

An active pancreatic function is vital to the human digestive process. This spongy organ occupies the abdominal cavity behind the stomach and performs a wide range of tasks that facilitate digestion. Firstly, it produces enzymes that neutralize the effect of stomach acid to prevent damage to the intestines. They also help in the breakdown of food and its absorption in the body. Finally, the pancreas is responsible for insulin production which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels as well as energy storage. Furthermore, having a well-functing pancreas is of utmost importance for digestion in particular and bodily fitness at large. Certain foods should regularly be consumed to maintain pancreatic health and prevents conditions such as pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Broccoli

This green cruciferous vegetable is a superfood that is great for keeping the pancreas fit and disease-free. It is mainly known for reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer, on account of having high quantities of quercetin, a potent flavonol that is very healthy. Flavonols help fight cancer in many ways and thus need be an essential part of one’s diet; they fortify the body’s detoxification mechanism, flushing out carcinogenic substances from the body; they also prevent the growth and division of cancer cells, and even propel the latter into self-destruction. Your body will benefit significantly from flavonol-rich foods, and quercetin-rich broccoli is unusually high for maintaining a healthy pancreas.

Garlic

Garlic is a vegetable of the allium species which boasts of many health benefits and nutritive qualities. Concerning the pancreas, garlic consumption is believed to prevent cancerous tumors since it contains sulfur, flavonoids, arginine, selenium, and oligosaccharides which are all carcinogen-fighting micronutrients. Also, garlic aids the efficacy of the pancreatic digestive function by ensuring that controlled amounts of insulin are released. Garlic allows for an increase in insulin production and a decrease in blood sugar levels. Thus, consuming it will help keep the pancreas in optimal condition. Since eating raw garlic is an unappealing prospect, it may be taken in chopped fashion with water or even grated in honey overnight.

Spinach

Those experiencing pancreatitis are encouraged to add spinach to their diet to aid healing. Spinach contains Vitamin B and iron, both of which are required to lessen the inflammation of the pancreas. However, preparations with spinach are not well-liked by many so other vitamin-rich leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard and mustard may also be consumed. For those experiencing chronic pancreatitis, one portion of the average meal is recommended to comprise of spinach or other alternatives mentioned, every day. You may add it to your fillings, sauces, curries, soups and so on in many, many ways.

Red Grapes

Experts also insist on the consumption of red grapes to ensure the pancreas remain healthy and disease-free. Red grapes contain resveratrol, which a powerful antioxidant. It helps in controlling the inflammation associated with pancreatitis as well as fighting cancer cell in the pancreas. The best way to consume red grapes is eating at least one portion, in its raw form, every day. Drink red wine made from red grapes; it is a recommended way to achieve the same results. However, having the fruit itself is far more advantageous as the nutrients are most accessible that way. Consuming freshly prepared juice from red grapes is another recommended way.

Mushrooms

Certain varieties of herbal mushroom are incredibly nutrient-rich, with many healing qualities. Red Reishi mushrooms contain fiber, vitamin D2, selenium, and potassium, all of which help in relieving inflammation of the pancreas in those experiencing pancreatitis. These mushrooms also contain nutrients that are known to destroy cancer cells. Chinese medicine makes liberal use of red reishi mushrooms for the restoration of balance in the body, post any nature of physical trauma, which only reiterates how powerful an antidote and healing agent they are.

Sweet Potatoes

Another vegetable widely recommended for people with stressed pancreases is sweet potatoes. They contain numerous micronutrients which ward off cancer cells, thus reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer. Also, sweet potatoes help improve the pancreatic function, releasing sugars into the body more gradually. Consuming sweet potatoes in at least 3 to 5 meals a week can fortify the pancreas against diseases and also optimize its normal functioning. The best part is, they also happen to taste good and are eaten by most individuals. They make for great ingredients in preparations that call for sweetening and can be used as a healthier, naturally sweet alternative. If you do not have a preference for sweet potatoes, you have other options including other yellow and orange vegetables like corn, squash, and carrot.

Berries

Berries such as cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, which guard pancreas against cell damage and oxidative stress. These fruits are packed with nutrients as well as delicious flavor, besides being low in calories. Studies prove that daily intake of red raspberries can reduce chances of pancreatic cancer. This benefit is because the berries are high in ellagic acid, which is an established inhibitor of cancer. Whether you consume your berries fresh or heated, you are likely going to savor cancer-combating benefits.

Salmon

Salmon makes a fantastic source of omega 3-fatty acids, which offer a preventive aid against pancreatic cancer. Usually, western diets lack these acids, so substituting it with salmon can be great. Not just omega 3-fatty acid, salmon also contains astaxanthin that is an excellent antioxidant. This acid is why the fish is pink in color. You should prefer wild salmon against farmed salmon as the latter includes high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, i.e., a harmful chemical. Anyway, you shouldn’t go over the board when consuming wild salmon; moderation can do wonders.

Cabbage

Intake of cabbage on a regular basis can help protect vulnerable people against pancreatic cancer. As a vegetable loaded with vitamin C, vitamin B6, as well as folate, it makes for a fantastic an essential part of one’s diet. When the cabbage plant is sliced and chopped, it produces anti-carcinogenic compounds, called glucosinolates, which stop cell mutation and restrict cell damage. For maximum benefits from this food product, you should eat raw cabbage. Cooking can destroy the vitamins present in it, therefore buy organically grown cabbage and reap all the benefits.

Kale

Kale is known for its multiple health-protecting properties, amongst which preventing pancreatic cancer is one. This superfood packed with nutrients like vitamin C and beta-carotene; these both help prevent the body against disease. Kale comprises ten times beta-carotene as compare to broccoli. It is also high in the flavonoid kaempferol, which is a well-known flavonoid, protecting an individual against pancreatic cancer. You can consume kale raw in salads or add them to veggies and transform the superfood into mouthwatering dishes.