People do not think about the health of their pancreas in the way, for instance, that they think about heart health. However, the pancreas is an incredibly important part of the body, playing a crucial role in digestion and helping the body to break down foods more efficiently and absorb their nutrients. The good news is that the pancreas can be supported and nourished through good dietary choices, such as adding the food below to your diet.
Berries
Berries such as blueberries, cherries and blackberries are among the fruits highest in antioxidants, which can protect the pancreas from oxidative stress that is the result of free radical damage and even help reduce your chances of serious conditions like pancreatic cancer.
Broccoli
Broccoli – and other members of the cruciferous family, including kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage – contain high levels of a sulfur-containing compound that has been shown to help detoxify the organs (including the pancreas) and reduce the risk of pancreatic and other forms of cancer.
Garlic
Garlic and other members of the allium family like leeks, shallots and onions, contain a compound called allicin. This is the active ingredient that gives garlic its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and also helps with pancreatic cancer prevention.
Red Grapes
Red grapes are one of the best sources of a compound called resveratrol, another powerful antioxidant that can protect the tissues of the pancreas from free radical damage and help reduce the chances of pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.
Reishi Mushrooms
Not only are these Chinese mushrooms delicious, they contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds which can reduce inflammation and swelling around the pancreas and thus lower your chances of developing pancreatitis.
Spinach
The pancreas needs both iron and Vitamin B to function properly, and spinach has both in spades. A pancreas that is properly nourished will be less likely to become inflamed or to be vulnerable to the onset of cancer.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet-potatoes (and other orange fruits and vegetables like carrots, corn and some citrus fruit) receive their vivid color from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant which has also been shown to support sustained pancreatic health.
Tofu
Tofu has two benefits that make it great for pancreatic health: it is high in protein (which can help to support the pancreas) but low in fat (a high fat diet can exacerbate any pancreatic problems).
Tomato-Vegetable Soup
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, also a powerful antioxidant to help maintain pancreatic health, while the addition of other vegetables adds vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients that also support good pancreatic function.
Probiotic Yogurt
Yogurt with live, probiotic cultures helps to replace and replenish the healthy bacteria in your gut. This helps improve your digestion and a healthy digestive system, in turn, helps to promote pancreatic health.
As you can see from this list, a pancreas-friendly diet that includes these foods will not only help you protect this vital organ, but strengthen your immune system and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
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