One of the organs most of us don’t know much about is the pancreas. It’s a name we hear from time to time, perhaps at a doctor’s visit. We know it exists in the body, but do we really know its function or what we can eat to keep it healthy?
The pancreas is a small organ located in the upper left abdomen, behind the stomach, and it is connected to the small intestine. What’s important to know is that the pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and maintaining balanced glucose levels. When food empties from the stomach into the small intestine, it mixes with the enzymes produced by the pancreas, preventing damage to the intestine. Additionally, the pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, which is later secreted into the bloodstream so that it can regulate the body’s sugar levels.
Turmeric
One of the benefits of turmeric is that it can help decrease pain and inflammation in the pancreas. Turmeric has an anti-hyperglycemic effect, which means that it can reduce blood sugar levels. It works to stimulate the production of insulin, which prevents the onset of diabetes, and it helps decrease gallstones, which are found to be the most common cause of pancreatitis.
Broccoli And Other Cruciferous Vegetables
Research studies found that there was a significantly decreased risk of pancreatic cancer associated with the high intake of cruciferous veggies, such as broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. The flavonoids contained in these veggies may effectively kill (or inhibit) pancreatic cancer cell formation.
Sweet Potatoes
Many people believe that consuming foods that visually resemble an organ will support the health of that particular organ. In this case, it may be true. Sweet potatoes have been linked to boosting pancreatic function. It can also stabilize blood sugar by gradually releasing the sugars into the bloodstream.
Dandelion
This herb has been known to flush toxins out of the intestines and liver, which can help to repair damaged pancreatic tissues. It can also boost the production of bile. When the production of bile is increased, the pressure and damage of the pancreas decreases, due to the reduced inflammation.
Garlic
It can reduce the amount of sugar in the blood while stimulating the pancreas to produce sufficient levels of insulin. Meanwhile, the number of nutrients it contains, such as sulfur, selenium, and flavonoids, has a positive effect on pancreatic tissues.
Maintaining a healthy pancreas may be easier than you think if you avoid an excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, fried foods, or foods with added sugars, while adding more natural, plant-based foods to your diet. Keep in mind that whatever you consume does have an impact in your body’s organs and overall health.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
