The pancreas is one of the biggest glands in our body. It measures around 6 to 10 inches in size. It plays a vital part in the secretion of many hormones and enzymes that help with digestion. Pancreas keeps us healthy, so it’s essential that we keep it healthy in turn. To keep the pancreas healthy we need to follow a healthy lifestyle and have healthy food habits. In this article, we will look into some superfoods that keep this vital organ healthy.
Turmeric
Curcumin present in turmeric prevents cancer. By adding turmeric powder into our daily meal will keep us from cancer. Also, turmeric enhances our immunity. Add 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and drink it every night before going to sleep.
Cherry
Cherry is rich in antioxidants. It prevents cell damage. It contains beta carotene, Vitamin-C, anthocyanin and quercetin which prevents cancer. Also, it controls the growth of cancer cells. Having cherry regularly will keep us from pancreatic cancer.
Grapes
Resveratrol present in grapes will protect the pancreas from free radicals which can effectively damage it. Consuming seasonal grapes is really good for our health. Grape juice can be had without adding sugar.
Fruit Juices
Drinking orange, lemon, sweet lime juices in the morning will strengthen the pancreas. Similar carrot, cabbage, beetroot, greens can be had as a juice without adding sugar during lunch.
Broccoli
Vitamin-A and Vitamin-C present in broccoli will prevent pancreatic cancer. Instead of frying it in oil, it can be steam cooked for consumption. Fiber present in broccoli will reduce the fat content in the body and also prevents constipation.
Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes look similar to the pancreas. It is rich in antioxidants. The outer skin of sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene will strengthen our immune system. Fruits and vegetables which are orange, yellow and pinkish in color are usually rich in beta-carotene. These fruits and vegetables will protect us from cancer.
Yogurt / Curd
Yogurt will prevent infections in the pancreas and increases our immunity. It strengthens the pancreas. Yogurt is rich in good bacterias or otherwise called as probiotics which help with digestion. One of the important roles of the pancreas is digestion. So it’s good to include yogurt in our daily diet. Not adding sugar to curd or yogurt will do more good. In other words, do not drink lassi.
Garlic
Garlic contains Allicin. Allicin prevents the tumors and other injuries to the pancreas. It completely protects pancreas and strengthens it. We can include a few garlic cloves to our daily meals. Since garlic controls the blood sugar levels, it also helps in controlling insulin secretion.
What are the Foods that needs to be prevented?
- Foods rich in bad cholesterol. Reusing oils for deep frying foods will increase its levels of bad cholesterol.
- Eating out frequently
- Meats rich in fat content
- Consuming high levels of roasted foods
- Flour, sugar, white rice, polished pulses, refined oils and other processed foods
- Parotta, pizza, burger, bread and similar food items that are rich in bad carbs
- Alcohol and cigarettes