The pancreas is involved in both the digestion of food and the regulation of blood sugar. It is possible to relieve the pancreas and limit the risks of inflammation (pancreatitis) and pancreatic cancer, thanks to appropriate dietary hygiene. Certain foods, rich in fats or added sugars, are not recommended, while others, rich in omega-3, fiber or vitamin C are recommended. Find out which foods are beneficial for the pancreas.
Vegetables beneficial for the pancreas
Among the vegetables to favor to protect your pancreas, we find cruciferous vegetables, in other words, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, green cabbage, cauliflower, artichoke, but also onions and ‘garlic. Sweet potato, likewise, is beneficial for the pancreas, because it helps regulate blood sugar by gradually releasing sugars into the blood. It thus lightens the work of the pancreas which, by secreting glucagon and insulin, is responsible for regulating the level of glucose in the blood, specifies the National Cancer Institute. The same goes for leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, chard, lettuce, kale or very colorful vegetables (carrot, beet).
Fruits recommended for the pancreas
Fruits rich in antioxidant vitamin C are particularly recommended for the pancreas. We therefore naturally find kiwi, orange, strawberries, redcurrants, mango, papaya, black grapes, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries and even lemon.
Recommended meats to protect your pancreas
Red meats are rich in fat and should therefore be avoided so as not to overload the pancreas, which has the function of producing digestive enzymes. You are advised to prefer lean white meats, for their protein content, such as poultry without their skin (chicken, guinea fowl, turkey or capon).
Oily fish helps the pancreas
Oily fish, such as tuna, salmon, mackerel or herring, are rich in good fatty acids, that is to say omega-3. They therefore help to reduce the risk of inflammation of the pancreas.
Fats of plant origin popular for the pancreas
It is important to favor fats of plant origin. This is why you are recommended to preferably use vegetable oils (olive, hemp, flax, sunflower, rapeseed, walnut oil, etc.), to consume avocados, pine nuts, sunflower, pumpkin or even sesame seeds, but also walnuts and almonds.
Legumes, allies of your pancreas
Legumes collaborate with the pancreas in its function of regulating blood sugar, thanks to their richness in fiber. You can therefore incorporate white or red beans, chickpeas and lentils into your menus.
Sources
- Pancreatic cancerNational Cancer Institute, July 4, 2023
- The pancreasThe MSD Manual, March 2023
Read also :
⋙ Pancreatic cancer: symptoms that should alert
⋙ Pancreas pain: what can be the different causes?
⋙ Chronic pancreatitis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment