What are the best foods for repairing pancreatic islet function?

Sep 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no specific food known as the "best food for repairing pancreatic islet function." However, consuming foods such as oats, bitter melon, pumpkin, black fungus, and onions may provide some supportive benefits for pancreatic islet function. In daily diet, in addition to including these foods, it is also important to maintain balanced nutrition, control the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods, and combine dietary management with moderate physical activity, such as jogging or practicing Tai Chi.

Generally speaking, there is no specific food considered the "best for repairing pancreatic islet function." However, consuming foods such as oats, bitter melon, pumpkin, black fungus, and onion can be helpful for supporting the recovery of pancreatic islet function. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Oats: Oats are rich in soluble dietary fiber—beta-glucan—which delays the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing sharp increases in blood glucose after meals and reducing the secretory burden on pancreatic islets. Long-term consumption helps maintain stable blood glucose levels, creating a favorable environment for the recovery of pancreatic islet function.

2. Bitter Melon: Bitter melon contains momordicosides, compounds structurally similar to insulin, which can assist in regulating blood glucose levels. Meanwhile, the vitamins and minerals in bitter melon enhance the body's metabolic capacity and provide auxiliary protection for pancreatic beta cells.

3. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is rich in pectin, which delays the absorption of sugar from food, preventing rapid fluctuations in blood glucose. It also contains cobalt, an essential element for insulin synthesis, supporting insulin production by pancreatic cells and helping maintain normal pancreatic islet function.

4. Black Fungus: Black fungus contains abundant dietary fiber and polysaccharides that promote intestinal motility, reduce fat absorption, and improve insulin resistance. Additionally, minerals like iron and zinc in black fungus help maintain the activity of pancreatic islet cells.

5. Onion: Onion contains sulfides and quercetin, which can promote insulin secretion within the body and enhance cellular sensitivity to insulin, aiding in blood glucose control. At the same time, onion helps regulate blood lipids and reduce the impact of metabolic abnormalities on pancreatic islet function.

In daily diets, besides incorporating the above foods, it is also important to maintain balanced nutrition, control intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods, and combine this with moderate exercise, such as jogging or Tai Chi, to help maintain pancreatic health and support improved metabolic function.