Turmeric
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, directly targets pancreatic stellate cells, the cells responsible for fibrosis when the pancreas is under chronic stress. A study published in the journal Gastroenterology found that curcumin suppressed the activation of these stellate cells, reducing the fibrotic response that precedes serious pancreatic disease. The typical Indian kitchen uses turmeric in fat-based cooking, which matters: curcumin is fat-soluble, so the dal tadka or sabzi base is actually the right delivery mechanism. A quarter teaspoon per meal is enough to reach therapeutic-range intake without supplementation.
