Vegetables benefit your spleen because the nutrients in vegetables prevent disorders that
cause splenomegaly, a condition that rarely presents symptoms other than an enlarged spleen, which your doctor may feel on an examination of your abdomen. The spleen sits on the left side of your body just below the rib cage and generally your doctor cannot feel it unless it is enlarged. An enlarged spleen sometimes needs to be taken out surgically.
Benefits of Antioxidants
Vegetables contain antioxidants, which are nutrients that strengthen your immune system and protect cells from free radial damage. Free radicals are potentially dangerous chemicals in the body. Antioxidants reduces the chances of developing cancer by neutralizing free radicals, according to the National Cancer Institute. Antioxidants also make your immune system stronger so you are better able to fight off viral and bacterial infections. Therefore, antioxidants benefits the spleen because blood cancers, such as leukemia, viral infections, such as mono, and bacterial infections, such as syphillis, are causes of splenomegaly.
High Antioxidants Vegetables
All vegetables contain antioxidants, but some vegetables are higher sources of these nutrients. Kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, and red bell peppers are among the most antioxidant-rich vegetables, according to "Reader's Digest." In general though, dark green, leafy vegetables are good sources of antioxidants.
Vegetable Oils and Other Foods
Healthy cooking oils such as vegetable oils and olive oils strengthen the immune system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These foods help symptoms of the viral infection mono, one of which is an enlarged spleen. Other foods that are beneficial for the immune system and therefore indirectly for the spleen are tofu, cold-water fish and fruits high in antioxidants, such as tomatoes, cherries and blueberries.
Chinese Medicine and Vegetables
The spleen in Chinese medicine refers to more than just the small abdominal organ referred to by Western medicine; it is a network responsible for digestion. The spleen refers to the entire digestive tract from your mouth to your anus. If your digestion is weak, then your spleen is weak. Vegetables with a sweet taste nourish the spleen. Pumpkin soup is an example of a beneficial vegetable-based food for the spleen. Also, cooked foods are best for a weak spleen so avoid chilled or raw foods. Cooking vegetables generally does not reduce their number of free radicals, and in some cases increases them, according to a "Science Daily" article published in April 2009. If considering following a plan for strengthening the spleen using Chinese medicine, discuss treatments with a doctor first.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly): Definitions; November 2010
- National Cancer Institute: Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet
- Mayo Clinic; Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly): Causes; November 2010
- The Virtual Museum of Bacteria; Our Immune System; Dr. T. M. Wassenaar; January 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Mononucleosis; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD
- Reader's Digest Version: 10 Best Antioxidant-Rich Vegetables
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