Broccoli, apples and oranges are some of the foods that come in the list of easy to digest vegetables and fruits.
Did You Know?
Fruits are regarded as fast digesting foods. This is because the fruits themselves contain digestive enzymes that actually help to promote digestion. In general, foods that are mashed are easier to digest.
How to cope with digestive problems? Taking the required medications may not be sufficient to manage digestive issues effectively. People with digestive disorders such as gastritis and IBS, find it difficult to consume certain foods. Also with age, many undesirable changes take place in the digestive system and hence it becomes necessary to modify the diet.
Easy to Digest Vegetables
Vegetables that are excellent sources of soluble fiber are often recommended for people with gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Soluble fiber relieves intestinal inflammation and regulates bowel function. As it is soluble in water, soluble fiber is able to attract more fluid into the colon and add softness to the stool. This helps to facilitate their transit through the colon. Some of the vegetables that contain soluble fiber in good proportion are given below:
- Turnips
- Sweet potatoes
- Rutabagas
- Squash
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Beets
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Kidney beans
- Lentils
- Pumpkin
Easily Digestible Vegetables – Raw or Cooked?
Which vegetables does the digestive system find easier to process? Raw or cooked? Studies show that cooked vegetables are a better option, when it comes to making the task of digestive system simpler. People with chronic intestinal problems are also unlikely to tolerate intake of raw vegetables.
Easy to Digest Fruits
In case you thought only vegetables were easily digestible and fruits are not, due to their sugar content, then you need a rethink. There are quite a few fruits that are not heavy on the digestion system. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Papaya
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Apricots
- Watermelon
- Peaches
- Pears
- Grapefruit
Digestion Time of Fruits and Vegetables
Watermelon, being high in water content, is digested in just 20 minutes, whereas the digestion time for oranges and grapes is approximately 30 minutes. Apples take slightly more time, approximately 40 minutes, as they contain substantial amount of fiber. The amount of time spent in digesting plant-based dishes, such as green vegetable salad, varies from 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips for a Healthy Digestive System
- Eating in excess, be it vegetable or fruits can lead to indigestion. Limiting food intake (avoiding heavy meals) is the key for a healthy digestive system. So, stay away from indulgence and prefer having 5-6 small meals throughout the day.
- Giving little or no importance to exercise causes build up of gas, bloating and eventually weakens the digestion. So, everyday, spend some time doing some form of exercise for better digestion. The habit of hitting the sack immediately after meals can also slow down digestion. Instead, walk for at least half an hour post lunch or dinner before retiring to bed.
- Water is the centerpiece of health, so keep your body well-hydrated. Adequate water intake ensures a healthy digestive tract, and moreover, softens the stool and keeps constipation at bay.