Cultivate healthy digestion with these eight foods that boost digestion. Eating habits have changed in recent times and so has our understanding of what food is good for us. We are now more aware of the impact that different kinds of food can have on our health, rather than just thinking about calories and fats. A healthy digestive system is not only essential for combating obesity, high cholesterol and heart disease, but it’s also important for overall well-being. When your diet includes the right combination of foods and drinks, it helps your body digest them better — meaning you get more nutrients from them. When your diet does not contain enough fiber or other helpful substances, you get less out of the things you eat — and this can affect how well your body processes what you ingest.
Foods that boost digestion and Nutritional Value
Digestion is closely linked with your body’s ability to extract nutrients, vitamins and minerals out of your food. If your digestion is poor, you may be getting fewer of these essential nutrients than you need for good health. Some of the best foods for digestion are those that are rich in fiber and protein, such as eggs, legumes, oats, fruits and vegetables. Eating the following foods that boost digestion can help improve your body’s ability to extract nutrients from your food. Digestive enzymes are released in your stomach to break down your food, but research suggests that many people don’t produce enough of them. Taking a digestive enzyme supplement before a meal can help break down food even further, which can help you get the most out of your food. Healthy digestion also involves proper elimination of waste and toxins. Beans, broccoli, cabbage and other vegetables are good sources of fiber, which your body needs to help push waste through your system.
Raw Vegetables
Vegetables are high in fiber, which helps regulate your digestive system. They are also packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Ideally, most of your diet should consist of raw vegetables, which are rich in digestion-boosting enzymes. In addition, they contain very few calories, and can also be used as substitutes in many recipes. Raw vegetables are also rich in indigestible fibers, which help you feel full through extended periods of time due to their low caloric content. Eating more vegetables is an effective strategy for weight loss, as well as maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Fruits
Fruits are another essential part of a healthy diet. They are rich in water content and fibre and are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Since fruits are unprocessed, they contain very few calories, making them a healthy snack that can help boost your digestive system. Fruits are also rich in pectin, which helps reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. They also contain vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B, C and E that can help improve your digestive system.
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens like spinach, broccoli and Swiss chard are excellent sources of fibre, which helps regulate your digestive system. They are also packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While these greens have a reputation for being difficult to digest, most people actually digest them very efficiently if they are prepared properly. Leafy greens are best enjoyed fresh and raw, as cooking can destroy some of their valuable nutrients. They can also be enjoyed in a variety of ways, ranging from salads to smoothies. Supplementing with products such as Quercetin is another fast and efficient way to get those nutrients into your daily diet.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes such as kidney beans and chickpeas are excellent sources of protein, which can help regulate your digestive system. They are also packed with fibre and B-vitamins. When these foods are eaten in their unprocessed form, they can help improve digestive health as they are rich in fibre and protein. Beans are also one of the most affordable sources of protein, making them an excellent food for people on a budget.
Whole Grains
Whole grains like oatmeal and quinoa are another excellent source of fibre. They are also packed with B-vitamins and minerals, which can help improve your digestive system. Whole grains are rich in fibre, which can help reduce your risk of developing digestive-related diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome. They can also help you maintain a healthy weight as they are relatively low in calories.
Bottom line
A healthy diet is essential for good health, yet many people don’t know what that means. Eating a balanced diet means making sure you get the right mix of nutrients from the food you eat, including protein, vitamins and minerals, minerals and fibre. Healthy eating is not just about losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. People who are overweight are often under-nourished because they are eating too many high-calorie foods that don’t provide enough vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Digestion is one of the most basic and essential functions of the human body, yet we place very little value on it. These 8 foods that boost digestion can help you achieve a stronger digestive system, and in turn, a healthier heart and body.
