Best Fruits and Vegetables for Improving Digestion

November 4, 2018 • By Sophia Smith
The estimated reading time is 3 minutes

Anything with fiber is going to naturally help with digestion, which is why fruits and vegetables are such a great source of natural digestive aid. But not all fruits and vegetables are created equally: some are starchier, some contain higher levels of protein, and still others have high levels of vitamins to aid with various health issues. Here are some of the best fruits and vegetables for improving digestion.

Apples

Apples are a source of pectin, which is a soluble fiber that aids with digestion. Pectin bypasses digestion in your small intestine and is instead broken down by bacteria in the colon, which helps to promote regularity in bowel movements. Pectin has also been shown to decrease intestinal and colon infections.

To reap the full benefits of apples as a digestive aid, be sure to eat them with the skin on. For this reason, eating pears with skin is also helpful to digestion.

Artichokes

Like many vegetables, artichokes are rich in fiber, specifically the artichoke leaves. Artichokes are high in cynarin, which is a type of acid that helps to lower cholesterol and also aids in digestive health. Cynarinhelps to produce bile, which aids with digestion and also absorbing vitamins and other beneficial nutrients from our food.

Broccoli

Broccoli is another excellent vegetable for digestion and digestive health. This is partial because broccoli is high cruciferous. Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, along with cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts. In addition, broccoli contains high levels as vitamin C. One cup of broccoli contains as much vitamin C as an orange. Broccoli is high in fiber and low in calories, which also makes is a great food for those who are trying to lose weight, since it keeps you feeling without adding on calories.

Peas

Green peas are excellent for digestion. And although they are technically legumes and not vegetables, they often get lumped in with vegetables or get grouped with another high complex carb, starchy vegetables like potatoes. Peas offer a significant amount of fiber (about four grams per serving), as well as a high protein content, which makes them a great weight-loss food as well since they’re very filling. Furthermore, the fiber in green peas is insoluble, which means it doesn’t blend with water, and therefore helps with that feeling of fullness in your digestive tract.

Ginger

Technically ginger is a root, but it is worth including in this list since it’s such great food for digestion and digestive aid. Ginger helps to speed up the digestive process within the body, which is why it’s so effective. It’s a great natural digestive aid and is highly popular among pregnant women.

Whether you are looking to lose weight, increase your fiber intake, improve digestion, or soothe stomach issues, all of the food items will help you do it. If you’re not a huge fan of vegetables, then getting a cold press juicer so that you can consume them in juice form may be a great alternative for you to get the healthy dose of these nutrients that you need.

Sophia Smith

She is a renowned nutritionist and freelance writer whose topics of interest include healthy living and healthy eating. She is passionate about introducing new and delicious healthy meals while balancing her time between cooking and going to the gym. Her mission is to change the life of as many people as she can and make them the best version of themselves.
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