Having a healthy digestive system is vitally important to the overall health of the human body. Seventy percent of the body’s immune system is in the digestive tract. The foods we consume are broken down in the digestive system into a form that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Then the nutrition is carried throughout our bodies to the cells and is used for maintaining our health and providing energy. Consequently if the digestive system is not functioning as it should, the entire body suffers. Digestive problems can cause pain and discomfort and leaves us feeling tired and sluggish. Left unchecked a sluggish digestive system can become very serious. This explains why it is critical that we consume foods that assist our digestion. The following list contains five foods that actually improve our digestion system.
Apples
Apples are a healthy snack for anyone. They are a good source of vitamins A, C and provide many important minerals. But that is not the only benefit to the human body that apple’s provide. Apples are a great food for improving the digestion system. They provide insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps hold water and assist the body by moving food through the digestive system.
Apples also contain soluble fiber called pectin. Pectin dissolves in water and forms a substance with the consistency of gel. This actually slows down digestion, lowers blood glucose levels and prevents cholesterol from building up.
Avocados
While most of us think of healthy fats when we think of avocados; they are actually a fruit. Besides being a healthy fat, avocados are a great source of fibre and they keep the digestive system lubricated. This keeps things moving as it should. It prevents constipation and they taste great in salads, as a snack or in deserts.
Eating ½ of an avocado gives a person 4 grams of fiber! They are also loaded in potassium and are a low calorie and healthy addition to any diet.
Bananas
Like apples, bananas contain pectin which is a soluble fiber, they are also loaded with potassium. Soluble fiber helps to slow the absorption of fats. This healthy fruit helps heal and decrease stomach ulcers. They contain prebiotics which helps our bodies utilize the foods for the good bacteria in our digestive system (also known as probiotics.)
Figs
Figs are a favorite for healthy person who looks to build their fiber intake as effortlessly as possible. Figs are super sweet and taste great in all types of foods. They are great in breads, salads or they can be eaten on their own. One cup of dried figs is a whopping 15 grams of fiber.
Figs are loaded with potassium and provide a lot of minerals such as copper and iron (and many more). Figs are easily carried for a quick snack and have a long shelf life. They are a staple food in many countries.
Ginger
Ginger has been used to treat tummy troubles for generations. Ginger can be chewed or added to other foods as a spice. It can be eaten raw or consumed in powdered form or even taken in capsules. Ginger has long been known to cure motion sickness, nausea and upset stomach. It can be taken in tea or other drinks.
Ginger increases saliva, bile and gastric juices to assist in the digestion of foods. Ginger also aids in reducing bloating and gas as well as heartburn.
While these foods are only a few of the foods that can assist in maintaining a healthy digestive system, it is easy to see that keeping the digestive system healthy is not only smart; it is very tasty!
