Loaded with vital nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, fruits are nature’s yummy treats that lend you fantastic health benefits — digestion being one of them. Are you wondering what makes fruits good for digestion? Primarily, the presence of fibre, Vitamin C, and potassium in fruits makes them super good for your gut health. There are many fruits and some vegetables too which would top the charts as the best foods that aid digestion. However, if you want to identify the best fruits for digestion, look for the ones with maximum fibre, vitamin C, and potassium in them.
Fruits That Help Digestion
Let us understand the importance of digestion before we proceed further. To have your digestive system working to the best of its capability is super essential because our body derives nutrients from foods and drinks we take to work efficiently and stay healthy.
Proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates (fibre), and water are further broken down into their absorbable form through digestion, post which they are then used for energy, growth, and cell repairs. Hence, for the body to function correctly, stay energetic, and disease-free, digestion is an essential function.
Several fruits are high in fibre & vitamins and those are the fruits that help digestion. Some of them are listed below:
1. Apple
Right from childhood, we are made to understand that apples are really good for the body. They are high in pectin fibre. Depending upon the body needs, pectin can provide relief from constipation and diarrhoea – clearly becoming one of the fruits good for digestion.
2. Apricots
This fuzzy fruit is rich in fibre content that maintains bowel regularity, further preventing constipation and boosting colon health. Apricots are very high in vitamin C, which is critical for boosting immunity and skin health.
3. Kiwi
Green Kiwi helps in better digestion because it contains the enzyme called actinidin which helps enhance protein digestion. This fruit is also known for its laxative effect, which is attributed to its high fibre content. According to certain studies, two kiwis provide almost 20% of the daily recommended amount of fibre to the body, which aids digestion and facilitates colon health.
4. Guava
This crunchy and delicious fruit is a winter delight. It is a natural solution to many stomach issues. Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fibre. It’s worth noting that just one guava gives 12% of the daily recommended amount of fibre – highly beneficial for our digestive health. In addition, if taken as whole or chewed well, the guava seeds work as an excellent laxative, enabling smooth passage to our stool.
5. Banana
Banana also has a high content of fibre which helps digestion and thereby facilitates regular bowel movements. Banana has antacid effects and it protects the stomach from ulcers that get built up in the stomach linings. The antacid effects of bananas ease heartburn and help eliminate the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.
6. Mango
Unknown to many, mangoes are amongst the best fruits for digestion. They contain the enzymes that aid digestion and breakdown of fibre and proteins. This promotes smoother bowel movements and waste removal through the digestive tract.
7. Peaches
Peaches are ancient fruits, which are known to be rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fibre. They ease bowel movements and help with digestion. They are also good for the body’s immune system. Peaches also help the body combat inflammation.
8. Figs
Fig is a seasonal fruit of the mulberry family. It grows in warm and sunny countries. It comes in green, yellow, and purple colours. Figs are very rich in fibre. Just one serving offers 4 gm – 5 gm of fibre which is one-fifth of the daily recommended amount — thus very good for digestion. Its soluble fibre makes us feel fuller and insoluble fibre helps prevent constipation. People like to eat fresh as well as dried figs.
9. Cranberries
Cranberries are small, hard, and round red fruit. They are bitter and sour. Cranberries contain fibre and vitamins A, E, and C, which help in digestion. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants – a potent anti-inflammatory property that prevents free radicals from wreaking havoc in our body cells. A cranberry can be trusted as one of the best fruits for digestion.
Hard-to-Digest Fruits
Although most of them are considered as fruits for digestion, some may be a little difficult to digest. Fruits that are highly acidic and can irritate the stomach lining cause digestive problems. Such fruits are lemon, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. Though, these are not harmful when taken in minimal quantities. In this context, it is advisable to say that one should avoid spoiled fruits. Such fruits may become difficult to digest and will be bad for stomach health.
Conclusion
Fruits are an essential part of our daily diet. Taken raw, fruits come loaded with fibre, vitamins, and minerals and are very healthy for our body. It is best to incorporate at least one fruit in your daily diet either in its raw form or as a part of your breakfast shakes, salads, or oats. However, if you want to reap the best benefits out of fruits for digestion, they should be taken raw.
