Enzymes are very important nutrients that are responsible for almost all metabolic functions. They are an integral part of foods that help digestion. The amount and type of enzymes used in digestion depends on the type and condition of the food we eat.
Unfortunately, the average diet is almost completely devoid of enzymes. Processed and cooked foods often destroyed the contents of enzymes, leaving our bodies starving for this nutrient, which is a key component of our food.
Which are foods that help digestion?
A list of foods that help digestion
- Pineapple helps digestion because of the enzymes they contain. It contains bromelain enzyme, which “splits” proteins. Since the process of canning reduces enzymes, canned pineapples are not recommended. Bromelain is a complex mixture of substances which can be extracted from the stem and the core of pineapple. This enzyme is not limited only to digestive benefits, it also helps with excessive inflammation, excessive blood clotting, and certain types of tumor growth.
- Papaya is rich in papain enzyme, which can greatly help digestion. Papain is considered one of the most efficient enzymes in the breakdown of meat and other proteins. Papain improves digestion process and also supports the elimination of indigestion symptoms – diarrhea, bloating, heaviness in the stomach and various other ailments. Taking papain will facilitate the work of the digestive system, because enzyme-producing cells in the pancreas have their limit.
- Fermented vegetables are also among the foods that help digestion. They are an excellent dietary source of many nutrients, including live enzymes. Fermented vegetables are great probiotic foods too. The natural lactic acid and enzymes, which are produced during the fermentation process, have a beneficial effect on the metabolism and therapeutic properties in certain diseases. Lactic acid destroys harmful bacteria in the intestine and contribute to better digestion. Fermented foods are very easily absorbed. Fermented vegetables are excellent food preventive against constipation and can act as natural laxatives.
Enzymes can be useful in treating a number of digestive problems such as: pancreatic insufficiency, acute and chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, as well as some food allergies.
We will have better digestion, if we start every meal with a salad of fresh vegetables. When you eat meat, which is, hard for digestion, eat vitamin rich food with it. This may include raw sauerkraut, fresh herbs, garlic, onion and more.
