Diet plays an important role in maintaining proper health. Following a proper diet, inclusive of healthy food, helps in prevention of obesity, as well as in keeping several gastrointestinal diseases at bay. On the contrary, following an improper diet leads to weight gain and digestive problems. Therefore, it is essential to have foods that are easily digested in order to maintain a proper digestive health. List of Easily Digestible Foods There are several types of foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, fish, etc., that can be digested in the body easily. Usually, these foods are prescribed to people who suffer from digestive disorders or have recently undergone a surgery. However, it is also advisable for other people to include these foods in the diet in order to prevent diseases like constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), etc. It is recommended to consult the doctor if you are following the diet to treat a health disorder. Easily Digestible Fruits Fruits and vegetables are easiest foods to digest. They contain fiber which helps in speeding the process of digestion in the body. You should opt for cooked food rather than raw ones as cooked food is easy to digest. You should also note that fresh fruit juices get digested faster than raw cut fruits. Prefer seedless varieties of fruits as seeds are hard and may cause digestion problems. The following are easy to digest vegetables and fruits:

• Apples
• Avocados
• Banana
• Blueberries
• Figs
• Pears
• Plums
• Papaya
• Strawberries
• Watermelon
• Fresh fruit juices

Easily Digestible Vegetables Vegetables, that are thoroughly cooked, are easier to digest as compared to raw ones (like in salads). Specially, pulses and beans should be sprouted, steamed, germinated for quick digestion. You should also note that having large amount of pulses, beans, and lentils can lead to digestive problems and hence, it is advisable to limit their intake. Cook beans with seaweed to reduce its sodium content and prevent gas. Other vegetables like potatoes, yams can be boiled, mashed and eaten. Here are vegetables that can be included in the list of easily digestible foods.

• Beans (Black, Lima)
• Carrots
• Kale
• Lentils
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Yams

Miscellaneous Foods Several sources of carbohydrates can be easily digested in the body. It is also said that fermented food can prove beneficial for the digestive system. However, it is wise to consult the dietician about the effects of fermented food as they differ from one person to the other. Apart from the above mentioned ones, here are some more foods that can be included in the easily digested food list.

• Whole grains
• Boiled rice (white, brown)
• Rice pasta
• Rice cakes and crackers
• Quinoa
• Millet
• Oats
• Toast
• Soup
• Fish
• Skinless, boneless chicken
• Soft-boiled eggs
• Porridge
• Yogurt

Among these foods, rice in any form (cooked properly), is the easiest food to digest. It is prescribed to people suffering from an illness; to people who have undergone a surgery; to babies; to older people, etc. Chicken and fish, when boiled, are also digested faster than when eaten in other forms. On the other hand, if you are wondering what are the foods that take a longer time to digest, then note that nuts, seeds, soy products, cabbage, maida flour (starch) or super fine wheat products, cake flour, wheat, rye, milk and milk products, etc., are foods that are not easily digested. Consuming these products on a large amount every day can lead to constipation. At the same time, consuming curry, spicy foods, tea, coffee, etc. in excess can also cause digestive problems, and hence, should be limited. Apart from the diet changes, you also need to make changes in your lifestyle. It is recommended to have smaller and frequent meals (4-5/day) rather than going for 2 larger ones in order to enhance digestion. Secondly, you should not lie down or sleep immediately after having meals as it can disrupt the process of digestion. It is better to have meals 1-2 hours prior to rest or any physical activity. Lastly, as a concluding note, you should remember that along with proper diet, regular exercise or physical activity is also essential for proper digestion. Take care! Disclaimer: This article is meant only to provide information. It is recommended to make changes in your diet only on consulting the doctor.