Written by: Nancy Dixit
The body generally digests food within 24 to 72 hours. Here’s a breakdown of digestion times for carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibrous foods, and liquids:
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Time to Digest: 1-2 hours Simple carbohydrates, like sugars, digest quickly while complex carbs from whole grains, and fruits take slightly longer but still provide a rapid energy source.
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Freepik
Time to Digest: 3-4 hours Protein-rich foods, including meat, fish, eggs, and beans, take longer to digest as the body breaks them down for muscle repair and other vital functions.
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Time to Digest: 6-8 hours Fats, found in oils, butter, and fatty meats, digest the slowest. They require bile for breakdown and take more time to pass through the digestive system.
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Time to Digest: 30 min to 1 hour Plain water takes 10 to 20 minutes, simple liquids like juices or sodas take 20 to 40 minutes, and complex liquids such as smoothies or protein shakes take 40 to 60 minutes.
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Time to Digest: 12-24 hours High-fiber foods, such as vegetables and whole grains, move slowly through the digestive system, aiding bowel regularity and digestive health.
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