When the sunny days arrive, cucumber and tomatoes work wonders. In spring salad, cucumbers and tomatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. However, as delicious and healthy as it is, this combination should be avoided for good digestion.
Cucumber and tomatoes, bad mix?
If separately, cucumbers and tomatoes contribute to healthy digestion, combined it is not so simple. Cucumber is, in fact, composed mainly of water and is therefore digested very quickly. Tomatoes contain fiber and sugars that require more time to be broken down. This difference in digestion time will have the effect of creating an imbalance in the digestive process. When fast-digesting foods are combined with slow-digesting foods, those digested more quickly will pass through the intestine while the other foods are still being digested in the stomach. Which produces increased fermentation of sugars and starches in the stomach. Results: bloating and intestinal pain.
Better digest raw vegetables
To better digest raw vegetables, together or separately, be sure to chew well. Taking the time to chew your food slowly is the crucial step to aid digestion. Saliva contains enzymes that help break down food, and chewing slowly allows these enzymes to start working early in the digestive process. Additionally, careful chewing can help reduce the risk of bloating by promoting better nutrient assimilation and reducing the work the digestive system has to do. Furthermore, peeling your raw vegetables, especially tomatoes, reduces the risk of intestinal irritation. Although the skin contains a huge portion of nutrients, it can be difficult for sensitive stomachs to digest.
Obviously, although the tomato/cucumber mixture sometimes causes digestive problems, it mainly depends on your sensitivity. Listen to your body and observe how certain foods or food combinations affect your digestion before cutting them out completely.
