Why Some Raw Vegetables Cause Gas and How to Avoid It
Raw food has so many benefits. It’s rich in enzymes, all the vitamins remain intact, and typically it’s easier on the digestive system than cooked food. Until it’s not… you see there are just some vegetables that are difficult to digest raw. Particularly vegetables in the cruciferous family- cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower etc.
The reason these vegetables are difficult to process and often cause gas is because they contain high levels of sulfur and fiber. This is part of the reason cruciferous vegetables are so nourishing. The sulfur fights back against harmful free radicals and they have a powerful detoxifying effect.
While the enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants in vegetables are extremely beneficial, they’re useless if your body can’t process them. In the beginning of your digestive journey, when you’re working on rebuilding your gut flora and strengthening the intestinal lining, raw vegetables aren’t the best thing.
Too often, your body ends up spending more energy digesting these foods than they receive from them. As you work on strengthening your digestive system, take it easy with raw veggies.
Here are a few ways you can get the benefits of cruciferous vegetables without the gas and bloating…
- Ferment your veggies to unlock their nutrients, check out phickle for some great recipes
- Juice them
- Lightly steam, saute or roast your veggies and top with a bit of coconut oil or ghee for better nutrient absorption
- Blend them into a smoothie
- Chew your veggies thoroughly, at least 20 times before swallowing
- Digestive enzymes help me when I eat foods that might cause gas or bloating
Over time as you build up your microbiome and repair the lining of the intestines it’ll be much easier to process raw vegetables. These things take time so be patient with yourself and don’t let the process stop you from enjoying these health promoting vegetables.
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Julie Fearey, C.H.N.C.
Oats and Honey Nutrition