We’ve all been through it – that uncomfortable feeling of bloating after eating a salad. This is often surprising, as salads are commonly associated with health and well-being. But as gut health expert Dimple Jangda explains, the way we prepare salads can have a huge impact on our digestive system. If you too feel bloated every time you eat a salad, then you must read this article. Why does this happen? Should you stop eating salads? All your questions are answered here.
Why does eating raw salad cause bloating?
According to Dimple Jangda, plants, contrary to popular belief, are not passive organisms. They breathe, react and even defend themselves. When plants are cut or damaged, they release phytochemicals, gaseous compounds that serve as warning signals to other plants. These phytochemicals can contribute to inflammation when consumed in large amounts.
Also read: Summer diet tips: 5 herbal teas that can relieve bloating and gas
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Should you stop eating salads to prevent bloating?
Salads are a healthy meal and a great addition to a healthy diet. But if you suffer from bloating after eating them, there are ways to solve this problem without giving up this refreshing meal altogether. To alleviate this problem, Jangda recommends a simple but effective solution: steaming your veggies. Steaming helps break down the plant’s cell walls, making it easier for our digestive enzymes to process them. Additionally, steaming may increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients and antioxidants.
Also read: Say goodbye to bloating: 5 everyday herbs and spices that can help
How to avoid bloating with raw salads – Expert tips
- Steam your vegetables: This includes juicy vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, beets, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.
- Boost the flavor: Boost the flavor of your steamed vegetables by adding a pinch of salt, pepper, herbs like rosemary, basil, and oregano, and a bit of lemon juice.
- Cook leafy vegetables: Boil leafy vegetables and make soup. This helps in digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- It is often argued that cooking vegetables destroys nutrients. However, Jangda insists that it is better to eat partially cooked vegetables that are easily digestible to avoid bloating and poor absorption of nutrients.
By incorporating these simple changes to your salad preparation, you can reduce inflammation substantially and enjoy all the benefits of a healthy diet. Remember, it’s not just about eating healthy; it’s also about eating smart.
