How long does each food group take to digest?
Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Complex carbohydrates: 2 to 4 hours
Proteins
Animal proteins: 2 to 4 hours
Plant proteins: 1 to 2 hours
Fats
Saturated fats: 4 to 6 hours
Unsaturated fats: 2 to 3 hours
Fiber
Soluble fiber: 1 to 2 hours
Insoluble fiber: 2 to 5 hours
Alcohol
1 to 2 hours
Water
30 minutes to 1 hour
Keep in mind that these are just average times and can vary depending on the individual and the specific food items consumed. Also, the digestion time of a meal can be affected by the overall composition of the meal, including the combination of food groups and the presence of certain nutrients or substances. For example, foods high in fiber or fat can slow down digestion, while spicy foods or caffeine can speed it up.
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