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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