The colon is also known as the large intestine and is part of the digestive system. It is a long, hollow tube in which the body produces and stores stool.
It fulfills key functions for the organism. It is responsible for extracting water and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food. The undigested remains, solid waste called feces, move through the colon, are stored in the rectum, and exit the body through the anus, explains the US National Cancer Institute.
This organ is very susceptible to diseases, including colorectal cancer; polyps, which are growths of tissue in the colon that can become cancerous; Ulcerative colitis; diverticulitis, characterized by inflammation or infection of small sacs or diverticula in the colon, and irritable bowel syndrome, an uncomfortable condition that causes abdominal cramps and other symptoms, according to the US National Library of Medicine.
One of the best ways to keep the colon in good health is by eating a balanced and healthy diet, in addition to consuming foods that can contribute to its cleaning in a natural way. Some vegetables are key in this process because they are an important source of dietary fiber and water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women should consume 25 grams and men 38 grams of fiber daily.
Fiber, according to website information Gastrolab, from Mexico, helps regulate bowel movements, preventing constipation; It reduces cholesterol levels in the body and helps to detoxify the colon. These are some of the recommended vegetables to cleanse and care for the colon.
Celery
This vegetable contains a significant amount of fiber that helps regulate intestinal transit and prevent constipation. It is a diuretic food that helps cleanse the toxins that accumulate over time in the intestine.
Carrot
It is one of the important vegetables to combat constipation and stomach pain, this is because thanks to its high fiber content, it helps expel toxins. Additionally, the vitamin A they provide protects and regenerates the membranes of the stomach and intestines, states an article on the Better with Health portal, written by Yamila Papa Pintor.
According to the aforementioned source, the regular consumption of these vegetables helps keep the intestine in good condition, especially in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis or Crohn’s disease. It is recommended to normalize intestinal transit and prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids.
Spinach
This vegetable is rich in vitamins A and E, iodine, and various antioxidants that keep the colon healthy. Its consumption is recommended to avoid constipation due to its high fiber content.
Artichoke
The artichoke is a plant rich in water, fiber and flavonoids. In addition, it contains vitamin C and minerals., such as potassium and phosphorus, which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, probiotic and anti-dyspeptic properties, according to information from the wellness and health portal Your Health.
The cited source indicates that being a source of fiber and water, this food helps the formation of the fecal bolus and the evacuation of feces through the intestine, being useful to combat constipation and avoid colon problems. “The artichoke is also rich in inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that serves as food for the beneficial bacteria in the intestine, keeping the intestinal flora healthy”need.
Pumpkin
This vegetable is rich in vitamins, especially beta-carotene or provitamin A and the other two antioxidant vitamins, C and E. It contains a significant amount of fiber that helps in the digestive process and its regular consumption helps to cleanse and care for the health of the colon, avoiding problems such as constipation and intestinal parasites.