It is a common experience that after eating an apple, you feel light and refreshed, but a plate of samosas can leave you feeling sluggish and heavy. The difference, health experts say, lies in how the body processes the two foods. While an apple takes barely an hour to digest, a samosa can take up to six hours or more.
Apples are among the easiest fruits for the stomach to process. Rich in water and dietary fibre, the fruit promotes smooth digestion and aids bowel movement. Nutritionists note that an apple typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to digest. Its natural sugars are easily broken down into energy, and its fibre content helps cleanse the digestive tract. That is why people often feel hungry again shortly after eating an apple.
In sharp contrast, a samosa, deep-fried and stuffed with potatoes and spices, is a heavy, oily food that demands far more effort from the digestive system. Laden with fats and carbohydrates, a single samosa can take 4-6 hours, or even longer, to break down completely.
The stomach enzymes must work harder to dissolve the layers of fat, which linger longer in the gut, slowing down the overall digestive process. This is why many experience gas, acidity, or a feeling of fullness after consuming fried snacks.
Experts explain that age, metabolism, and lifestyle further influence digestion speed. Younger individuals with active metabolism tend to digest food faster, while those with poor gut health or weakened immunity may experience slower digestion even with lighter meals.
For maintaining a healthy digestive system, doctors advice consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibre while limiting the intake of fried and oily foods.
(Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on general dietary knowledge. Readers are advised to consult a qualified medical or nutrition expert before making dietary changes.)
