Which of the following is a benefit of water for digestion?

Water plays a crucial role in the digestive process, particularly in aiding the movement of food through the intestines. When you consume food, water is essential for softening and breaking down food particles, facilitating their passage through the gastrointestinal tract. This hydration helps maintain the necessary consistency of the stool and promotes regular bowel movements, thereby reducing the risk of constipation. Proper hydration ensures that the intestines can function efficiently, allowing for smooth peristaltic movements, which are the contractions that move food along the digestive system.

While other options highlight important aspects of nutrition and digestion, they focus on different mechanisms. For instance, increasing metabolic rate pertains more to energy expenditure rather than the mechanical movement of food. Although nutrient absorption is facilitated by a variety of digestive processes, it is not as directly linked to water's physical contribution to digestion as the movement aspect is. Neutralizing stomach acid is a function primarily associated with antacids rather than water, which primarily serves to maintain hydration and assist in the overall digestive mechanism.