Which of the following foods would most delay gastric emptying?

The choice of corned beef as the food that would most delay gastric emptying can be attributed to its high protein and fat content. Foods that are rich in protein and fat typically require a longer time to digest, as they stimulate the secretion of hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK), which signals the stomach to slow down its emptying process.

In the case of corned beef, the combination of denser protein and fat content leads to a more prolonged digestive process compared to leaner protein sources or simple carbohydrates. This results in a slower transition of food from the stomach to the intestines, thereby delaying gastric emptying.

Other food options like chicken breast, rice, and steamed vegetables generally have a quicker digestive process due to lower fat content and simpler composition. Chicken breast, while it has protein, is leaner than corned beef. Rice is primarily a carbohydrate, which is digested relatively quickly. Steamed vegetables are high in water content and fiber, aiding faster digestion as well. Therefore, while all these foods contribute to overall nutrition, corned beef stands out for its properties that significantly slow gastric emptying.