We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Health » Health Conditions » Constipation If you’ve ever been constipated, you’re not alone. When it comes to gastrointestinal diseases among adults, constipation is at the top of the list, and according to Johns Hopkins Medicine , roughly 4 million Americans suffer from frequent constipation accounting for 2.5 million trips to the doctor every year.
While you can easily get things moving with an over-the-counter laxative like Ex-Lax , if you’re looking for a natural option instead, then you might want to stock up on beets. "The main component in beets that contributes to gut health and regular bowel movements is the fiber content," Courtney Pelitera, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Top Nutrition Coaching , exclusively told Health Digest, adding that a one-cup serving of beets provides 4 grams of fiber. "For reference, the typical adult requires 25-35g of fiber per day for optimal gut health."
As Pelitera further explained, fiber isn’t just essential in keeping bowel movements regular, but it also plays a key role in managing both cholesterol and blood glucose levels — both of which positively contribute to heart health. Fiber also keeps us feeling full longer, so we’re less likely to snack on unhealthy treats throughout the day — something that’s important for those who are trying to keep their calorie count in the healthy range.
"Beets [also] contain other important nutrients as well, including phytonutrients and antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammatory markers," said Pelitera. In other words, even if you’re not suffering from chronic constipation, you should be eating more beets because of all their health benefits. Can you eat too many beets?
If your main reason for incorporating more beets into your diet is because constipation has become an issue and you’re trying to get your bowel movements more regular, your instinct might be to go a bit overboard in the hopes of moving things along faster. However, too many beets could be problematic.
"There can always be too much of a good thing," said Pelitera. "With any high fiber foods like root vegetables, eating […]
Get Creative with Cannabis: The Ultimate Guide to Painting and Pottery Workshops
Creative with Cannabis Cannabis and creativity go hand in hand—especially
