does beetroot increase weight - #23393
I am kinda confused about this whole beetroot thing. A couple of months ago, my friend started raving about how beetroot is this superfood, you know, like it helps with detox and energy. Well, I thought I'd give it a go and added it to my smoothies every day. But now I’m worried because I’ve been feeling kinda bloated after drinking them, and I have to wonder — does beetroot increase weight? I mean, I haven’t changed anything else in my diet but the beetroot, and honestly, I feel like my jeans are fitting a little tighter. Like, is that normal? I remember reading somewhere that beetroot is low in calories and can be good for digestion, but if I'm bloating up, does beetroot increase weight? Could it be that it’s affecting my metabolism or something? I even checked my weight last week and it seemed to creep up, but that might be due to other stuff too. Maybe water retention or I’m just overthinking it, right? Or could my body not like beetroot? Help! Just trying to figure this out before I decide to ditch the beetroot entirely!
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Doctors' responses
Adding beetroot to your diet in itself is unlikely to cause weight gain, as it is low in calories and does provide some health benefits, like rich antioxidants and nitrates that may support good blood pressure and overall heart health. However, if you’re noticing bloating and a tight fit in your jeans, there could be several explanations. Firstly, beetroot does contain a decent amount of fiber, and changes in diet like suddenly including more fibrous foods can sometimes initially lead to bloating or digestive changes, particularly if your body isn’t used to it. These symptoms are generally temporary and tend to improve over time as your digestive system adjusts.
Water retention could also be one factor in the sensation of weight gain, and this might be due to other dietary habits or lifestyle factors outside of your smoothie routine. It’s important to consider other components in your smoothies. Things like high-sugar fruits or additional ingredients could contribute to a change in your calorie intake. If these ingredients have increased in portion size, this could lead to weight changes indirectly attributed to the smoothie habit rather than just the beetroot itself.
Regarding metabolism, beetroot is unlikely to have a negative impact. Quite opposite, the nitrates in beets are sometimes credited with enhancing athletic performance, though this would not directly relate to weight gain. However, if these symptoms persist or you suspect another root cause such as an underlying digestive sensitivity or intolerance, it might be helpful to adjust your intake temporarily—perhaps reducing beets to every other day while observing any changes in symptoms. If the bloating and discomfort continue, it might be best to consult a healthcare professional who can offer more personalized advice and ensure your diet supports, not hinders, your well-being.
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