Nutella is an uber-popular dessert spread that is growing increasingly popular throughout the world, but just how good is it for our stomachs? Keep reading to find out!
According to WebMD, there is little evidence on whether Nutella has any effect on bowel movements. However, Nutella may result in diarrhea if consumed in excess due to the presence of caffeine in a two-tablespoon serving. That said, if caffeine leads to dehydration, this may cause constipation. Nutella is also high in sugar, which can also have a negative impact on the bowels.
Keep reading to learn more about the effect of consuming Nutella every day, as well as some additional foods that will help you poop!
What Happens If You Eat Nutella Every Day?
While Nutella’s advertising campaigns would like to have you believe that it is a healthy breakfast spread, the facts may have you believe differently. According to Healthline, Nutella contains 70% saturated fat and processed sugar, with a two-tablespoon serving packing a whopping 200 calories of which:
- 99 calories from 11 grams of fat (3.5g are saturated)
- 80 calories from 21 grams of sugar
This means that the daily consumption of Nutella with breakfast will drastically increase your intake of sugar and fat, and this is assuming you are eating it in moderation, which most people (especially kids) do not. Since the consumption of excess sugar is extremely detrimental to your health, it may be wise to limit Nutella as a dessert treat.
Nutella also contains 15mg of sodium and only two underwhelming grams of protein per serving. Additionally, Nutella is very high in the wrong kinds of fat, not the “clean” varieties. Nutella is made from the dreaded modified palm oil, which is anything but clean.
Modified palm oil is one of the most toxic and dangerous forms of fats that you can possibly eat, and this combined with the sugar content, is far from a healthy breakfast spread, as the company would like us to believe. Similar to any other kinds of foods high in sugar, Nutella should be eaten as a treat every now and again, but certainly not as a daily breakfast spread.
How Does Chocolate Affect Bowel Movements?
According to Healthline, there are no studies that have confirmed whether chocolate does cause constipation, but some people have reported problems going to the bathroom after consuming it. Since Nutella contains cocoa powder, it makes sense to question how this could affect regularity.
That said, it is more likely the constipation troubles are rather due to other ingredients found in the product such as the powdered milk or caffeine. Many people find dairy constipating, with some even finding themselves to be completely intolerant to it.
Chocolate also contains caffeine, which is known to result in dehydration, especially when eaten in excess. Dehydration results in your stools becoming hard and dry as they are not receiving sufficient hydration. The addition of sugar in chocolate also creates problems with your bowels, as it typically substitutes for other high-fiber options that promote bowel regularity.
How Much Chocolate Can You Eat Without Getting Constipated?
The amount of chocolate you can safely consume and how often you eat it depends heavily on the effect chocolate has had on your body in the past. If you can usually eat chocolate with no issues, then you can probably assume that continuing to eat it is completely safe. That said, you should still eat it in moderation as it is high in fat and calories.
If you are constipated and suspect it may be the chocolate but aren’t too sure, try the elimination method. Simply eliminate the chocolate from your diet completely and monitor how your body reacts. Once constipation has subsided, you can attempt to eat a little chocolate in small bits and see if constipation returns. Then you know what’s the culprit!
What Is The Bad Ingredient In Nutella?
Many people have slammed Nutella due to its controversial ingredients, but is there any truth to this?
The claim is that one of its artificial ingredients known as “vanillin” is a neurotoxin that that attacks and eliminates brain cells. According to the United Nations’ Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, this is simply not true due to the fact that there is no evidence to back that vanillin does, in fact, damage the brain.
“The use of vanillin as a food additive is approved by authorities worldwide.”
According to an OECD report.
What Foods Will Make You Poop Immediately?
If all that sugar, sodium, and fat has got you a little put off from your Nutella fix, then here are some healthier options that will not only make you poop, but are also packed with other health benefits for your body.
1. High-fiber fruits
Fruits that are packed with fiber should be your go-to option if you are suffering from constipation, and this is particularly true for the skin of the fruit, as this is where you can find most of the fiber. Some of the best high-fiber fruits are:
- Apples
- Raspberries
- Peaches
- Guava
- Papaya
2. Prunes
While you’ve probably heard this one before, prunes truly are the kings and queens of the constipation-curing foods! Prunes are ham-packed with fiber and sorbitol, which speeds up the GI system significantly. Just make sure you eat prunes in moderation, as too much sorbitol can have a heavy laxative effect.
3. Raw green vegetables
If you didn’t already know, vegetables are typically packed with fiber, especially when eaten raw. Some of your best vegetables for constipation relief are:
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Artichokes
4. Oatmeal
If you are a fan of oatmeal as part of your breakfast, then this is another reason to keep on eating it! The reason being, oatmeal is packed with fiber, meaning you’ll likely find yourself heading to the bathroom at some stage of the day.
If you are looking for a dinner-appropriate option, another grain packed with fiber is known as quinoa, which you can have as a side with a serving of protein and vegetables.
5. Yogurt and kefir
As you may know already, yogurt and kefir contain a fair amount of gut-friendly probiotics that promote the growth of “healthy” bacteria in the gut, which will promote the overall health and functioning of your digestion, and this includes the prevention of constipation.
6. Curry
If you are a fan of curry then I have good news for you! Curry is in fact a natural laxative due to the compound called capsaicin. This works by stimulating receptors in your body that enhance digestion speed, which pushes stools through the colon faster than usual.
7. Beans
While you’ve probably heard this one before, beans are your go-to if you’re feeling a little backed up! Beans are full of fiber which helps to ease constipation symptoms, and they are also really tasty and beneficial for your overall health.
