Some people do not like to discuss poop, especially at the dinner table. We are all about it, folks, no matter the time or place. Your poop can inform you about what’s going on inside your body, so it can be useful to learn what different colors mean. Generally speaking, poop is light to dark brown, but it does come in different colors. It’s possible to see bowel movements that are yellow, green, black, orange, and white. 

It is not unusual to see different colors in your stool, according to gastroenterologists. Different colors usually result from what you eat, such as vibrantly colored produce or foods that contain dyes. Although different colors can be normal, frequently colorful poop may indicate a severe health condition. Tan-colored poop, for example, can indicate a liver, gallbladder, or pancreas problem. Continue reading to learn more about stool colors and what they mean. 

What Is Normal Stool? 

Typically, stool is dark or light brown, but health experts consider all shades of brown as normal stool color. It is not uncommon for stool to change color, especially if you eat a lot of green vegetables, beets, or carrots. If your poop turns color because of a health condition, though, you have to address the underlying cause. Adjusting your diet may be a great place to start. 

The Meaning Of Poop Color

We may not have the answer to the meaning of life, but we can help with the color of your poop. Color changes are often due to the foods you eat, but brown is usually the norm. Brown is associated with the natural breakdown of bile in the gastrointestinal tract. The liver secretes bile and assists the body with the breakdown of fat. If your poop isn’t brown or green, you may want to take a closer look as to why that is. If you notice a change in color or consistency, or you are worried about a color with accompanying symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider. 

Orange Poop

There are a few causes of orange stool, the most common of which include:

• Diet: Eating a lot of foods with beta-carotene can color your stool orange. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that gives orange food its color. Carrots, pumpkins, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash contain lots of beta-carotene. Orange soda and candy can also cause orange stool. 
• Medications: Antacids and antibiotics that contain aluminum hydroxide can cause stool to turn orange in color. 
• Liver health: If your liver doesn’t produce enough bile, you may excrete orange poop. That said, liver problems usually cause white or tan-colored stool. 

Green Poop:

Green-colored stool may have to do with your diet, or how quickly food moves through your digestive tract. Some possible causes may include:

• Dumping syndrome: This is characterized by food moving too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. This is very common after stomach or esophageal surgery. Gut motility may also be the problem because food is passing through the digestive tract too quickly for bile to turn stool brown. 
• Diet: Green stool may very well be from eating a lot of leafy green vegetables or a dish with green dye. You may even see bits of some vegetable roughage in your stool, such as kale. 

Yellow Poop

Yellow stool, or mustard-colored stool, is very common and normal in infants, especially breastfed infants. Adults can notice yellow stool in certain instances, though, such as:

• Diet: Just as with every other color mentioned so far, certain foods can color your stool yellow. Foods that are high in fat may also cause stool to appear pale yellow. 
• Giardiasis: This is a parasitic infection caused by Giardia lamblia, which is typically contracted after consuming contaminated water. This parasite also exists in stool or soil. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, fever, headache, and vomiting. 
• Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder, which is triggered by gluten, damages the small intestine. Stool can appear yellow, oily, and greasy on occasion. Following a gluten-free diet is usually the best plan of action to help restore stool to normal color. 

Black Poop

Black-colored stool in babies can be a sign of eating too many foods like blueberries. It can also indicate a more serious health problem and may require medical attention if stool is tar-like. Possible causes include:

• Diet: Eating too many blueberries, lots of blood sausage, or black licorice may turn stool black, but the consistency will remain the same. 
• Bleeding: Black-colored stool can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach or beginning of the small intestine. Blood in that area can also give stool a tar-like consistency, which may stem from ulcers, sores, or tumors. 
• Supplements: Activated charcoal, iron supplements, and even Pepto-Bismol can cause black stool, on occasion. 

Red Poop

Some foods, such as beets or red gelatin can cause reddish poop. A bright red color, however, typically indicates bleeding in the lower part of the digestive tract. Health conditions that may cause gastrointestinal bleeding include:

• Proctitis
• Anal fissure
• Diverticular disease
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn’s disease
• Cancer
• Infection

White Or Tan Poop

Tan poop is usually caused by a problem with the biliary system, which includes the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The liver produces bile, which is a yellowish-brown substance that is stored in the gallbladder. When bile is released into the stomach, it helps break down fats from various foods you eat. Bilirubin, a compound in bile, gives stool the signature brown color. A lack of bile, and ultimately a lack of bilirubin, can result in stool that is tan or white. Several healthy conditions can also reduce the amount of bile, such as:

• Biliary cirrhosis
• Cysts
• Gallstones
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Biliary stricture
• Sclerosing cholangitis
• Structural defect
• Tumors
• Viral hepatitis

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Collard greens often have a negative reputation because they aren’t always prepared in the healthiest way. A lot of preparations involve bacon, ham hocks, turkey legs, and a lot of salt, and the greens are cooked down to a point where they have a lot less nutritional value. In truth, collard greens are very healthy, incredibly versatile, and exhibit some seriously impressive health benefits. 

What Are Collard Greens?

Kids may not be the biggest fans of collard greens, but these nutritious leafy greens should be on your grocery list. Collards belong to the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy. Just like other cruciferous vegetables, collards contain sulforaphane, which is a compound that helps to fight inflammation, balance hormones, and fight free radicals. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of collard greens. 

They Contain A Lot Of Nutrients

Collards are nutrient-dense greens that contain a lot of vitamin A, with one cup providing over 300% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). They also provide B vitamins (particularly folate) and vitamin C, with one cup providing 50% of the RDI. Folate is the naturally occurring form of folic acid, and a cup of collards provides about 44% of the RDI of folate. Just like kale or Swiss chard, collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin K1, providing an impressive 1,045% of the RDI in one cup. Collards also offer other nutrients, including manganese, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. 

They Exhibit Anti-Cancer Activity

As previously mentioned, collards provide a lot of vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which encourage a healthy immune system. Optimal immune response is essential for protecting the body foreign invaders and cancer. Research shows that collard greens contain glucosinolates and sulforaphane, both of which are subjects of cancer research. Scientists say that glucosinolates are converted into isothiocyanate (ITC), which protects cells from damage that can lead to cancer, particularly colon, oral, breast, and skin cancers. By increasing your consumption of leafy greens, you may help reduce your risk of cancer. 

They Support Gut Health

Collards, just like other leafy greens, contain fiber, which works to optimize digestive health by promoting a healthy microbiome. Researchers note that fiber contributes to regularity, which helps you avoid constipation. Additionally, some studies have identified a unique sugar in leafy green vegetables (sulfoquinovose), which works to feed the good bacteria in your gut. That ultimately supports the digestive process. 

They Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

According to research, some of the compounds in collard greens may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. For that reason, incorporating collards into your diet may help reduce the risk of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Collard greens also contain lutein, carotenoids, zeaxanthin, and other antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress. Lowering the amount of oxidative stress in the body may help reduce inflammation, which may decrease the risk of certain health conditions. 

They May Help People With Diabetes

As mentioned earlier, collards are rich in fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and satiates you after a meal. Increasing your fiber intake has been associated with a lower risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes. The belief is that fiber reduces inflammation and levels of glucose in people with type 1 diabetes. Other research shows that fiber works to maintain healthy insulin and blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. More research is necessary to see how the fiber in collards directly benefits diabetic patients. 

They May Improve Bone Health

The impressive amount of vitamin K1 in collard greens, in addition to the vitamin K2 in animal foods, is critical for healthy bones. The body requires vitamin K for calcium absorption, which reduces the risk of fractures. Because collard greens contain both calcium and vitamin K, adding them to your diet can help keep your bones healthy. For reference, the average vitamin K recommendation for adult males is 120 micrograms (mcg) per day and 90 mcg per day for adult women.

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There are green smoothies, and then there are green smoothies. Some of them taste like lawn clippings, while others have the perfect balance of fruits and green vegetables. The right green smoothie can convince you to start drinking more of them, which is a great thing. The main thing is to not overload your green smoothies with fruit because, although the sugars in fruit are naturally occurring, you can consume too much.

This smoothie contains mango, peach, kale, ginger, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, so it hits a lot of flavor notes. You have sweet, bitter, and slightly tart. Just like the kale, the lemon juice helps to promote alkalinity within the body, despite the fact that it contains citric acid. You can learn more about how lemons and other seemingly acidic fruits promote alkalinity by clicking here. Ginger can help soothe an upset stomach and provides anti-inflammatory properties, just like other ingredients in this smoothie.

What you need to know about this smoothie is that it is perfectly sweet, but not too sweet. It is smooth without being overly creamy. It’s gingery, fruity, loaded with greens, and incredibly delicious. A few slurps will have you in a daze of smoothie bliss! That’s not a guarantee, but it’s how we felt! If you try this smoothie, let us know what you think of it in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us on social media so that we can praise your smoothie-making.

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Not getting those luxurious locks from your regular hair care routine? Struggling to find ways to increase hair growth and thickness? Not to be the bearers of bad news, but thickness tends to be determined by genetics, the thickness of hair follicles, and the number of follicles on the scalp. Although that may be the case, your diet plays an important role in the overall health of your hair and scalp, according to board-certified dermatologists. 

Nutrients For Healthier Hair

Several studies show that omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most essential nutrients for hair health. Omega-3s may reduce hair loss and improve the overall texture of your hair. In addition to omega-3s, protein, iron, fiber, zinc vitamins A, B, C, D, and E help your hair grow, according to a 2017 report. Although large trials are lacking on which foods specifically influence hair growth, eating more of the aforementioned nutrients may support healthier hair. Health experts suggest that you eat more of the following foods to give your hair a helping hand. 

Dark Green Vegetables

Broccoli, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are all examples of dark green vegetables. These foods are great sources of both iron and vitamin A. Iron boosts circulation and carries oxygen to your hair’s roots, encouraging faster and longer growth. Vitamin A plays an integral role in the production of natural oils that condition your hair and contribute to optimal shine and elasticity. A review from 2019 found that people assigned female at birth dealing with hair loss tend to be iron deficient. 

Legumes

Hair follicles are made up of proteins, so eating more foods that contain protein can help support hair growth. Legumes, such as chickpeas, black beans, lentils, kidney beans, and other legumes are great plant-based sources of protein. Besides the protein content, legumes contain other hair-promoting nutrients like zinc, iron, and B-vitamins. 

Seeds

Seeds tend to be excellent sources of biotin, omega-3s, protein, vitamin E, and zinc, all of which contribute to healthier hair. A study from 2009 concluded that oxidative stress may damage skin cells on the scalp and cause hair loss. Seeds are naturally rich in antioxidants, which fight oxidative stress, so researchers believe that they can reduce hair loss by protecting skin cells. Sunflower seeds, for example, happen to be a great source of vitamin E, which may protect the hair from environmental toxins. They also contain density-promoting omega-3s, which flax seeds also contain. The oils from seeds, such as flaxseed oil, can also provide these nutrients and help the body better absorb nutrients like vitamins A and E. 

Nuts

Just like seeds, nuts are excellent sources of essential fatty acids, especially almonds, cashews, walnuts, and Brazil nuts. Additionally, nuts also provide minerals like zinc and selenium, which encourage healthy tissue development, especially on the scalp. Walnuts are especially great because they are some of the richest sources of omega-3s. You can also obtain these nutrients by consuming nut butters. Just make sure that these butters are free of added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavors. 

Orange Fruits And Vegetables

Vitamin A is truly the workhorse of dermatology, as it helps the scalp produce sebum, which are oily secretions that encourage hair growth. Orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, papaya, mangos, and butternut squash, are rich in beta-carotene, which is the precursor to vitamin A. 

Whole Grains

Grains, including barley, oats, whole wheat, millet, and spelt provide necessary fiber, B-vitamins, iron, zinc, and silica. Health experts note that silica is “the beauty mineral.” Smaller studies indicate that silica helps deliver nutrients to the scalp, which encourages healthier, thicker hair growth.

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Is this the ultimate green smoothie? We’ll leave that for you to decide. What we can say is that you won’t taste the green in this smoothie, even though the color epitomizes St. Patrick’s Day. We always encourage to consumer more green vegetables because they encourage optimal digestion, cell function, heart function, and waste elimination. The unfortunate reality is that people are not excited about eating green vegetables, despite their proven health benefits. That’s why this smoothie is the perfect entry point to enjoying more greens.

Upon first sip, your taste buds will be shocked. The reason for this is because the color of the smoothie is incredibly green. How did we hide the green taste? First off, spinach is a great smoothie addition because it doesn’t exhibit a strong flavor. For that reason, you can easily hide by using other ingredients that have stronger flavor profiles. In this case, the bananas, blueberries, apples, and pineapple take over with their sweet and tart flavors. Plus, the nuttiness from the almonds and flaxseeds makes this smoothie more like a milkshake than a healthy green drink! You make your own almond and flax milk in the blender before adding the other ingredients. Isn’t that awesome?

If you’re so incline, add a squeeze of half a lemon to the smoothie. Not only does this complement the other ingredients, but it also wakes up your taste buds and increases the alkalinity of the smoothie. Even though lemon contains citric acid, it has an alkalizing effect on the body after you consume it. Don’t believe us? Click here to learn more about that.

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There may not be a magic pill to save you from cognitive decline, but there are definitely foods you can eat to help nourish the brain. Eating for your brain is just as important as eating for your gut. You can support your body by what you put on your plate! The brain may be the most important organ in the body, and if you want to keep it sharp as you age, make a nutritional effort now. 

According to several research studies, brain foods are the same ones that work to protect the heart and blood vessels. Two of the most studied diets in regards to brain health include the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet. In addition to improving heart health, both diets have exhibited an ability to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. While these diets focus on diverse nutritional intake, there is no single diet that is best for the brain. The goal has to be to incorporate myriad foods that nourish both short- and long-term brain function.

If you want to keep your brain functioning like a well-oiled machine, avoid excess intake of processed foods, added sugars, and lots of red meat. Instead, focus on the following foods for your noggin. 

Walnuts

The fact that walnuts are shaped like little brains must count for something! Walnuts provide polyunsaturated fats and phytochemicals that help to benefit the brain. They contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an essential omega-3 fatty acid. Several studies found that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids decrease a person’s risk of heart disease and cognitive decline. A 2012 study found that walnuts improve working memory, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed. 

Leafy Greens

It’s always a good idea to include more leafy greens in your diet. Several studies found that increasing the consumption of watercress, kale, spinach, chard, and other leafy greens slowed cognitive decline in older people. Leafy greens contain folate, which works to reduce homocysteine levels, Homocysteine is an amino acid that has been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and brain atrophy. Additionally, some leafy greens contain glucosinolates, which encourage optimal brain function.

Berries

Berries, especially blueberries, are some of the best sources of flavonoid antioxidants. These work to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Some of these antioxidants include catechin, quercetin, caffeic acid, and anthocyanin. According to a 2014 review, the antioxidant compounds in berries work to improve communication between brain cells. The same compounds may also increase plasticity, which helps brain cells form new connections. This contributes to better learning and memory. Lastly, berries help to delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline.

Coffee

Yes, coffee made the list, and it’s not because of the caffeine that jolts you awake. Coffee contains a neuroprotective compound known as phenylindane, which forms naturally during the roasting process. It’s this antioxidant that gives coffee the signature bitterness. A 2014 study found that coffee consumption reduced the risk of cognitive decline, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Another 2015 study found that one cup of coffee per day over a three-and-a-half year period reduce the rate of cognitive impairment. Caffeine may help people solidify new memories. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University asked people to memorize images one day. One group then took a placebo and the other group took a 200 milligram caffeine tablet. The caffeine group was able to successfully identify the images the following day.

Cacao

There is strong evidence that suggests the flavonoids in cacao powder and cacao nibs benefit the memory and learning regions of the brain. Several studies confirmed that these flavonoids helped reduce inflammatory markers and enhance cognitive performance. The primary flavonoid in cacao is epicatechin, which improves various aspects of cognition. In fact, several studies found that it may reduce the risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease in humans. 

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are rich in a variety of nutrients, including zinc, iron, copper, and magnesium, which encourage brain health. Often times people with low iron levels experience brain function impairment. Consuming more iron can enhance alertness and mental processing. Additionally, the zinc and copper work to support healthy nerve signaling. Finally, magnesium plays a large role in the way the brain learns and memorizes information. 

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Broccolini is a cute vegetable that packs a powerful, nutritional punch. It comes in little adorable bunches that seem more approachable and appetizing than regular broccoli. Nothing against broccoli, but broccolini is simply better. It belongs to the brassica family and is very closely related to cabbage and Brussels sprouts. It’s not the same as broccoli, though, so get that though out of your head.

The great thing about broccolini is that it requires very little prep. Simply trim off the bottom ends, discard some of the loose leaves, and you are ready to cook! For this recipe, it’s all about simplicity. Because you will be roasting the broccolini, please make sure that you spread them out on a baking sheet. You don’t want to clump them together, because they need room to cook evenly. Crowding the pan is never a good idea, no matter what you cook. You want the items to roast evenly, and crowding them together creates uneven cooking. If you have a grill and would prefer to char them in a grill basket, you can do that as well. The cooking time may vary depending on grill heat.

All you need for this recipe is olive oil, sea salt, and two bunches of broccolini. If you’re feeling zesty, add two cloves of garlic and the juice from half a lemon to the roasting pan. That’ll really create some nice flavors! Lemon, garlic, and olive oil are like the holy trinity of flavors!

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Pesto is a sauce that can make or break a dish. A poorly made pesto can make a dish inedible, and a divine pesto takes a dish to new heights. You may even find that you lick the bowl or plate! We can confidently say that this pesto that dresses the zoodles is dangerously delicious. The addictive spice keeps you coming back, bite after bite. You want to know the best part about the pesto? The nutritional value is almost more impressive than the flavor.

Kale is an excellent base for a raw pesto sauce because it’s a nutritionally-dense leafy green. Most people don’t eat enough leafy greens on a daily basis, so incorporating more into your diet is never a bad idea. The almonds and the kale give the pesto wonderful body, providing an excellent base for the oil, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. The nutritional yeast also thickens the sauce, while providing a subtle, cheesy flavor that signature pestos have.

When it comes to zoodles, you have two options. You can either purchase zucchini noodles in the grocery store, or you can spiralize the zucchini at home. The latter does require a spiralizer, which is fairly inexpensive. We recommend the type that has a hand crank, as opposed to the handheld varieties that require you to twist the vegetable. For the best zucchini noodles, pat them dry with paper towels before you toss them in the pesto. You can thank us later.

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Is it too hot outside to think about cooking? That means it’s time for a kale salad. Do you feel sluggish and need a diverse blend of nutrients? It’s time for a kale salad. Are your jeans tighter than normal? Time for a kale salad. Are you seeing a trend here? It’s always time for a kale salad, especially when it’s this recipe.

Kale salads can be hit or miss. A common mistake that people make when making kale salads is that they don’t massage the leaves and chop them well. Kale is very fibrous and requires you to manually break it down for a more pleasant eating experience. Additionally, you must remove the thick, fibrous stems, otherwise you’ll be chomping on bitter, crunchy kale bits. Nobody wants that.

Why do sweet ingredients work with kale? Kale is naturally bitter and has an assertive flavor. For this reason, sweet ingredients like blueberries, dates, apples, dried cranberries, or dried cherries work well in kale salads. You can’t just have sweet ingredients in the salad, though. That’s where the apple cider vinaigrette comes in. The acidic dressing is the secret to the success of this salad. It bridges the gap between the sweet and bitter ingredients and creates for a sensational eating experience. We hope you love it.

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When you take a look at the ingredient list for this recipe, you may think that this dish has no flavor. We have bad news for you: you could not be more wrong. A long list of ingredients does not always yield an amazingly flavorful dish. Sometimes, the execution is everything, and other times it’s important to let simple ingredients speak for themselves. That sentiment perfectly exemplifies this green bean side dish recipe. The assertive garlic punches its way to the forefront of the dish, and the green beans make for the perfect canvas.

Green beans have a crunchy texture that they retain during the cooking process. Unless you cook them for hours and hours, they’ll retain that crunch. In a simple dish like this, texture is paramount. Additionally, you don’t want to compromise the integrity of the vegetable by cooking it so that it becomes mushy. The goal is to achieve subtle char marks while retaining optimal crunch.

Normally, people who make recipes like this deep fry the green beans. We’re not about the life, and you shouldn’t be either, especially since the clean-up is horrendous. The cooking technique in this recipe is known as dry-frying, which calls for much less oil, making it much healthier for you. We recommend using a cast iron pan for this recipe so your green beans can perfectly char, but you can also use a stainless steel frying pan if you have that.

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