Benefits of Bitter Tasting Foods

You may try to avoid foods that taste bitter, but there are some good reasons to include them in your diet. The bitter taste of some plants may have come about to keep pests and animals from eating them. And while some bitter plants are poisinous, many are not and are actually good for you. Your genes and age play a part in how bitter somthing tastes to you. You may not have liked certain foods as a child, and now like them as an adult. Here are some of the most healthy bitter tasting foods and drinks.

Green Tea

If you enjoy drinking green tea, it may help you be less sensitive to other bitter foods. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and is one of the healthiest things you can drink. EGCG is one of the powerful compounds found in green tea. Studies have shown that EGCG has the ability to support your wellness and help you heal from some health conditions. It also contains compounds that have been shown to support your brain health, healthy blood sugar levels, and support weight loss goals. If you drink green tea, it is especially important to get a high quality organic tea so that you aren't consuming mold, heavy metals, and other contaminants.

Bitters for Digestion

Drinking water with lemon juice, or bitters, can help stimulate digestion. The lemon juice, or bitters, can help start the production of saliva and tells your body to generate the gastric juices and bile needed for digestion. This may help you to not feel bloated and get more nutrition from your food. Bitters have also been used to reduce sugar cravings and boost immune system health.

Artichokes

Artichokes are a thistle that has been used for it's medicinal benefits for centuries. They are rich in fiber and can help support your gut microbiome. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. Antioxidants help your body reduce inflammation which can be a root cause for health issues. Artichoke leaf extract has been studied for it's ability to support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, arugula, and spinach are some of the most common cruciferous vegetables, but there are thousands more. They are high in fiber, low in calories, and loaded with antioxidants. As a family of vegetables, they contain unique compounds that can support your wellness. Steaming these vegetables is the best way to make some of the nutrients more bioavailable. You can also eat some of them raw in salads or as a healthy snack. Adding them to smoothies with other healthy ingredients is another way to get their health benefits.

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa has a bitter taste. That is why most desserts and candies are made with milk chocolate. Dark chcolate contains antioxidants that your body can use to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. High quality dark chocolate also contains minerals and fiber. If you want to avoid the calories and sugar contained in a dark chocolate bar, you can add organic cacao powder to your healthy smoothie, tea, or protein bites. Small studies have been done to establish dark chocolates role in reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and improving heart and brain health. None of the studies were large enough to be definitive, but it's clear there are benefits to eating small amounts of dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa or pure cacao powder.

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