Benefits of Bitter Foods

Plants produce a bitter flavor to protect themselves against being eaten. The bitter flavors have even helped humans avoid plants that are poisonous. Your ability to taste bitterness decreases as you age. That's why children are less likely to eat bitter foods. Scientists have identified around 30 genes that are responsible for how you perceive bitterness. Some people can't taste bitterness, while others might find some plants extremely bitter. Cilantro is a great example of this. There are healthy reasons for you to consume bitter foods though. Here are some of the benefits of bittter foods.

Healthy Digestion

Bitter foods can help prime your body for better digestion. The bitter taste stimulates your mouth to begin producing saliva. And that is the first step in digestion. Bitter foods also signal your body to begin producing more stomach acid, which you also need for healthy digestion. This is why some cultures take bitters, or lemon juice in water, about 15 minutes before a meal.

Antioxidants

Bitter foods and cruciferous greens contain powerful antioxidants that can help your body heal from everyday oxidative stress. Some bitter foods can also help support your liver and assist in removing toxins. Milk thistle and dandelion tea are well known for being a healthy drink for liver health. Greens like arugula and kale are both bitter and are loaded with antioxidants. If you're not consuming them periodically because of their bitter taste, consider adding them to a smoothie.

Weight Management

Your body has bitter taste receptors throughout your digestive tract. When these receptors are stimulated, it is thought that they cause the microbes in your large intestine to use more energy when you eat more. Other compounds in bitter foods are thought to help your body to burn sugar and store less as fat. Taking dried bitter melon as a supplment has been studied for it's ability to lower blood sugar.

Prebiotics

Some bitter foods are prebiotics, which help feed the good bacteria in your gut. Dandelion greens and artichokes are two examples of bitter greens that can help give you a healthier gut microbiome.

Immune System Support

There are many ways that bitter foods are thought to support your immune system. They are loaded with nutrition, support your gut health and detoxifcation, and contain antioxidants. All of these things point toward their ability to support your immune system. Another way they support your immune system is by curbing your cravings for sweets. Finally, the bitter taste receptors on your tongue and in your nose, have been found to also defend you against bacteria.

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