Bitter substances for your health

How to easily integrate bitter substances into your diet

Do you like bitter foods? Most people answer this question with a resounding "no." Understandably, this aversion to bitter taste isn't without reason: In recent years, the industry has deliberately bred the bitter taste out of foods. The bitter taste is thus less bitter and milder.

If you buy bitter fruit or vegetables from the supermarket, you can assume that the remaining bitter taste doesn't reflect the original, natural taste. As a result, the threshold for bitter substances has generally been lowered, and you're no longer accustomed to the "real" bitter taste.

Although there is no general connection between bitterness and toxicity, scientists believe that our sense of bitterness is meant to protect us from poisonous food.

"If you want to stay strong, healthy, and young, be moderate, exercise your body, breathe pure air, and cure your pain with fasting rather than with medication." - Hippocrates

The discovery of bitter substances

Hippocrates (460-360 BC) already recommended fasting and bitter herbs for the prevention of physical ailments. One of the most well-known advocates of natural bitter substances was Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179). She recognized, for example, the healing properties of milk thistle fruits for liver diseases. In the 5,000-year-old Ayurvedic medicine as well as in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), bitter substances are recommended for strengthening digestion, weight regulation, and body cleansing.

What are bitter substances?

Plant bitter substances

Bitter substances occur naturally in plants, but are also produced synthetically. Plants produce bitter substances to ward off predators and to protect themselves. For humans, bitter substances can, among other things, be an indication that plants may be poisonous and unsuitable for consumption.

Did you know?: The tongue has 25 different bitter receptors that can detect thousands of natural and synthetic bitter substances. The bitter taste is perceived primarily at the base of the tongue—the back of the tongue.

Function of bitter substances in the body

Bitter substances have received increased attention in recent years. It is not without reason that numerous plants with bitter components are used in naturopathy or are components of medicinal products. The most well-known effect of bitter substances is their influence on digestion. Bitter substances activate saliva flow in the mouth and stimulate the production of digestive juices. This makes ingested food easier to digest. Furthermore, they have a positive effect on the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the acid-base balance. Since, as mentioned at the beginning, the bitter taste has been bred out of vegetables and salads, it would be advisable to reintroduce more bitter substances into the diet. Bitter substances are particularly popular among people who would like to reduce their appetite for sweets.

Bitter spray B12 with Aronia – alcohol-free

Bitter substances help against cravings

Bitter substances are said to have a craving-suppressing effect. Incorporating them more frequently into your daily diet is said to reduce cravings for sweets. The bitter taste in foods is said to reduce appetite more quickly. Since bitter foods generally contain significantly fewer calories than sweets, they can be doubly helpful in reducing excess weight.

How can I incorporate bitter substances into my diet?

The easiest way to absorb bitter substances is through food, and it's best to incorporate them into your daily diet. We've compiled a list of bitter-rich vegetables, herbs, and spices for you. Since bitter substances are sensitive to heat, we recommend eating bitter-rich foods raw or steamed. This way, your body can benefit from the bitter substances to the fullest.

Conclusion

Bitter substances are recommended for maintaining good health. Whether for digestive problems, headaches, or to combat the familiar craving for something sweet, bitter substances are often used. A simple alternative or supplement to bitter substances in the diet are high-quality dietary supplements like our bitter spray.