Bitter food is great for digestion / 10 sour foods and drinks full of nutritional benefits

 Bitter food is great for digestion

According to registered dietitian Theresa Shank, bitter foods can have a sharp and sometimes pungent taste. Some bitter foods have a subtle taste, and may also contain elements of sweetness, acidity, and the like.

                                       10 sour foods and drinks full of nutritional benefits

Theresa Shank says the common property of bitter food is good for the gut and digestion. "Bitter food boosts digestion, stimulates appetite, and stimulates the release of digestive juices in the pancreas," Shank told me well and well. For this reason, it may be helpful to sip a bitter beverage before a meal or add bitter food to your meal or appetizer. 

10 sour foods and drinks full of nutritional benefits

1. Cocoa

Although processed chocolate is more sweet than bitter, cocoa in its pure form has a more pronounced bitter taste and is also better for health. In addition to being good for digestion, cocoa is full of nutrients including magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc. It also contains a lot of flavonoids, a type of polyphenol that is great for the brain. There is no sugar in pure cocoa! Another benefit of cocoa that you may have felt is related to a better mood. 

2. Kale

Green vegetables have different types of flavors, and Shank says kale is known for its bitter taste. "Kale is full of nutrients such as vitamins A, K, B6, C and calcium, potassium, copper, and manganese. It is also full of antioxidants that help the body fight environmental toxins and free radicals. If they accumulate too much in the body, it can occur to cell damage, and this leads to inflammation and other diseases. although all veggies are wealthy in nutrients, inclusive of fiber resources and rich in antioxidants, what makes kale special is that it is right for the liver. This is because it contains a category of phytochemicals called glucosinolates - a group of compounds that help detoxify the liver and support other bodily functions.

3. Arugula

Shank says that arugula is another type of green vegetable classified as a bitter food. Its bitterness is what gives it the peppery taste that makes it so aromatic. Arugula is also good for bone health because it is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.

4. Dandelion leaves

Of all the bitter vegetables, dandelion leaves are the bitterest. While this is exactly why many people like its taste, others find it too intense. If you are in the second group, try mixing dandelion leaves with spinach, lettuce, or kale, instead of eating them alone. In any case, their consumption will help speed up digestion (like all bitter foods) and is also especially good for the liver - just like kale. You can get the same benefits by consuming dandelion in the form of tea.

5. Cranberries

As for bitter fruits, cranberries are one of the most popular. Cranberries taste great in summer salads, as a marinade for grilled meat, and in smoothies or shakes. “If you opt for cranberry juice, let it be fresh cranberry, not sweetened cranberry juice,” says Shank.

6. Citrus fruits

Oranges, lemons, and limes are bitter fruits that are good for gut health and digestion. Health trainer and herbalist Rachelle Robinett says citrus peels can be especially good for digestion. Of course, these citrus fruits should not be treated.

7. Apple cider vinegar

There is a reason why apple cider vinegar is the main ingredient in many salads. Shank says that if you season a bitter vegetable salad with apple cider vinegar, you will increase the bitterness of that food. If apple cider vinegar doesn't suit you, lime or lemon juice works just as well.

8. Green tea

If the bitter foods on this list are still a little intimidating to you, start with green tea. It doesn’t taste as bitter as the others listed here, but Shank says it’s still bitter enough to be good for gut health. It supports brain health, heart health and improves mood.

9. Coffee

Coffee drinkers, we have good news: you are already consuming something bitter. Similar to green tea, coffee is also associated with benefits for the brain and heart. And of course, it boosts energy.

10. Chamomile tea

If you like the idea of ​​a bitter drink, but do not want an increased amount of caffeine, Shank recommends chamomile tea. It has a certain bitterness, but it does not encourage energy but relaxation.

Are there times when we should not eat bitter food?

While all ten of the foods and beverages featured here are full of nutritional benefits, Shank says there are a few factors to look out for. “People with kidney stones, gallbladder disease, hiatal hernia, gastritis or stomach ulcers should not consume bitter foods,” she says. He also says that some bitter foods may not be safe to eat during pregnancy, so if you are pregnant, consult your doctor.

 Bitter food is great for digestion / 10 sour foods and drinks full of nutritional benefits

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