The Impressive Health Benefits of Bitter Foods

Bitter food is must for healthy diet.

A Bitter Bite for a Better Appetite

The French word for delicious food is: "Bon appétit". But the reality is that our definition of "Bon appétit" does not include bitterness. Do you know that the inclusion of bitterness in food can prevent many health problems and especially stomach-related problems like acidity, ulcers,  and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?

According to the map of the tongue, the taste buds are located in the middle of the back of the tongue. Our highly developed sense of smell becomes attentive even before the bitter substance could reach us. 

However, according to one study, genetic variation in people determines the ability to recognize the bitter taste, which means that some people can comfortably eat bitter things, while others have a strong dislike for it.

According to new research, from an early age, bitter foods should be included in the diet of a child. Along with the food substance like sweet, spicy, salty, etc., a bitter substance also needs to be given to the child so that the child becomes interested in the bitter taste.

If a child is given bitter food from childhood, the child's tongue is trained to taste bitter. Bitterness is a natural thirst-quenching and useful digestive power that stimulates digestive juices. Moreover, contrary to the general approach, it in fact improves the ability to discern other tastes and thus promotes a healthy appetite.

Bitter taste improves the internal system of the body and gives it coolness. In addition, it helps to stimulate the body's nervous system and also promotes body flow. In addition, being a laxative and diuretic in nature, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-warming properties. 

Infamous among vegetarians, bitter gourd (although many prefer bitter gourd in meals), broccoli, cucumber, lettuce, leafy greens, etc. are the best candidates for an advanced diet in the form of bitterness.

Basil, barley, fenugreek, turmeric, etc. are natural bitter ingredients in Indian cuisine. It is a well-known fact that Indian food is considered to be the healthiest and tastiest in the world. Bitterness not only adds to the value of food, but it also has the value of medicinal remedies in Ayurveda. 

According to the scripture called "Tiktarasa" - "Bitterness" and "sourness" have opposite values. In Ayurveda, a bitter mixture is prepared with a water extractor with a ghee base for the treatment of viral infections like stomach acidity, ulcers, indigestion, or Helicobacter pylori. This mixture neutralizes the sourness of acid, with bitterness.

Modern medical science is trying to decode the Ayurvedic diet and its medicinal properties with the help of technology. The latest feature in Bioinformatics is known as "Ayur-Informatics". This study is based on Ethno Botany,  Ethno Pharmacology, and is now contributing to modern drug design, along with Indian medicine.

To avoid the bitterness of drugs later, add bitterness to the daily diet now. However, it goes without saying that excessive use of any flavor or ingredient not only spoils your appetite but also your health.

Finally “Bon appétit”.