10 Bitter Foods to Eat Right Now
Before talking on the bitter foods, we need to to explain about bitterness. It has a rather negative connotation in the collective discourse. The Larousse dictionary even defines the word “bitter” as:
“[something] that causes sadness, that expresses disappointment”
“Someone full of anger”
“A harsh, hurtful statement”
In addition, when it comes to food, bitterness sometimes serves as a warning signal because many toxic plants are also bitter but not all!
The reality is that despite our natural reluctance towards bitterness, many bitter foods are beneficial for the digestive system and overall health. For thousands of years, bitter foods have been used as natural remedies for indigestion and research suggests that bitter foods may actually stimulate the production of saliva and bile, supporting good digestion.
Are you disgusted by bitter flavors? Don’t despair. Our taste buds can tame bitterness through repeated exposure. Plus, a bitter ingredient can easily be incorporated into a balanced recipe alongside sweet, salty, or umami notes.
Here are 10 bitter foods and beverages that are worth consuming for their multiple health benefits (with recipe ideas for preparing them!).
Coffee | Bitter Foods

Coffee is a favorite morning beverage for many. It contains an abundance of powerful polyphenols that reduce oxidative damage, a precursor to disease.
Health Experts suggest that drinking coffee daily can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
For those sensitive to caffeine don’t panic: decaf also offers several benefits. Opt for a decaf coffee that is labeled “Swiss Water”. This is a process that removes caffeine without using chemical solvents.
Coffee can be prepared in many ways: latte, whipped, cold brewed, etc.
Note that to fully enjoy the benefits of coffee, it is best to drink it with as few additives as possible. The different creamers and coffee enhancers often have a rather unflattering list of ingredients artificial flavors, vegetable oils, emulsifiers, etc. The good news is that you can make your own coffee syrup at home!
Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts sometimes get a bad rap, but their particularity is that they should not be overcooked: cooking them for too long affects their texture and flavor.
This cruciferous vegetable is packed with vitamin K, which is important for bone health. It’s also a source of dietary fiber and glucosinolates, bioactive compounds that have been studied for their anti-cancer properties.
Brussels sprouts are easy to prepare grill or roast them for a simple and delicious side dish.
Turmeric | Bitter Foods

Turmeric’s reputation is well-established! This colorful spice is packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Research even suggests that turmeric may be effective in relieving arthritis.
PS: Turmeric is also a source of manganese, a mineral that’s essential for a healthy metabolism.
Enjoy turmeric in golden milk, an Ayurvedic recipe that’s gone viral. You can also enjoy this colorful rhizome in curries, risottos, or soups.
Cranberries

Cranberries are a real concentrate of antioxidants. They contain quercetin and anthocyanins, compounds that are potentially anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective.
PS: It is scientifically proven that cranberries (and their juice) have antibacterial properties and can prevent urinary tract infections.
It is scientifically proven that cranberries can prevent urinary tract infections.
However, cranberry juice is often loaded with added sugar: opt for unsweetened cranberries, or eat unsweetened frozen, dried or fresh cranberries!
These small local fruits add a tangy freshness to a smoothie, granita, breakfast bread or melted brie.
Kale | Bitter Foods

Do we really need to explain why kale is good for you? ;)
This nutritional superstar delivers a host of nutrients for very few calories. Among other things, it is a good source of potassium and calcium of plant origin as well as vitamins C and K.
Like Brussels sprouts, kale contains glucosinolates which regulate liver activity and therefore promote good liver health.
If the flavor of raw kale is too intense for your taste buds, prepare it cooked and mixed with other vegetables.
Kale is versatile, you can cook like spinach, use in salads, in pasta, in soup, in eggs, etc. For a crunchy snack, make it into chips!
Artichokes

The humble artichoke is a local food with an interesting twist: it’s rich in prebiotics, specific fibers that improve mineral absorption and feed the good microbes in the gut (the famous probiotics).
This flower-like vegetable also provides plenty of vitamin B9 (folic acid), which is crucial for cell growth.
Enjoy artichokes grilled on the BBQ, with lemony chicken, or in a classic hot cheese dip.
Grapefruits | Bitter Foods

When citrus season is in full swing, grapefruit is definitely not to be overlooked because of its bitter flavor! This juicy fruit is a source of vitamin C, vital for the immune system, collagen production, and iron absorption.
Grapefruit also delivers flavonoids, which demonstrate neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. The citric acid present in this fruit can also counter the formation of kidney stones.
Finally, this colorful fruit also offers provitamin A: one study even indicates that grapefruit is a citrus fruit of choice to support eye health.
Explore the incomparable taste of grapefruit in a salad, marmalade or mocktail.
Caution: Grapefruit can interact with certain medications, including oral contraceptives, antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants and benzodiazepines.
If you are on medication, consult your healthcare professional before “throwing” grapefruit juice!
Cocoa (and dark chocolate)

Just like coffee, cocoa (and, by extension, dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa) is an incredible concentrate of antioxidants: catechins, polyphenols, flavonols, etc.
These compounds improve blood circulation and blood cholesterol levels. Several researches highlights that individuals who eat chocolate 5 times a week have a 56% lower risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases (versus people who don’t eat any chocolate).
1- Cocoa is a great source of fiber and minerals: copper, iron, magnesium, zinc…
2- Crude dark cocoa powder in a brown bowl
Image
3- Similarly, cocoa is a great source of fiber and minerals:
4- Copper (blood sugar regulation, bone mineralization)
5- Iron (oxygen transport in the body)
6- Magnesium (muscle contraction and relaxation, transmission of nerve impulses)
7- Zinc (healing, immune response)
Incorporate cocoa into your diet with a good homemade hot chocolate (it’s so much better than the powder mix), a chocolate spread or popsicles.
Cocoa powder is even used in chili; it’s a surprising way to harmonize the flavors of this Tex-Mex-inspired dish.
Black Tea

Tea has long been the drink of choice in many countries, including India, England, Turkey, China, Japan, and Iran.
This infusion of dried leaves delivers a ton of antioxidants that could regulate blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol.
To avoid black tea that is too bitter, infuse it in water that is not too hot (90 to 95oC) for a maximum of 4 minutes.
Discover iced black tea, in a latte. or in a chocolate chai.
How to make the perfect iced tea to cool you down this summer
Arugula | Bitter Foods

A Mediterranean alternative to lettuce, arugula (or arugula) looks a bit like dandelion leaves.
Lutein, a compound actively studied for its protective effects on eye health, is among the long list of antioxidants it contains.
The slightly spicy and peppery flavor of arugula enhances any dish: pizza, pesto, salad, burgers, soups, pasta, sandwiches, etc.
Need Help in Content and Academic Writing
https://independent.academia.edu/shamsulIslam8
Would you like more advice? Do you have good practices to share? Please feel free to express yourself in the comments. Also, if you want help in writing content to drive more traffic and boost conversions, please get in touch through Contact our team or send your requirements here.
Find Multifaceted Professionals
Read More:
7 Healthy Food That Brings Happiness in the Life
Avoid Junk Food | Love to Know Healthy Options
Know Quick And Healthy Cooking Guide Lines