7 Bitter But Healthy Foods

Author: Nia Rouseberg Time for reading: ~2 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

The list presents 7 bitter foods that are good for health. Among them are dandelion, coffee, cranberries and more.

Bitter foods are good for health, despite their sharp taste. They are rich in antioxidants and substances that can prevent a number of diseases, including cancer .

1. Bitter melon

The bitter melon is green in color and resembles a cucumber. It contains the phytochemicals triterpenoids, polyphenols and flavonodoids, which are said to slow the growth of cancer cells. Used to lower blood sugar by diabetics. It is rich in antioxidants that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

2. Cruciferous vegetables

This variety of vegetables includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, arugula, radishes and more. They contain the compounds glucosinolates , which give them a bitter taste. Consumers have a lower risk of developing cancer. Cruciferous vegetables help liver enzymes process toxins more efficiently.

3. Dandelion

Dandelion leaves can be eaten raw in salads, soups and even pasta. Due to their bitter taste, they can be taken with other foods such as garlic or lemon. They are rich in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, manganese, vitamins A, C and K. They also contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which prevent macular degeneration . Dandelion leaves are a source of prebiotics that stimulate healthy intestinal bacteria.

4. The peel of the citrus

The bitterness of the outer peel and white core of citrus fruits is due to the presence of flavonoids , which protect the fruit from pests and are very useful for human health. Citrus flavonoids help fight cancer by reducing inflammation in the body and speeding up detoxification. Citrus peel can be included with any dish as a spice in grated or dried form.

5. Cranberries

Cranberries have antibacterial properties and are rich in antioxidants. They contain a polyphenol known as proanthocyanidin , which prevents bacteria from entering body tissues. The risk of infections in the stomach, intestines and urinary tract is reduced if you take two glasses a day of cranberry juice. Their regular consumption is associated with good heart health, reduced inflammation, blood pressure and blood sugar.

6. Cocoa

People who eat chocolate 5 times a week have a lower risk of heart disease than those who do not eat.
This is due to the polyphenols and antioxidants found in cocoa. Unsweetened cocoa powder, cocoa beans and dark chocolate contain the least sugar but the most antioxidants . They are also a good source of minerals, including copper, manganese, iron and magnesium.

7. Cafe

Coffee is rich in polyphenols, the most common being chlorogenic acid, a powerful antioxidant responsible for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Some studies show that caffeinated coffee can even prevent neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's .