Bitter substances - why they are so healthy and where they occur
Bitter substances - why they are so healthy and where they occur
bitter substances - many of us combine them with unpleasant taste experiences. But what if I tell you that these often misunderstood connections actually cause true health miracles? Bitter substances are not only able to challenge our palate, they also play a crucial role in our well -being and health. In our article we therefore get to the bottom of the secrets of these fascinating plant substances. In the first section we take a look at the impressive health advantages that offer us bitter substances. Then we explore where you occur in our diet and which sources we can use to benefit from your positive properties. Finally, we shed light on your role in traditional and modern medicine - because the knowledge of bitter substances is as old as new. Prepare to rethink your view of these "bitter" acquaintances!
The health advantages of bitter substances at a glance
Bioactive compounds that occur in many plants and have a variety of health -promoting properties arebitter substances. These substances are not only known for their characteristic taste, but also for their potential effects on human health. Studies have shown that bitter substances support digestion, strengthen the immune system and even help with weight control.
A central advantage of bitter substances is your role in stimulating digestion. They promote the production of saliva and digestive juices, which makes food processing more efficient. With this support for digestion, bitter substances can help reduce flatulence and feeling of fullness. In addition, you can improve the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.
The health benefits of bitter substances can be summarized in different categories:
- digestive effect: stimulation of gastrointestinal and bile juice production.
- appetite properties: can help reduce cravings and to promote the feeling of satiety.
- anti -inflammatory effects: Some bitter substances show antioxidant properties that can counteract inflammatory processes.
- Support of the immune system: certain bitter substances can strengthen the body's immune system.
An example of phytochemical bitter substances are the secoiridoids that occur in olives and certain medicinal plants. They not only show antioxidant properties, but also contribute to heart health. Likewise, the connection "chicoral acid," which occurs in zichories and chicory roots, plays a role in protecting the liver and can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
In addition, researchers have examined the connection between bitter substances and neuroprotective effects. Some studies suggest that bitter substances can have neurotrophic effects that reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. An example of this is the effect of bitter substances on the nerve growth factor (NGF), which is important for the health of the nervous system.
Overall, the health benefits of bitter substances show how valuable these connections for prevention and therapy can be of numerous illnesses. Science behind bitter substances is still being created, but the previous findings open up promising perspectives for a health -conscious diet and alternative healing methods.
bitter substances in nutrition: occurrence and sources
bitter substances can be found in a variety of food and play an important role in human nutrition. They are mainly contained in plants that often take on an important function in defense against predators. Bitter substances are not only striking, but also have health benefits. The best -known bitter substances include connections such as chicoric acid, Gentiana and Artemisinin .
The main sources of bitter substances are:
- green stuff: salad, arugula, zichorie
- vegetables: endivia, radicchio, artichokes
- herbs: wormwood, olive leaves, dandelion
- fruits: grapefruit, bitter almonds
- drinks: bitter liqueurs, certain types of tea
The concentration of the bitter substances varies significantly between the different foods. Some vegetables such as endivia and radicchio are particularly rich in bitter substances, while others, such as carrots, hardly contain any significant quantities. The preparation method can also influence the content of the bitter substances. Cooking, steaming or roasting can often reduce the bitter substances.
The following table provides an overview of the bitter substance content in frequently consumed foods:
| endivia | 5-12 |
| radicchio | 4-10 |
| bitter almonds | 18-25 |
| artichokes | 3-8 |
| dandelion leaves | 6-15 |
In order to optimally use the positive effects of bitter substances, it is advisable to incorporate a wide range of bitter food into daily diet. In addition to careful selecting of food, the type of preparation can be decisive. Raw food or gentle cooking often preserve the valuable bitter substances better than traditional cooking methods.
The integration of bitter substances into the menu could lead to improved digestion and support for the metabolism. These positive effects are not only theoretical nature, they also find broad application in practice, for example in the use of bitter herbs in herbal medicine.
The role of bitter substances in traditional and modern medicine
bitter substances have a long history in medicine, both in traditional healing methods and in modern medical practice. They are known for their diverse health benefits and are often used in various ethnomedical applications.
in traditional medicine, especially in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing art, bitter substances in many plants were regarded as essential. These fabrics can be found in roots, leaves and barks of medicinal plants. The use of bitter substances not only aims to relieve symptoms, but also to promote the entire balance of the body. Examples of such plants are:
- Wermung (Artemisia Absinthium)
- yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Enzian (Gentiana Lutea)
Modern research confirms many of these traditional applications. Studies have shown that bitter substances promote digestion, stimulate the metabolism and support the immune system. There are indications that you play a role in regulating blood sugar levels and have anti -inflammatory properties. These results make bitter substances an interesting research area in modern pharmacology.
The use of bitter substances is not limited to vegetable remedies. In modern medicine you will find use in the form of extracts or as ingredients in nutritional supplements. These products should offer more sensible bioavailability and intensify the positive effects of the bitter substances.
| bitter fabric
| |
|---|---|
| chicorée | digestive |
| artichocke | liver detoxification |
| St. John's wort | mood -lifting |
Another exciting area is the use of bitter substances in pain therapy. Some bitter substances show promising results in relieving inflammation and pain symptoms. The potential of these compounds to be used as a supplement to traditional painkillers could revolutionize treatment approaches in pain therapy.
The general acceptance of bitter substances in modern medicine grows, especially in natural medicine and in the production of functional food. While these substances often still lead to shadowy existence in Western medicine, they are becoming increasingly important in the general discussion about holistic health and preventive medicine.
In summary, it can be seen that bitter substances play an important role in our health and appear in a variety of food. Their positive effects on the digestive process and the immune system are underpinned by numerous studies, and their use extends from traditional to modern medicine. In view of the growing scientific knowledge about the health -promoting properties of bitter substances, you could be an important part of a balanced diet and preventive health approach. A conscious integration of these bioactive connections into our daily diet could not only improve general well -being, but also help to prevent some chronic diseases. It remains to be hoped that research will continue to examine the many facets of the bitter substances and which will open up their potential for health even more comprehensively.sources and further information
references
- Häberli, A., & Bärtsch, P. (2017). "Bitter substances - the power of nature." In: Federal Center for Nutrition.
- Rechkemmer, G. (2013). "Bitter substances in nutrition - an underestimated component." In: German Society for Nutrition e.v.
Studies
- Fang, J., & Wang, X. (2020). "The effects of Bitter Compounds on Human Health: A Review." *Nutrients*, 12 (10), 3026.
- Schäfer, T. (2019). "Bitter substances and their importance for health." *Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism*, 2019, Article ID 4568304.
further reading
- Marx, W., et al. (2015). "The importance of bitter substances in traditional medicine." *Alternative practitioner Chronik*.
- Rutz, E., & Ziegler, T. (2018). "Bitter substances: an underestimated health potential in modern nutrition." *Nutrition Umschau*, 65 (09), 134-139.