Is Bitter Better?
Posted on July 26, 2012
We are born craving sugar and sweets and for some, this preference carries over into adulthood. Some experts believe the more “sweet” tastes you eat, the more you crave sweets. And eating and drinking artificially sweetened foods and beverages may make naturally sweet fruits and vegetables less appetizing to your taste buds.
Most cultures describe sweet foods as “good” and bitter foods as “bad.” Some folks are more sensitive to bitter foods, and children are especially averse to the bitter taste of certain vegetables. But the compounds in bitter foods—flavonoids, catechin, and polyphenols, are exactly what makes them good for you (think dark chocolate, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale).
Bitter foods are thought to aid in weight loss. I recall one of my elderly neighbors taking a spoonful of vinegar after eating a heavy meal to help with digestion. Many also believe Angostura® bitters, a common alcoholic beverage, has restorative properties that can relieve stomach pains and nausea, and can stimulate the appetite and aid digestion.
Try incorporating different “bitter” veggies and fruits into the diet slowly; green apples are a good place to start, especially with children.