Bitter and healthy life: how bitterness is beneficial for the body

12.08.2020 22:42

Health » Your health

“Bitter cures, sweet cripples,” says popular wisdom, which is probably impossible to refute.

And just as the harm of sweet foods has been proven scientifically, the undoubted benefits of foods containing bitterness are also reflected in numerous studies of science and medicine.

Bitterness, as you know, is one of the tastes that a person can distinguish. And, unfortunately, he doesn’t always like this taste. But in vain.

According to one of the founders of functional medicine, Jeffrey Bland, taste buds are not only on the human tongue, but also in his intestines, or rather in the epithelium of the small intestine, which allows the organ to identify what we eat almost at the level of the brain. And the contact of bitterness and intestinal receptors stimulates the expression of genes that produce the hormone incretin. It is responsible for regulating insulin, reducing the risk of diabetes and stopping the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the body.

There is also a version that the bitter taste of plants previously served as a stop signal for a person so that he would not get poisoned.

This happened at an early stage of evolution, but over time, when it was necessary to survive with a shortage of food and eat literally “grazing” food, the body adapted to the toxicity of a number of plants and those, instead of harm, began to be beneficial. It’s really true: “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

At one time, Academician Pavlov, but later scientists were still able to establish the chemical composition of many medicinal herbs.

Most often, scientific works indicate glycosides (nitrogen-free compounds, divided into two parts: sugar and non-sugar) and similar in their effect on hormones.

Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon)

Bitter melon is a green, cucumber-shaped melon that has a very bitter taste.

It is consumed in Asian, African and Caribbean countries, but is less popular in other areas.

Bitter melon is rich in phytochemicals such as triterpenoids, polyphenols and flavonoids, which have been shown to slow the growth of various types of cancer in both test tube and animal studies (,).

It is also used in alternative medicine to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

One 4-week study found that consuming 2,000 mg of dried bitter melon powder each day significantly lowered blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, but not as much as a regular diabetes drug ().

A larger review found mixed results in people and determined that the evidence was insufficient to recommend bitter melon supplements for people with diabetes ().

Like most bitter foods, bitter melon is rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes (, , ).

Summary:

Bitter melon is rich in natural phytochemicals that may help prevent cancer, reduce oxidative stress, and lower blood sugar levels.

Why is bad taste important?

How right are the Chinese aesculapians? Let's understand the process of how something that is bitter affects our body. Receptors on the tongue transmit a signal about the taste of bile to the central nervous system. This stimulates the endocrine glands. The stomach begins to secrete digestive juices, and this increases appetite. As a result, food is well digested. Bitterness makes the liver and pancreas wake up. It helps the first to perform the function of detoxification, and the second - to enhance the secretion that regulates blood sugar levels. Activation of the liver regulates hormonal levels. And bile makes the duodenum work well. But that's not all. Bitterness has been proven to have an antidepressant effect on our brain. That's why dark chocolate is called a “good mood product.”

Cruciferous vegetables

The cruciferous family includes many bitter or strong-tasting vegetables, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, radishes and arugula.

These foods contain compounds called glucosinolates, which give them a bitter taste and are associated with many health benefits ().

Test-tube and animal studies have shown that glucosinolates can slow the growth and spread of cancer cells, but these results have not been consistently replicated in human studies (, , ).

Although some evidence suggests that people who eat more cruciferous vegetables have a lower risk of cancer, not all studies are consistent (, ).

Some researchers believe this discrepancy may be due to genetic differences between individuals, as well as natural differences in glucosinolate levels due to vegetable growing conditions and cooking methods. Therefore, additional research is needed (,).

In addition to their potential cancer-fighting effects, the glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables help your liver enzymes process toxins faster, reducing their negative effects on your body ().

Although no official recommendations have been established, some studies suggest that eating at least five servings of cruciferous vegetables per week provides the greatest health benefits ().

Summary:

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage contain powerful anti-cancer compounds and may improve the liver's ability to process toxins.

Treatment

Treatment is prescribed based on diagnostic results, taking into account the causes of bitterness in the mouth.

Conservative therapy

Photo: freepik.com
A doctor may prescribe the following medications:

• Choleretics and cholekinetics. These are choleretic drugs that are prescribed for cholangitis and cholecystitis.
• Enzymes that stimulate digestion. They can be used not only for diseases of the digestive organs, but also for liver damage (in combination with hepatoprotectors).
• Antispasmodics. They are prescribed if bitterness in the mouth appears along with abdominal pain and is associated with gastritis or other diseases of the digestive system. Antispasmodic drugs relieve pain and relax the smooth muscles of the stomach.

If the appearance of bitterness is associated with viral hepatitis, the doctor will prescribe complex therapy for the underlying disease. In case of parasitic infection, anthelmintic drugs are prescribed. Additionally, it is recommended to follow a diet, frequent, small meals and control the drinking regime.

Surgery

Surgical treatment is carried out for gallstone disease to remove and remove stones - calculi. If the gallstones are small, the ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) technique is used, crushing the stones with a shock wave. In more severe cases, open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy is prescribed. It is carried out if neither diet nor ultrasound methods improve the condition. A cholecystectomy involves removing the gallbladder.

Stones extracted from the gallbladder. Photo: Alena1919 / Depositphotos

Dandelion greens

You might think that dandelions are just a weed, but their leaves are edible and very nutritious.

Edible dandelion greens are medium-sized, bright green leaves with jagged edges. It can be added to salads, fried as a side dish, or included in soups and pasta.

Because dandelion greens are very bitter, their flavor is often drowned out by other additives such as garlic or lemon.

Although little research has been done into the medicinal properties of dandelion greens, the leaves have been found to be rich in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, manganese, iron, and vitamins A and K ().

They also contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect your eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration (macular degeneration).

What's more, dandelion greens are an excellent source of the prebiotics inulin and oligofructose, which promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria ().

Summary:

Dandelion greens are rich in vitamins and minerals, and contain carotenoids that benefit eye health and are a source of prebiotics that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Radish

They don’t like this root vegetable so much that they even came up with a saying: it’s worse than bitter radish. In fact, radish does not deserve such treatment, because its use is indispensable for the normal functioning of the body. Radish is rich in vitamins, minerals, essential oils, proteins and amino acids. It contains useful organic acids, enzymes and phytoncides. Those who regularly eat root vegetables note improved digestion and increased immunity. Radish removes excess fluid from the body and is a natural broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Citrus fruit peel

While the pulp and juice of citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits taste sweet, sour, or tart, the outer shell and white pith are quite bitter.

This is due to the presence of flavonoids, which protect the fruit from being eaten by pests, but have many beneficial properties for human health.

In fact, the peels of citrus fruits contain a higher concentration of flavonoids than any other part of the fruit ().

Two of the most common citrus flavonoids are hesperidin and naringin, which are powerful antioxidants ().

Test-tube and animal studies suggest that citrus flavonoids may help fight cancer by reducing inflammation, improving detoxification, and slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells, but human studies are needed ().

If you want to include citrus fruit peels in your diet, they can be chopped and used as zest, dried and used in seasoning blends, or even candied into candied fruit that can be added to desserts.

Summary:

Citrus fruit peels have a bitter taste due to their high concentration of flavonoids. These powerful antioxidants may reduce inflammation and help protect against cancer.

Cranberry

Cranberries are tart, bitter red berries that can be eaten raw, cooked, dried, or juiced.

They contain a type of polyphenol called proanthocyanidin type A, which can prevent bacteria from sticking to the mucous surfaces of your body.

This may be useful for reducing bacterial tooth decay, reducing the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach, and even preventing urinary tract infections (, , , ).

Although many of these studies were conducted in test tubes or on animals, the results from human studies are promising.

One 90-day study found that drinking about two cups (500 ml) of cranberry juice every day helped eliminate Helicobacter pylori stomach infections three times more effectively than a placebo ().

Other studies have shown that a daily dose of cranberry supplements containing at least 36 mg of proanthocyanidins can significantly reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in women (, , , ).

In addition to cranberries' antibacterial properties, they are incredibly rich in antioxidants. In fact, this berry contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of the 24 most commonly consumed fruits ().

This may explain why regular consumption of cranberry juice has been associated with improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and improved blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and triglycerides ().

Summary:

Cranberries are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, which help prevent various types of bacterial infections and may improve heart health.

What is bitterness?

When a food particle enters the mouth, it interacts with the surface of the tongue. The tongue has tiny pores that contain taste buds.

These receptors are formed by special cells called taste buds. These cells are similar to nerve cells. They sense changes, send signals to the brain and communicate with other nerve cells. About 50-150 bulb-shaped taste buds make up each taste bud.

The taste cell contains many proteins that recognize different tastes. The TAS2R protein detects bitter taste. These proteins are formed by following a set of instructions in our DNA - genes. Humans have more than 25 genes that encode proteins that perceive bitter taste. The actual copy number of these genes in humans and the number of TAS2Rs they produce may explain why some people do not perceive bitter substances while others do.

Cocoa

Cocoa powder is made from the beans of the cocoa plant and tastes very bitter when unsweetened.

Cocoa is often used in a variety of desserts and is also mixed with cocoa butter, cocoa liqueur, vanilla and sugar to make chocolate.

Research has shown that people who eat chocolate at least five times a week have a 56% reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease, compared to those who do not consume chocolate at all ().

This is likely due to the polyphenols and antioxidants found in cocoa, which can dilate blood vessels and reduce inflammation, protecting your heart ().

Cocoa is also a good source of several micronutrients, including copper, manganese, magnesium and iron ().

Unsweetened cocoa powder, cocoa nibs, and extra dark chocolate contain the most antioxidants and the least amount of sugar. Therefore, they are a healthy addition to your diet ().

Summary:

Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants and microelements, and regular consumption may protect against cardiovascular disease.

Coffee

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide and a major source of antioxidants in the Western diet ().

Like most bitter foods, coffee is rich in polyphenols, which give it its unique taste.

One of the most abundant polyphenols in coffee is chlorogenic acid, a powerful antioxidant likely responsible for many of the beneficial properties of coffee, including reducing oxidative damage and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes (, ,).

Research shows that drinking 3-4 cups of coffee per day can reduce the risk of death, cancer and cardiovascular disease by 17%, 15% and 18%, respectively, compared to drinking coffee altogether ().

A separate analysis found that each cup of coffee consumed per day reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 7% ().

Some research also suggests that caffeinated coffee may help prevent neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, but more research is needed to understand the reasons (,).

Summary:

Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants and polyphenols. Drinking 3-4 cups per day may reduce the risk of death, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurological disorders.

Green tea

Green tea is another popular drink consumed around the world.

It has a naturally bitter taste due to the catechins and polyphenols it contains.

The best known of these catechins is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Test-tube and animal studies suggest that EGCG may slow the growth of cancer cells, but it is unclear whether it has the same effect in humans (, ).

While some studies show that people who drink green tea have a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, not all studies have shown benefits ().

Green tea also contains many polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Together, these compounds reduce free radical damage and reduce inflammation, which may reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (, , ).

In fact, drinking just one cup of green tea per day is associated with an almost 20% lower risk of heart attack ().

Choose green tea over black or white tea to get the maximum dose of antioxidants (,).

You can learn more about the benefits of green tea for the human body on this page - Green tea: benefits and harm for the human body.

Summary:

Green tea contains catechins and polyphenols, which give the drink many health benefits, including possible protection against cancer and a lower risk of heart disease.

Late cucumbers and zucchini – are they healthy?

What if bitterness appears in products that are not bitter? For example, in a dry summer or as autumn approaches, cucumbers become not as tender as they were in the spring. Why does this happen? What makes cucumbers bitter? The fact is that the delicate vegetable is sensitive to all temperature fluctuations. Lack of moisture also puts the plant into shock. As a result, cucurbitacin, a special substance that gives the vegetable bitterness, accumulates under the skin of the cucumber. Despite the unpleasant taste, the product does not become unfit for consumption. On the contrary, cucurbitacin suppresses the development of cancer and also promotes the functioning of the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Why are zucchini bitter? The same cucurbitacin is to blame. Do not rush to throw away such fruits. In China, breeders have specially developed varieties of bitter cucumbers and zucchini that are used as medicines.

Red wine

Red wine contains two main types of polyphenols: proanthocyanidins and tannins, which give wine its deep color and bitter taste.

The combination of alcohol and these polyphenols may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol oxidation, reducing blood clotting, and dilating blood vessels ().

Some newer research has also shown that red wine may be good for your gut.

One small study found that drinking two glasses of red wine daily for one month increased the number of beneficial gut bacteria ().

Moreover, these changes in gut microbiota were directly associated with lower cholesterol levels and reduced inflammation.

In addition, drinking red wine prolongs life and reduces the risk of developing diabetes and osteoporosis ().

Keep in mind that excess alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage and other health problems, so it is important to consume this drink in moderation.

You can learn more about the benefits of red wine for human health on this page - Red wine: benefits and harm for women and men.

Summary:

Red wine contains polyphenols, which have been linked to improved heart and gut health. Drinking red wine may also increase life expectancy and reduce the risk of diabetes and osteoporosis.

Diagnostics

It is important to know that independently determining the cause and choosing treatment methods is strictly prohibited, since incorrectly selected drugs can only harm the body. The fight against this manifestation should begin and continue only after a specialist makes an accurate diagnosis.

Methods for diagnosing this symptom:

1. Blood tests: general and biochemical - help to identify the presence and degree of the inflammatory process, evaluate liver function, parameters of fat and pigment metabolism.
2. Analysis of stool for the bacteriological composition of intestinal flora - detects dysbiosis.
3. Fecal analysis (coprogram) - reveals disturbances in the digestion of food, provides information about the possible presence of parasites in the intestines.
4. X-ray of the abdominal organs - prescribed to identify stones in the ducts and possible calcification of the pancreas.
5. Ultrasound of the hepatobiliary system (ultrasound) is an extremely informative method for diagnosing pathologies of the liver, gallbladder and ducts. With its help, you can determine the parameters and location of the gallbladder, bile stagnation, the presence of stones, neoplasms, and polyps.
6. Computed tomography of the abdominal organs - with its help you can examine any area in the peritoneum layer by layer and assess the extent of organs affected by pathological changes.
7. Endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract (fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy, fibrocolonoscopy) is carried out to check for the presence of concomitant diseases and for differential diagnosis.
8. Immunogram and analysis for tumor markers - given if a malignant process is suspected.

Summarize

• Bitters have their own unique health benefits, such as protecting against cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
• Most of these benefits come from a wide range of polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and even prebiotics.
• Since there are so many types of bitter foods, it is very easy to include at least some of them in your diet to reap many health benefits.

The article was prepared by experts for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a guide for treating medical conditions and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of illness or any symptoms, you should always consult a doctor and not self-medicate.

Tags: Healthy products

About the author: Anastasia Sheveleva

Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctor of the highest category, therapist, registered dietitian, nutrition consultant. More about the author.

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