Bitter substances are known to be very healthy. They are said to stimulate digestion and fight cravings. They are even said to have a positive effect on the skin, intestinal flora and cholesterol levels.
Bitter substances occur naturally in many foods. For example, in cabbage, leafy vegetables, herbs and spices. Most medicinal plants are very rich in bitter substances.
Bitter substances are a diverse group of different substances that taste bitter. Flavonoids, terpenes, polyphenols, alkaloids and peptides can have a bitter taste. 1
However, our food contains less and less bitter substances. Since many people find bitter unpleasant, bitter substances have been bred out over the years. A few decades ago, chicory or endive, for example, tasted much more bitter than it does today.
The reason why we find bitter unpleasant is that poisonous plants usually taste bitter. For this reason, children in particular have a strong aversion to bitter substances.
Adults do not perceive bitter tastes as intensely as children. Moreover, you can get used to bitter tastes and learn to love them. The best examples are coffee, beer and red wine.
Bitter substances can stimulate digestion
Bitter substances promote the production of digestive juices and enzymes. This begins in the mouth. When bitter substances bind to certain receptors in the mouth, this stimulates the production of saliva. In the stomach, it promotes the production of gastric juice. 2
In a similar way, they also stimulate gallbladder and liver function. 3
For this reason, bitter substances are said to help against constipation, flatulence and a feeling of fullness.
There is also hope for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease. In one study, symptoms improved after taking bitter substances from wormwood root. 4 However, further research is needed here.
Bitter substances can curb appetite and counteract cravings
Bitter substances can stimulate the production of an appetite-regulating hormone called cholecystokinin. 5 The reason is that bitter substances are often toxic. The release of the hormone is intended to make us stop eating. This allows the body to concentrate on detoxifying the toxic substances.
That’s why bitter substances are said to be able to help with weight loss.
Consume bitter substances
Bitters are available in the form of drops, capsules, powder or tea.
If you want to avoid the bitter taste, you can take capsules. However, it is important to remember that the bitter substances cannot then bind to receptors in the mouth, which already stimulates the digestive process.
Bitter substances in the form of drops contain bitter substances in concentrated form. They are dripped directly onto the tongue and stimulate saliva production.
Bitter substances can be taken before or after eating. Before eating, they prepare the digestive tract for food intake. After eating, they are said to prevent feelings of fullness and flatulence.
When it comes to bitter substances, you should definitely pay attention to high quality and choose a preparation that does not contain any unnecessary additives.
The bitters drops from Viktilabs are free from sweeteners, preservatives, colorants, binding agents and allergens. They are manufactured in a German laboratory and tested for harmful substances. They contain a perfectly balanced mix of 21 different bitter herbs and plants.
Here you can find the bitters drops from Viktilabs.
Conclusion: Bitter is healthy!
We often find bitter taste unpleasant. But bitter substances can be extremely healthy. You can get used to bitter taste and learn to love it. Beer, coffee and red wine are the best proof of this. Preparations containing bitter substances are a good way to consume more bitter substances. In the form of drops, they can also help you get used to bitter taste.
