Not many of us are big fans of bitter foods, be it bitter greens, grains or even dark chocolate for that matter. It’s important to note though that bitters are as important to the body as any other food. They not only cleanse the body, but also help boost metabolism. Here are five bitter foods you must try if you have digestion issues, or even if you want to improve this bodily function.
Bitter gourd
How many of you just made a face when you read this? Bitter gourd, commonly known as karela, should be included in your diet frequently. If cooked well, it can taste quite delicious. This vegetable also has anti-bacterial properties that help boost the immune system, prevent inflammation and control blood sugar levels.
Dark chocolate
We all love chocolate, but not many of us like the dark variety. Dark chocolate of a good quality has several health benefits. Packed with soluble fibre, minerals and antioxidants, two pieces of dark chocolate every day can help improve your bowel movements and keep your heart healthy.
Dill
Also known as shepu, dill leaves may look weird, but the veggie is really good for your health. It contains oil called carvone, which helps with digestion and relieve flatulence. If you’d rather not eat too much of it, you could probably toss a few leaves in a salad.
Fenugreek
A leafy vegetable Indian moms swear by, and it’s not for nothing. Known as methi in Indian households, its seeds can be used as a spice and the leaves can be dried and used as an herb. This versatile vegetable has multiple health benefits too. It helps keep diabetes in check, protects from the various types of cancer, enhances digestion, and can also cure heartburn and acid reflux.
Citrus fruits
We all know oranges and sweet limes are good for you. But the citrus fruits that are better for your health are lemons and grapefruit. The more bitter tasting, the better. There’s nothing like some lemon juice in a cup of warm water to aid with digestion.