Lebergesundheit

What are bitter compounds good for and how do they work?

Wofür sind Bitterstoffe gut und wie wirken sie?

Bitter substances are important and healthy and have a positive effect on our bodies – this is something we're hearing more and more often lately. But what exactly are bitter substances, and what's behind the current hype? We've looked into the matter and answered the most important questions in this blog post.


What are bitter substances?

Bitter substances are a general term for chemical compounds. They occur naturally in plants or as synthetic substances. As the name suggests, they are characterized by a bitter taste. Nevertheless, we should ensure that we consume enough bitter substances, as they are said to have a positive influence on our health, especially on our immune system and digestion. These substances can also have a pleasant effect on weight loss. Currently, around 250 plants containing bitter substances are used in medicine or naturopathy.

In which foods are bitter substances found?

To make foods with many bitter substances more palatable, they have been increasingly bred out over time. The content consumed today is so low that there is a constant deficiency in the body. If possible, we instinctively avoid bitter foods. Salty or sweet dishes, on the other hand, are at the top of the menu. That we don't like to eat bitter foods is a protective function of the body. Since poisonous substances often taste bitter, we avoid consuming them to protect ourselves from possible poisoning. Plants also use this function and produce these plant substances to ward off predators such as snails, rabbits, mice, etc. However, one can get used to the bitter taste over time. Coffee is a good example of this. Despite its bitter taste, many of us consume it daily. We cannot absorb these substances as well through processed products, because the bitter taste is often created by additives. The positive effect on the body is thus lost. To absorb bitter substances through food at all, we should regularly include the following vegetables, fruits, or herbs in our diet. They help our health in many ways:

bitterstoffe sind gut für den körper

Chicory, in particular, is rich in natural bitter substances and can be perfectly enjoyed as a side salad.

Chicory

Eggplant

Arugula

Brussels sprouts

Spinach

Olives

Radishes

Grapefruit

Ginger

Cinnamon

Basil

Furthermore, we can also absorb bitter substances through wild herbs. Daisy or dandelion blossoms can be sprinkled over salads or pasta dishes. Bitter substances are best absorbed with unprocessed foods. Since they are heat-sensitive, raw consumption is recommended. Herbal teas are also an option.

How can we take bitter substances?

With appropriate planning and discipline, we can ensure that we regularly supply our body with bitter substances through food. For this, we only need to integrate the foods into our diet several times a week. It's actually quite simple, because after eating, digestion takes care of the rest. In everyday life, however, good intentions often fall by the wayside. Alcohol and fatty foods stress our detoxification function and digestion. To still find a way to naturally support the body, we can counteract the deficit with the help of vedi up. It contains natural bitter substances from plants in a capsule that works exactly where it is needed. To support healthy digestion and protect the liver, only one capsule per day is needed. It also offers a good alternative if you don't like bitter foods at all.

How do bitter substances affect our body?

The substance causes numerous positive side effects in our body. In Ayurvedic medicine, bitter substances have long been used to alleviate digestive problems. Their intake stimulates the production of stomach and bile fluids. The latter is formed in the liver and is responsible for the digestion of fatty foods in the duodenum. It thus supports the liver's detoxification function. The influence of these plant substances on the intestines is apparently so great that they even positively influence chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease. But there are other positive effects on our body. Not all effects have yet been scientifically proven, but they are receiving increasing attention in research:

  • Weight loss is promoted

Bitter substances can reduce cravings because they produce an appetite-suppressing hormone. Evolutionarily, the bitter taste protects against poisonous plants. This means we consume less food, which can lead to a calorie deficit. So, if you eat something bitter instead of chocolate, you should have fewer cravings for sweet or salty foods.

Another advantage is simultaneously stimulated fat digestion through the liver's bile secretion.

  • they help with de-acidification
  • they promote the lowering of cholesterol levels
  • can improve histamine intolerance
  • can positively influence neurodermatitis
  • can have an antidepressant effect
  • helps with exhaustion and fatigue
  • can reduce heartburn

The effect of bitter substances begins in the mouth: chewing releases them and stimulates saliva production. The enzymes in the saliva begin digestion, and the process continues accelerated in the stomach. In the digestive tract, corresponding fluids are formed and support the liver in detoxification. Thus, they can help with complaints such as constipation, bloating, or gastritis. Conversely, it can be assumed that we increasingly suffer from digestive problems because we generally consume too few bitter substances.

This, in turn, can also have a reaction on other bodily functions. If digestion is not smooth, the body absorbs nutrients less well and does not completely excrete toxins. These digestive problems throw our gut out of balance and can promote further diseases.

So, to maintain our inner balance, we should protect our body with the power of nature in everyday life and especially during small (unhealthy) breaks. To ensure that an unhealthy lifestyle leaves no traces, we can create balance with vedi up and, with just one capsule, compensate for the major threat of having too few bitter substances in certain life situations.

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Chicory root has a high content of vitamin C. With natural bitter substances, it promotes the production of digestive fluids and thus the health of the liver and gut flora.

Kalmegh herb has a strengthening effect on the heart, stomach, and liver.

And also has a lowering effect on fever and blood sugar, among other things.

Grape seed extract has antioxidant effects, protects against free radicals, and helps the liver with detoxification.

Dates contain many fiber that benefit your digestion. They also help break down toxins in the body and are said to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Bitter Polygala promotes healthy skin and hair. It is also said to have a blood-purifying effect.

Amla fruits have a preventive effect against stress-related illnesses and also have an antibacterial effect.

Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years for inner restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It contributes to improving brain performance.

One capsule a day is enough, and the seven ingredients can unfold their full effect.

The capsule can be taken before or after a meal. Taking it before a meal ideally prepares our digestion for processing food. If we take the capsule afterwards, we reduce the risk of bloating or stomach pain. It also reduces sluggishness.

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