Bitter Is Better - How Bitter Vegetables Can Be Healthy?

Wellness

oi-Anjana NS

By Anjana Ns

Friday, July 1, 2011, 10:23

Although bitter is one of the four basic tastes it is often not preferred much in any cuisines but surprisingly, “bitter is healthy". Our tongue has about 20,000-50,000 taste buds technically called receptors. The bitter taste helps in producing enzymes and acts like a warning signal to the receptors telling it that the food is toxic.

But that doesn"t mean that all vegetables or food stuffs which are bitter are unhealthy. Bitter vegetables have certain properties that are very beneficiary for the body. The phytonutrients present in bitter vegetables are powerful antioxidants.

The Glucopyranosides, salicins, flavonoids and polyphenols are the nutrients that add to the bitter taste and also benefit health. According to an American journal on nutrition, most of the antioxidant containing vegetables are generally bitter. The bitterness in vegetables kill various germs and parasites (like ring worms, tape worms that cause digestive ailments like diarrhea).

Sometimes overcooking vegetables also lead to undesirable bitter taste. Many vegetables like mustard, broccoli, eggplant give bitter taste when overcooked which is why it is advised to cook vegetables light. Most of the vegetables when cooked too much contain sulphur compounds that give a very taste which is why selecting fresh raw vegetables food cooking saves energy as well as the taste.

Instead, prefering more and more sweet vegetables and fruits and some cooking procedures like steaming, stir cooking, sauteing in oils like olive oil or adding a few drops of lemon, tamarind juice or salt while cooking will avoid the bitter flavour in vegetables.

Sometimes the adding spice, garlic pods and onions can reasonably cut down the bitter taste. Bitter is good but having it without stressing the tongue much is the best way to eat it.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.