Why are bitter foods like bitter melon often good for your health?

Bitter vegetables and fruits are not often liked by many people, especially children. However, many of them have high nutritional content, which is very good for the digestive system and health.

Bitter melon has a bitter taste and is not suitable for many people, but it has many health benefits - Illustration photo

How are bitter foods good for your health?

According to the National Institute of Nutrition, one of the most amazing nutritional benefits of bitter foods is to boost metabolism, help cleanse the body, eliminate toxins and contribute to improved health.

Firstly , bitter foods help improve the digestive system. The bitter taste of vegetables helps stimulate the production of acid in the stomach, enhancing the digestion of food, avoiding bloating and indigestion. Besides, it also helps the body absorb nutrients from food better.

Secondly, the bitter taste in foods helps eliminate toxins thanks to improved metabolism and digestive system, toxins in the body will be quickly eliminated through sweat or urination. Children's bodies that can eliminate toxins will be healthier.

Third , these foods also help strengthen the immune system. Many bitter fruits and vegetables contain high levels of antioxidants, which protect cells from free radical damage, enhance immunity, and fight harmful agents.

Fourth , bitter foods also help reduce fat and sugar absorption. This is very beneficial for obese people who want to lose weight.

Some bitter vegetables and fruits are good for your health.

Below are some bitter vegetables and fruits that are rich in nutrients and good for health:

Bitter melon : Also known as bitter gourd, this fruit contains many triterpenoids, polyphenols and flavonoids. It also contains many vitamins, minerals and fiber. Bitter melon helps balance blood sugar, inhibits the growth of cancer cells, strengthens the digestive system...

Bitter melon is rich in phytochemicals such as triterpenoids, polyphenols and flavonoids that have been shown to slow the growth of various cancers in both test-tube and animal studies.

It is also used in natural medicine to help lower blood sugar levels in 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.

Bitter melon is packed with natural plant-based chemicals that may help prevent cancer, reduce oxidative stress and lower blood sugar levels.

Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables include many bitter varieties, these foods contain compounds called glucosinolates, which give them their bitter taste and provide many health benefits.

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

In addition to their potential anti-cancer effects, the glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables help your liver enzymes process toxins more efficiently, reducing their negative impact on your body.

Citrus peels contain many substances that are beneficial to health - Illustration photo

Citrus Peel: While the flesh and juice of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are sweet or sour, the outer peel and white pith are quite bitter.

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

In fact, citrus peels contain more flavonoids than any other part of the fruit. 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.

Eggplant: This fruit is easier to eat than bitter melon because it is only slightly bitter. Eggplant contains many vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are very good for bones, joints, and the digestive system. Besides, it also increases blood circulation in the body.

Turmeric: Although it has a bitter taste and a slightly unpleasant smell, turmeric is very good for health, especially for the digestive system. Turmeric contains many antioxidants, typically the active ingredient curcumin. Curcumin helps fight inflammation, inhibits free radicals, and fights many types of bacteria and viruses to protect the body.

LINH HAN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-mon-an-co-vi-dang-nhu-kho-qua-thuong-tot-cho-suc-khoe-20250815155005879.htm