Bitter substances can be various chemical compounds, all of which have a bitter taste. Natural bitter substances occur in many plants. They serve primarily as a defense against predators.
Bitter substances can occur in very different groups of substances. They are found among the flavanoids, polyphenols, terpenes, alkaloids and amino acids.
Bitters
Based on their mode of action, a distinction is made in herbal medicine between different bitter remedies. The Latin word amara (= bitter) is used for the classification.
Amara acira
In addition to bitter substances, pungent substances are also present in these plants (ginger, cardamom, galangal)Amara aromatica
In these plants, bitter substances as well as essential oils contribute to their effect (wormwood, yarrow, angelica)Amara tonica
These plants contain pure bitter substances (centaury, yellow gentian).
Amara plants cannot be consumed in large quantities because their taste is too intense and they can then cause side effects. However, in small quantities they are medicinal and are offered in teas or bitter preparations.
Where bitter substances are contained
In the past, bitter flavor components were increasingly bred out, since most consumers do not like to eat bitter. Nevertheless, bitter substances can be found in many natural foods..
These include salads (arugula, endive, chicory), cabbage varieties (kale, Brussels sprouts), green vegetables (chard, spinach), herbs (dandelion, nettle) and spices (ginger, cinnamon, mustard seeds).
Efficacy of bitter substances
The positive effects of bitter substances on human digestion is the best researched. The perception of bitter taste on the tongue stimulates the production of all digestive juices, including gastric juice, bile and pancreatic secretions. The intestinal mucosa is also stimulated to eliminate more metabolic waste products.
Bitter substances can thereby also strengthen the immune system, because about 80% of the immune system is located in the intestine. This allows pathogens, toxins and waste to be eliminated more quickly.
In addition, bitter substances are said to regulate the appetite and thus support weight loss.