A registered dietitian explains the benefits of bitter foods and how they help gut health.

See this bitter foods list for 10 to eat more of.

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Of the five different types of tastesweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umamibitter isntexactlythe crowd favorite.

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Theresa Shank, RD, is a Philadelphia-based dietitian.

Experts in This Article

Theresa Shank, RD, is a Philadelphia-based dietitian.

10 bitter foods and drinks full of nutritional benefits

1.

Its also high in flavonoids, a punch in of polyphenol thats great for the brain.

An image of four wine glasses on a wooden surface

Another benefit of cacao you might have experienced first-hand is thatits linked to boosting mood.

As cliche as it might sound, kale is king, she says.

It is also full of antioxidants which help the body fight against environmental toxins and free-radicals.

Young woman mixing ice coffee

Dandelion greens

Of all the bitter greens, dandelion greens are the most bitter.

While this is exactly why many people love its taste, and others find it far too overpowering.

you’re able to also reap the same benefits by consumingdandelion in tea form.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

Theresa Shank, RD, is a Philadelphia-based dietitian.

Cranberries

In terms of bitter fruits, cranberries are one of the most popular.

Cranberries taste great in summer salads, as a marinade for barbecued meat, and in smoothies or parfaits.

More of a cranberry juice drinker?

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

Just check out the nutritional panel.

double-check its pure cranberry and not cranberry juice cocktail, which is loaded with added sugar, Shank says.

So yes, there really is something toadding lemon to your waterafter all.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

She likes tobake citrus peels to make chipsfor a gut-healthy snack.

A pretty clever way to cut down on food waste, right?

Apple cider vinegar

Theres a reason whyapple cider vinegaris a mainstay in so many healthy eaters pantries.

Still not into it?

She says lime or lemon juice works just as well.

Watch the video below to learn more about apple cider vinegar:

8.

Its linked to supporting brain health, heart health, and improving mood.

How does regular green tea compare to matcha?

Watch the video below to find out:

9.

Coffee

Coffee drinkers, we have good news: youre already consuming something bitter regularly.

Similar to green tea,coffeeis also linked to benefitting the brain and heart.

And of course, it certainly comes with an energy boost, too.

Watch the video below to learn more about the health benefits of coffee:

10.

Its still a bitter herb, but instead of being energizing, its linked to relaxation.

Are there times we shouldnt consume bitter foods?

With those guidelines in place, youre free to start experimenting by working more bitter foods into your diet.

Once you do, you wont just be boosting your gut health.

Youll be adding a whole other layer of flavor to your meals, too.

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