When we were younger, our parents often force-fed us with vegetables. The battle was twice as hard if the ‘healthy’ food was also bitter. Nutritionists cannot over-stress how important this food classification is! Here’s a list of five bitter but healthy food items that you should include in your diet.
1. Fenugreek seeds:
Or Methi, are commonly used as an ingredient in parathas in India, which is basically a fried roti with stuffing. Methi leaves are seasonal and when freshly available, they are added to vegetables and sautéed to make a nice meal. The seeds are available year round and are an integral part of the Indian spice mix.
The benefits of are:
– helps prevent constipation and treats heart
– good for postnatal women since it hastens the process of involution.
– increases the production of milk in breastfeeding mothers.
– can be an alternative treatment for dandruff.
2. Bitter Melon:
Or bitter Gourd/ Karela, resembles a cucumber but has small bumps on its body. It is found in the tropical regions and is famous for its bitterness. It can be added to your diet either in the raw form with other vegetables in a salad, as a juice, or cooked/ fried. Its benefits include:
– immunogenic in nature, so it would boost your ability to prevent and cope with minor illnesses.
– Antioxidant and extends the life expectancy.
– brings down inflammatory and allergic responses.
– purifies your blood and cools the core body temperature.
– Helps those who have kidney-related medical issues.
3. Coffee:
Probably the most preferred and consumed bitter food out of them all, coffee is the second most popular beverage in the world. Its use as an energizer is well known but there are so many more advantages in this magic drink:
– it is a potent detoxifier and will help cleanse your body.
– It improves liver function as well.
– Helps regulate bowel movements.
– improves blood circulation by acting as a vasodilator
4. Dark Chocolate:
Made from the seeds of cocoa trees, unsweetened dark chocolates have recently become more popular owing to recent studies connecting their consumption with lesser incidence of heart problems. Any reason is good enough to make chocolates a part of your diet! They are yummy, and have the benefits of:
– containing antioxidants which can help keep you younger for a longer time
– it is rich in fiber, iron and magnesium and manganese- all of which are essential nutrients for your body
– lowers blood pressure
– improves cholesterol conditions by elevating HDL (the good cholesterol)
5. Saffron and Turmeric:
These two are famous Indian spices. Turmeric is what adds the golden yellow color to most Indian curries and dishes, whereas saffron is an exquisite spice that adds a rich flavor, and is usually used with milk or cream to enhance the taste. While turmeric is not as expensive, saffron (or Kesar) is slightly heavy on the budget since it is basically just a small part of a flower that grows exclusively in controlled climates.
– They’re both laden with antiseptic qualities.
– a cup of warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric and three/four strands of saffron can help cure sore throat or cough
– turmeric paste is an excellent way to heal acne and add a glow that’s comparable to veneers!
– Both help in preventing blood clots.
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