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If you’re among the millions of people across the world who dislike bitter foods, this article is just for you! Bitter flavours don’t pamper our taste buds, but they certainly pamper our bodies and minds. As per Ayurveda, bitter food is among the six essential tastes we should include in our diet. In this post, we share with you important information about the benefits of the bitter taste, along with a useful common bitter foods list.

The Benefits Of Bitter Foods

The bitter taste pacifies Pitta and Kapha.
Such foods often have detoxifying properties and are therefore immensely cleansing for the body.
They are quite cooling in nature.
Bitter foods also boost metabolism by improving gut health.
They reduce water retention.
They decongest the liver.
Such foods reduce body fat.
They also reduce burning in the body and on the skin.
They are known to reduce inflammation.

Common Bitter Foods List

1. Green Veggies

Bitter greens are among the healthiest foods on the planet. They include kale, artichoke, broccoli, arugula, dandelion, and mustard greens. Kapha types should eat them regularly.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric, as a matter of fact, contains all six tastes including bitter. A powerful herb, it reduces inflammation, removes toxins, and can even fight cancer. It balances all three doshas.

3. Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Among the most popular common bitter foods in India, bitter gourd improves skin health, cleanses the liver, boosts immunity, and also improves vision. Here’s more about bitter gourd.

4. Fenugreek (Methi)

Methi boosts digestive health, reduces inflammation, lowers cholesterol, helps manage blood sugar, and improves libido in men. It is also believed to increase breast milk production.

5. Cumin

Cumin is one of the most common bitter foods for digestion. It provides lots of iron, boosts immunity, improves skin health, and can even prevent cancer. Simply use it as a spice while cooking.

6. Barley

Barley aids weight loss, promotes healthy gut flora, promotes cardiovascular health, and boosts immunity. A must-eat grain for Kapha types. Here’s more about the benefits of barley.

7. Neem

Neem is immensely cleansing for the body and clarifying for the skin. It fights bacteria, cures an upset stomach, and supports a healthy liver. Drink warm neem tea for these benefits.

8. Ginger

Last on the common bitter foods list is ginger, a widely used digestive herb. Ginger reduces inflammation, lowers blood sugar, and helps fight infections. Enjoy ginger in herbal teas or cook with it.

Who Should Eat Less Of Bitter Foods

As per Ayurveda, bitter food is among the six essential tastes we should include in our diet. However, different dosha types are advised to use these tastes in different quantities – since each taste either balances or aggravates each dosha. Since bitter food is dominated by the air and ether elements, it aggravates Vata very easily. So, those with Vata aggravation should eat bitters in moderation and in low quantities during autumn as well as winter.

Those with the following conditions should avoid bitters until they are healed, but always consult a doctor before making diet changes: constipation, dehydration, being underweight, low bone density, and hypothermia.

Note: Posts on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness about natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.