Did you know there are vegetables and greens that can actually balance your taste buds and reduce cravings as well? There has been some research showing that bitter greens may have these properties! And they have other wonderful health benefits. Bitter produce such as arugula, radicchio, mustard greens, and watercress should be included for better health and have benefits including the following:

Filled with vitamins and minerals

Bitter greens can provide key nutrients that boost digestion, heart health, and more. These greens include vitamins A, C and K, and minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. They have tons of fiber and folate, and are low in fat and sodium. Bitters are super for great skin (beta-carotene), a strong nervous system and keeping anxiety down (folate), and for healthy blood clotting (vitamin K). They also contain phytonutrients shown to support eye health.

Can balance taste buds and reduce cravings

Consuming bitter greens daily may also reduce sugar cravings and aid in weight loss. This is due to compounds they contain which are called “thylakoids.” In a small study conducted at Sweden’s Lund University, overweight women who drank 5 grams of bitter green extract each morning for 12 weeks lost an average of 11 pounds (compared to 7.7 pounds for those drinking a placebo). And – the extract group reported a 95% reduction in cravings for sweet and fatty foods and found it easier to stick to three daily meals, after drinking the extract for only one day! Are you curious about this? Why not try it for yourself?

Good for digestion

Bitter food activates taste buds and stimulates enzyme production and bile flow.  This promotes digestion and allows you to absorb more nutrients from your food. The high fiber content in bitter greens also helps to eliminate waste through the digestive tract.

Yard2Kitchen Organic Gardens is currently planting many of these bitter greens! They are seasonal favorites for many, and for others who may avoid bitter greens because they are too strong, we offer some tricks to tame the taste. Try adding some spicy, sweet, or savory flavors to your green (perhaps fruit, or bacon), or add olive oil and salt to transform the flavor – or simply cook them to mellow the taste. And as always, please Contact Us if you have any questions!







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