Why Bitter Compounds?

Bitter compounds occur naturally, especially in herbs and plants, and have been used for thousands of years in the healing traditions of many cultures. However, due to modern food processing, bitter compounds have largely disappeared from our diets. Many originally bitter vegetables have been bred to remove their bitterness for taste preferences – causing us to miss out on their beneficial effects. Bitter compounds can, for example, help regulate digestion and support a balanced acid–base level¹. They may also reduce cravings, especially for sweets, and can stimulate the metabolism².

¹ Extracts from mallow, lemon balm, ribwort, peppermint, thyme, artichoke, yarrow herb, dandelion root, ginger root, and angelica root may support normal digestion.

² Extracts from chicory root may support appetite regulation.

How Do Bitter Compounds Work?

Bitter compounds bind to and activate bitter receptors, sending signals into the body’s cells. In humans, 25 types of bitter receptors are currently known – while only three types exist for sweet or umami tastes.

These bitter receptors are not only found on the tongue and mouth lining but also in many other organs such as the stomach, intestines, pancreas, fat cells, immune cells, and even in the skin. These so-called extraoral bitter receptors are currently the focus of intensive research, as many of the health-promoting effects of bitter compounds are believed to be mediated through these pathways in the body.

Bitter Compounds and Cravings

It has long been known that bitter compounds can reduce cravings or the desire for sweets². However, only recently have the underlying mechanisms become better understood.

² Extracts from chicory root may support appetite regulation.

Bitter Compounds and Digestion

Bitter compounds stimulate the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas as well as the production of bile acids and stomach acid.

Depending on the timing of intake (before or after a meal), bitter compounds prepare the digestive system for upcoming food intake or support digestion after a heavy meal – helping to relieve bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort¹.

It is no coincidence that many traditional digestifs contain herbs rich in bitter compounds, such as anise or wormwood.

¹ Extracts from mallow, lemon balm, ribwort, peppermint, thyme, artichoke, yarrow herb, dandelion root, ginger root, and angelica root may support normal digestion.