Dietary Bitters- benefits beyond adding to your whiskey drink.

The health benefits of bitters as part of a dietary plan.

Dietary bitters are plant-based compounds known for their bitter taste, which are commonly used to support digestion and overall gastrointestinal health. They're found naturally in many citrus plants, herbs, vegetables, and roots.

Common Sources of Dietary Bitters:

• Dandelion root and greens

• Gentian root

• Wormwood

• Cinchona bark

• Artichoke leaf

• Bitter melon

• Chicory root

• Cardamom

• Angelica

• Yarrow

• Milk thistle

• others

Health Benefits:

1. Stimulate Digestive Secretions
   Bitters activate bitter taste receptors, which can promote the release of:

   • Saliva

   • Stomach acid (HCl)

   • Bile

   • Pancreatic enzymes
     → All of which aid in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

2. Support Liver Function and Detox
   Herbs like dandelion and milk thistle are known for their liver-supportive properties.

3. Help Regulate Appetite
   Bitters may curb sugar cravings and enhance satiety, possibly by modulating hunger hormones like ghrelin. Some make even act as a natural GLP-1 agonist.

4. Improve Gut Motility and Reduce Bloating
   They can help relieve indigestion, gas, and constipation by enhancing overall digestive efficiency.

**Angostura Bitters

How to Use:

• Liquid extracts (tinctures) – typically taken 10–30 minutes before meals

• Capsules or teas – depending on the herb

• Whole foods – such as incorporating bitter greens into salads

• Historically put in some mixed drinks like Old Fashion and Manhattan drinks. Much like the well-known Angostura Bitters (pictured above)

Precautions:

• May not be suitable for people with ulcers, gallstones, or certain GI conditions.

• Can interfere with medications or pregnancy—consult a healthcare provider before regular use.

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**Angostura bitters contain a blend of over 40 ingredients, including gentian root, herbs, spices, and fruits, dissolved in alcohol. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but it's known to include gentian, cinchona bark, and various spices like cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and allspice. Additionally, alcohol, water, sugar, and caramel color are listed on some ingredient lists.