Bitter substances are natural chemical compounds that occur in many foods and are responsible for the bitter taste. They are often perceived as unpleasant as they bring a certain harshness and intensity to the taste. Nevertheless, they fulfill an important function in our diet and can even have health-promoting effects. Bitter substances are found in many plant foods, especially in vegetables, herbs and spices. Just think of the bitter taste of coffee, dark chocolate or green tea. But salads such as rocket or endive also owe their characteristic bitter taste to the bitter substances they contain. One of the best known and healthiest groups of bitter substances are the so-called secondary plant substances, such as flavonoids, terpenes or glucosinolates. These compounds serve plants as protective substances against insect damage or fungal infestation. When consumed, they enter our bodies and can have various health-promoting effects. On the one hand, bitter substances stimulate the production of stomach acid and enzymes, which can improve digestion. They promote appetite and stimulate the metabolism. This can ensure better nutrient absorption. Studies have also shown that bitter substances can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They can, for example, help to reduce the risk of heart disease or strengthen the immune system. Nevertheless, people often deliberately avoid the taste of bitter substances as they are perceived as unpleasant. Especially in the modern diet, many bitter foods are less present than sweet or salty foods. One of the reasons for this is that bitter substances are often filtered out in the food industry or masked by sweeter flavors. Yet they can enrich a healthy and varied diet. It is therefore worth training your own sense of taste and consciously consuming bitter foods. Bitter substances can be integrated into the diet in various ways. One possibility is to use more bitter salads and herbs. However, spices such as ginger, turmeric or cumin also contain a certain amount of bitterness. If you dare, you can even eat bitter foods such as grapefruit or artichokes raw. It is important to discover the taste of bitter substances slowly and to carefully accustom your own sense of taste to the bitter taste. Overall, bitter substances offer an interesting opportunity to enrich your diet and promote your health. Not only are they healthy, but they can also enhance your sense of taste and contribute to a varied diet. It is therefore worthwhile not to be put off by their intense taste, but to consciously integrate them into your diet.