It's OK to Be Bitter: Try These Bitter Spring Greens to Support Your Digestion

When we tune into the seasons and how the body works, we start to see how much eating seasonally helps us thrive. Last month, I shared how to listen to what foods feel the best and offer the best nourishment. Now, as we truly are in spring, I’m going to share some tools to support your nutrition and digestion, naturally and seasonally to give your body support.

There is a natural transition in the spring. Energy starts to move outward, from the hibernation behaviors of winter to flowers everywhere and birds chirping. With more light in the evenings and warmer weather, you may notice you want to move more and stay up later.

There can also be a desire to reset your food. This is the time of year when cleanses and detoxes pop up everywhere. If you are wanting a little springtime nutritional support, there are simple ways you can support your liver and your detoxification system and optimize digestion, which can help you feel more energized and fresh. A simple way to do this is to incorporate bitter greens into your meals.

Bitter plants have a potent effect on the digestive system. This starts in your mouth with an increase of saliva and an improvement in the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is crucial for digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Bitters aid in the production and release of digestive enzymes, assist the liver in detoxification and help the gut wall repair damage.

Because of the gut-brain connection, supporting gut health can also help improve mental health and nervous system regulation.

Bitter greens are plentiful in the spring. It makes sense that spring is the natural time of year to eat them and receive the benefits of these fresh beauties. Dandelion greens, endive, arugula, kale and brocolli rabe are all greens you can add into your meals for a focus on digestive support. You can also add sour (lemons or apple cider vinegar) with your bitter greens to enhance the benefits of bitter in your digestive system.

To some people, bitter can be a somewhat unpleasant taste. If you haven’t tried many bitter foods or find them unpleasant, I encourage you to try adding in a little bit. Add in arugula with salad greens. These foods pack a powerful nutritional and digestive punch. You won’t regret adding them to your diet!

Check out my simple roasted brocolli rabe recipe to get started.

Simple Roasted Broccoli Rabe (AKA Green Rapini)

Ingredients

1 bunch broccoli rabe

olive oil

lemon juice

salt and pepper

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 400

Cut into bit sized pieces (you can keep the stalky ends or cut them off and discard, depending on your preference)

Spread out over tray, season with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper

Roast for 8-10 minutes and enjoy

Eating good, whole and nutritious foods doesn’t need to be complicated! Try roasting other spring greens and veggies this way. Asparagus and kale would also be yummy.