Chicory is a perennial herbaceous plant that literally strews the fields, forests and ravines of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. Nowadays it is widely used in both folk and official medicine. Ordinary people associate it with instant powder, a kind of coffee substitute, a pack of which can be found in the kitchen of any supporter of a healthy diet. Indeed, the packaging of instant chicory is replete with promises - the drink suppresses appetite, chicory and blood pressure - helps reduce blood pressure, improves liver function, drinking chicory during pregnancy is possible, and in some cases, even necessary! Is it really? We suggest you take a closer look at the topic “Chicory benefits and harms.”
Composition of chicory
All the power of chicory lies in its root. It is in the underground part that a huge amount of substances useful for the human body is concentrated. These include:
- inulin is a polysaccharide that is used as a substitute for classic starch and sugar in foods for diabetics. It also helps normalize the digestive system and improve metabolism;
- glycoside intibin - dilates blood vessels, relieves symptoms of tachycardia, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system;
- sugar;
- resinous and bitter substances;
- tannins - have bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties, kill staphylococcus, typhoid, dysentery and paratyphoid bacilli;
- carotene;
- protein substances;
- vitamin C, E, A, PP, as well as B vitamins (B1, B3, B2);
- pectin;
- salt;
- organic acids;
- fats;
- essential oil;
- macro- and microelements (sodium, calcium, potassium, manganese, iron, phosphorus).
Such a rich chemical composition makes a drink from soluble chicory a “magic potion” that will help maintain not only health, but also youth, beauty and activity.
The benefits and harms of chicory
It is possible to determine what to drink – chicory or coffee – only after a detailed breakdown of all the properties of these drinks. Their benefits and harms are controversial and are still being studied in many scientific laboratories. Chicory drinks have been on sale for decades, but if previously they were considered a cheap substitute for coffee or even tea, today they are positioned as healthy products and are located on healthy food shelves.
Chicory roots are used as a substitute for coffee beans, although in fact their taste and smell are only slightly reminiscent of this noble drink. How are they useful? They consist of 60% water and the rest of the dry matter is represented by inulin, vitamins B, PP, C, A. It contains manganese, phosphorus, iron, potassium and sodium. Bitterness, tannins, organic acids, essential oil, proteins and fats are present.
This is what a chicory plant looks like
The most valuable is inulin, a polysaccharide that is considered an excellent sugar substitute for diabetics. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In folk and official medicine, chicory is used in the following areas:
- in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- to improve the functioning of the nervous system;
- for problems with the kidneys and liver;
- to stimulate the cardiovascular system;
- to improve blood composition, increase hemoglobin levels;
- in complex therapy for parasitic infections;
- for weight loss.
Chicory stimulates the flow of bile and helps cleanse the kidneys and liver of waste and toxins. It is useful to drink after long-term drug therapy. B vitamins stimulate the functioning of the nervous system, speed up the transmission of nerve impulses, charge you with energy, and give vigor.
If you drink a glass of chicory drink a day, you can remove parasites, heal and normalize the intestinal mucosa, which has a positive effect on the immune system.
The root is especially useful for diabetes. In the initial stages, it allows you to reduce blood sugar levels, and in more serious stages, it helps prevent strong surges. A drink made from chicory gives energy without stimulating the nervous system, as it does not contain caffeine. This is one of the most important advantages in favor of a coffee substitute.
This is what the dried and crushed root looks like, ground in a coffee grinder
The benefits of the plant for weight loss have been noticed. Inulin normalizes blood sugar levels, which is important for those who cannot give up sweets. Pectin dulls appetite and prolongs the feeling of fullness. Triterpenes, also present in the root, help speed up metabolic processes, and vitamin B2 helps to effectively break down fats. The plant can cause harm only in case of allergies and too active use. The risk group includes people with urolithiasis, asthma and stomach ulcers.
Chicory for the immune system and strengthening the body
Regular consumption of a chicory drink will help normalize the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and cleanse the body of toxins, heavy metals, toxins and radioactive substances. As a result, the intestines will be able to absorb much more vitamins and nutrients that come with food. All this will strengthen the immune system and increase the body's resistance to harmful bacteria.
Unlike coffee, chicory can be safely given to children. Perhaps this is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to maintain the well-being and health of a child.
Not long ago, scientists proved that chicory has antioxidant properties. This makes it an indispensable tool in the fight against free radicals, which lead to the development of cancer cells! A cup of aromatic drink will help women maintain their excellent appearance at any age.
What's better
A healthy person can afford to drink 1-2 cups of ground coffee a day without thinking about its negative effects on the body. Natural ground grains have a smell that most half of the world's population cannot resist. When the love for coffee turns into a pathological craving, it is better and healthier to make drinks from chicory with the addition of 1/3 coffee, and both ground and instant drinks are suitable here. This way you can preserve the aroma and taste of coffee without straining your nervous system and heart.
Unlike coffee, adults, children, and the elderly can drink chicory without harm to their health. This is another plus in his favor. Here it is considered not just as a grain substitute, but as a raw material with a medicinal effect. The difference between these two products is that the boost of energy received from a cup of coffee lasts longer than from a drink with chicory. That's why people love to drink it in the morning.
People suffering from low blood pressure and vegetative-vascular dystonia prefer to drink coffee rather than medicine, considering it less harmful to health and more effective for headaches. Many reviews confirm this fact.
Coffee, chicory and cereals - a healthy combination for a coffee drink
It is possible to determine which product is better only by the individual reaction of the body. Many hypertensive patients do not deny themselves the joy of drinking a cup of drink made from natural grains, since they do not notice any significant changes in the behavior of the cardiovascular system. Others, on the contrary, make drinks from chicory because they feel too much excitement and rapid heartbeat. Both products are good if consumed in moderation and only of proven quality.
Chicory for the nervous and cardiovascular systems
Another misconception when people ask doctors is whether chicory contains caffeine? The drink from this plant does not contain caffeine and has virtually no contraindications. It can be safely consumed by hypertensive patients who were forced to give up natural coffee.
Interestingly, chicory not only has a calming effect on the central nervous system and normalizes heart function, but also improves mood, provides energy during the day and sound sleep at night. Doctors recommend drinking a chicory drink for insomnia, tachycardia, hypertension, loss of strength, coronary heart disease, depression, neurasthenia and frequent migraines.
Moreover, due to its high potassium content, chicory helps the body remove bad cholesterol faster, so it is very useful for atherosclerosis. This herb is also used in the treatment and prevention of anemia (anemia).
Is it possible to mix drinks and why?
In order to reduce coffee in the daily diet, it is recommended to mix it with chicory, gradually increasing the proportion of the latter.
Initial concentration: 1 part chicory, 3 parts coffee. After 3-4 days - 2 parts coffee, 2 parts chicory, after 1-2 weeks the drink should contain at least 75-80% chicory. After a month, take only chicory.
Such a “slow” transition scheme will avoid the development of withdrawal symptoms and help the body cope with addiction to coffee without harming itself.
To gradually give up coffee, it is recommended to mix it with chicory.
Chicory for the stomach and digestive tract
Since ancient times, a decoction of the root of this plant has been used to improve the functioning of the pancreas and stimulate appetite. Chicory also has a choleretic effect, promotes the independent dissolution of small stones in the gall bladder. It improves metabolic processes and blood flow in the liver.
Chicory is used in the complex treatment of such serious diseases as cirrhosis, hepatitis, cholecystitis, duodenal and gastric ulcers, dyspepsia and dysbacteriosis. It also promotes the development of beneficial microflora in the intestines and helps with chronic constipation.
— Chicory for pregnant women
Many expectant mothers are extremely concerned about the question of whether it is possible to drink a chicory drink while in an interesting position. Not only is it possible, but it is necessary!
It has a good effect on the liver, improves appetite, helps fight heartburn, eases the work of the heart and regulates intestinal functions, and this ensures good health for a pregnant woman throughout the nine months.
Girls also often wonder: is chicory ok for pregnant women? As you know, pregnant women need to drink as much milk as possible, but not everyone can tolerate it in its pure form! There is an exit! Just add chicory powder to milk - tasty and healthy. And thanks to chicory, the digestibility of the drink will increase fourfold.
According to recent research by scientists from Australia, chicory significantly increases the number of red blood cells, cleanses the blood and refreshes its composition. Thus, the child receives many more nutrients, which improves his health and vitality.
Compound
Many people ask which is healthier - coffee or chicory, without even thinking about the composition of these products. Speaking about the second drink, it should be noted that it is rich in useful components. For example, it contains a whole complex of vitamins A, PP, C, E, group B, as well as microelements (magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, manganese), due to which it is called medicinal. Additionally, it contains tannin and protein compounds. A special role is played by:
- inulin, which makes it possible for diabetics to drink the drink;
- intibin and glycoside, which provide the characteristic aroma of chicory - a slight bitterness.
People also sometimes ask about the calorie content of this product. Fortunately, it is not too large - there are exactly 21 kcal per 100 grams, so the drink can safely be classified as dietary.
Harmful properties of chicory
Speaking about the harm of this plant, one cannot fail to mention its contraindications. In what cases should a chicory drink be consumed with extreme caution, or even abandoned altogether?
- with individual intolerance;
- for various vascular diseases;
- with an increased tendency to allergic reactions. The fact is that the presence of ascorbic acid in chicory significantly increases the risk of allergies, even if you drink the drink in very small doses;
- for hemorrhoids;
- for diseases of the nervous system;
- with gastritis;
- with varicose veins;
- Chicory during breastfeeding;
- This drink is also not recommended for children under three years of age.
As you can see, everything that is written on the packaging of the chicory root drink is absolutely true. Drink instant chicory in small quantities, only in this case it will bring invaluable benefits to your body.
What is healthier - coffee or chicory?
Coffee invigorates, helps cope with fatigue and removes toxins. It is valued for its wonderful aroma and specific taste, which has won the love of millions of people. But the circle of those who are strictly forbidden to use it is also quite wide.
It is contraindicated for hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, insomnia, heart disease, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Chicory is a healthy and practically harmless coffee substitute. Its beneficial effect on the body is difficult to overestimate. The root of the plant is rich in vitamins and minerals that help solve several health problems.
A drink made from chicory is especially relevant during pregnancy. During this period, women are strictly limited in nutrition. Doctors prohibit the consumption of caffeine-containing products. Then chicory acts as a harmless alternative to coffee and tea.
