Due to the negative impact on the body, many people decide to give up coffee and drink healthier drinks. One of them is chicory. Others are deciding to combine these drinks and make coffee safer. The mixture of coffee and chicory has an unusual chocolate-caramel taste. Chicory reduces the dangerous effects of caffeine, makes the drink softer and helps improve health.
Useful properties of chicory
The benefits of chicory for the body are primarily related to its composition. For example, its significant content of inulin (50-70%), used as a sweetener , makes it possible for people with diabetes to drink chicory drink without harm to their health. On the one hand, it is naturally sweet, and on the other, it does not increase blood glucose levels. In addition, inulin helps normalize the gastrointestinal tract and reduce cholesterol levels.
Chicory root is often used as a coffee substitute , as they are similar in taste and color. But there is no caffeine in it, so a drink from this plant can be used by people with cardiovascular diseases.
Eating chicory has undoubted benefits for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system: it helps dilate blood vessels, relieve attacks of tachycardia, and lower blood pressure.
The positive effect of chicory decoctions and tinctures in the treatment of skin diseases, inflammation, and wound healing is also known. The drink is rich in vitamins B, C, microelements (iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium). Thanks to this, the positive effects of chicory include a calming effect on the nervous system, increasing vitality and mood, and preventing anemia.
Chicory helps normalize liver function, remove gallstones and toxins from the blood.
To strengthen the muscular system of the eyes, a unique cocktail consisting of carrot, parsley and chicory juice is useful.
Health benefits of instant chicory after 50 years
Drinking a “coffee” drink made from soluble chicory after 50 years contributes to the following:
May improve digestion
Chicory root is a good source of fiber, which can help improve the health of your digestive tract. Consuming instant chicory may help improve the health of the gut microbiome, which is believed to have a strong influence on health and disease (6).
This is because chicory contains inulin, a type of prebiotic that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Several studies have found that taking inulin supplements may increase the concentration of certain strains of beneficial bacteria in the colon (3, 7).
Research also shows that chicory may help improve bowel function and reduce constipation, which is vital for the health of people over 50.
A recent study involved 44 people with constipation who were given chicory inulin supplements. A group of people taking inulin were found to have increased bowel movements and stool softness compared to placebo (8).
In another study, chicory consumption reduced bowel movements among 25 elderly participants (9).
Summary:
Some studies have shown that chicory may improve bowel function and relieve constipation. Chicory also contains inulin, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Soluble chicory may lower blood sugar levels
Chicory root contains inulin, a type of fiber that has been shown to help control blood sugar levels, which is important for people over 50.
In a recent study, diabetic rats were treated with chicory inulin for eight weeks. This remedy has been found to help control blood sugar levels by improving the way carbohydrates are metabolized (10).
Although research on the effects of inulin present in chicory on blood sugar levels is limited, some other studies have shown that inulin may have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.
Insulin is a hormone that carries sugar from the blood into muscles and tissues, where it can be used as fuel for energy. Insulin resistance, which occurs when insulin levels are chronically high, can reduce the effectiveness of this hormone and cause high blood sugar levels.
In one small study, inulin helped reduce insulin resistance in 40 people with prediabetes (11).
In another study, taking 10 grams of inulin daily helped reduce blood sugar levels by 8.5% among 49 women with diabetes (12).
However, most studies focus on inulin rather than chicory. Further research is needed to determine the benefits of soluble chicory on blood sugar levels.
Summary:
Research shows that the inulin present in instant chicory may reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels.
Soluble chicory helps reduce inflammation
Although inflammation is a normal response of the immune system, chronic (long-term) inflammation is thought to contribute to the development of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer (13).
Some animal studies have shown that chicory root may have anti-inflammatory properties. One animal study found that chicory root reduced inflammatory markers (14).
Another study also found that feeding dried chicory root to piglets reduced levels of inflammation in their bodies (15).
Most current research is limited to animal studies. More research is needed to determine exactly how chicory root may affect inflammation in humans.
Summary:
Some animal studies have found that chicory root can reduce several markers of inflammation.
Instant chicory does not contain caffeine
Drinking instant chicory as a coffee drink can be a great way to reduce your caffeine intake. Regular coffee is made from coffee beans that are roasted, ground, and brewed. A standard cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, although the amount may vary depending on a number of factors (16).
These include the type of coffee beans used and the size and type of coffee maker.
Consuming large amounts of caffeine has been associated with side effects such as nausea, anxiety, increased heart rate, restlessness, and insomnia (17).
As for chicory root, it is naturally caffeine-free. For this reason, instant chicory is an excellent coffee substitute for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.
Some people add chicory root to hot water to make a decaffeinated drink, while others mix it with a small amount of regular coffee to enjoy a lower-caffeine drink.
Summary:
Excess caffeine consumption is associated with several adverse side effects. Instant chicory contains no caffeine and can be used as an effective coffee substitute.
Soluble chicory protects heart health
The inulin contained in chicory helps reduce the level of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the body, which is very important for people over 50 years of age.
High levels of this cholesterol are one of the main causes of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, as it narrows the lumen of the arteries, impairing blood flow. It can also lead to heart attacks and strokes.
It is interesting to note that the LDL cholesterol reduction due to inulin rarely occurs unless a person consumes large amounts of carbohydrates, so this beneficial effect is somewhat limited. However, research is currently being conducted into what other ways chicory may help heart health.
Chicory is also rich in plant phenols, which have been widely studied as antithrombotic and antiarrhythmic agents. These compounds are also considered antioxidants. Research has shown that instant chicory can significantly improve the balance of blood and plasma in the body, which reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (18).
Summary:
Drinking instant chicory coffee drink may help protect the heart from cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, as well as prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Soluble chicory prevents cancer
Although research into the anti-cancer properties of chicory is still ongoing, chicory extract has already been linked to reduced tumor growth in various cancer studies. Early reports indicate that this is due to fructans in chicory, which have antitumor antioxidant and properties.
The polyphenols and phytochemicals in chicory also have a positive effect on the prevention of various types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer (19, 20).
Summary:
Consuming instant chicory may help prevent cancer such as breast and colorectal cancer.
Soluble chicory reduces arthritis pain
Chicory has traditionally been used as a medicine for arthritis. Research has shown that it has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis (21).
In a 2010 study, 70% of subjects who received chicory extract reported noticeable relief from pain associated with their osteoarthritis. Chicory can also be used as an anti-inflammatory to treat aches, muscle pain, and joint soreness.
Summary:
Consuming instant chicory may provide minor relief from joint pain associated with conditions such as arthritis.
Soluble chicory reduces anxiety
Chicory has a calming effect, which can help you get rid of anxiety, relieve stress and the dangerous effects it can cause in the body (22).
Chicory root extract can also be used as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects. This makes chicory a good, harmless remedy for insomnia, compared to many pharmaceutical sleeping pills.
Relieving stress and anxiety can also help reduce your risk of heart disease, hormonal imbalances, insomnia, cognitive decline and premature aging.
Summary:
Drinking an instant chicory drink may help relieve anxiety and stress, and may also help you sleep better.
Harm of chicory to the body
There are no contraindications to the use of chicory as such, but it should be taken with caution by people suffering from:
- liver diseases,
- respiratory system (chronic bronchitis, cough, asthma),
- gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, ulcer),
- urolithiasis,
- allergies.
People with a history of varicose veins, vascular disease, hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough should be careful. Due to the high content of vitamin C, chicory can cause aggravation of allergies.
When used simultaneously with antibiotics, their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract may be reduced. Therefore, it is better not to combine them with each other.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the product. Thus, if the quality of raw materials is low, unscrupulous manufacturers can add apple pectin instead of inulin and artificially enrich the drink with vitamins.
How to make a drink
Instant chicory is very easy to prepare; you just need to add hot water and stir. In order to diversify the taste, you can purchase a product with blueberries, ginseng or rose hips.
Instant chicory with milk
Despite the similarity in taste to coffee, not everyone likes chicory. The best option is to add milk or cream to the medicinal drink, this will help soften the taste. Pregnant and lactating women, people suffering from indigestion, or those with stomach ulcers should not add milk.
Instant chicory with rose hips
A “green drink” with rose hips is beneficial because it strengthens the immune system thanks to vitamin C. Rosehip has bactericidal agents and is good at removing toxins.
Instant chicory with blueberries
Chicory with blueberries is no less useful. The berry contains potassium, iron, phosphorus, iron and other micro- and macroelements. Chicory and blueberries complement and enhance each other's properties.
Instant chicory with ginseng
Ginseng root is rich in palmic acid and linoleic acid, which are rich in brain activity. Ginseng is also rich in B vitamins, which increase stress resistance and normalize the psychological state. Ginseng increases the beneficial properties of the drink, making the composition richer.
Brewed malt bread with instant chicory
The beneficial properties of chicory are also used in baking. The composition of such bread includes grains of wheat, oats and barley, malt, yeast and chicory. The combination of grains and chicory is beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract and normalization of metabolic processes.
Drinks made from chicory
Most often, chicory root is used as food in one of three forms :
- liquid;
- soluble;
- ground fried.
Due to the peculiarities of production, liquid chicory retains a large amount of useful substances . In addition, it is in this form that it is most convenient to store it. How is liquid chicory made?
At the first stage of production, beneficial substances are extracted from the root of the plant, which, in fact, give the taste and aroma to the drink. This process is repeated several times. Each time, the extract obtained at the previous extraction stage is taken as the starting product. After several cycles, a large amount of water is obtained, which is not recycled, but is evaporated using a special evaporation unit. And only after all these manipulations are completed, liquid chicory extract is obtained.
The first stages of making soluble chicory are similar to the production of liquid chicory. First, the beneficial substances from the plant root are extracted, but instead of evaporating the remaining liquid, spray drying is performed. As a result, excess water disappears, and the dry residue is chicory powder.
It should be noted that soluble chicory is sensitive to storage conditions. At high humidity, it oxidizes with loss of beneficial properties and the formation of lumps. Therefore, preference should be given to vacuum packaging, which prevents the penetration of moisture.
Ground (or roasted) chicory is the most natural, healthy, tasty and aromatic of all types of chicory. As the name suggests, to make it, the root of the plant is crushed and fried. Actually, this is all the processing.
What is chicory drink?
Chicory is a herbaceous plant that has a number of beneficial properties. It acts as a natural and safe coffee substitute. The root of the plant has long been used to brew a medicinal and aromatic drink that has virtually no harm.
Unlike coffee, the composition of the plant does not contain caffeine, however, they taste very similar. It, unlike coffee, has few contraindications, which is why it has so many fans.
How to use chicory correctly?
Whatever type of drink you choose, its preparation is based on the brewing process. To do this, pour 1-3 teaspoons of chicory (depending on taste preferences) into 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 10 minutes.
Since a distinctive feature of chicory drinks is a characteristic bitterness, you can neutralize it with a spoon of sugar. But adding sweeteners is not at all necessary, since the drink itself is sweet (contains inulin).
You can add milk or cream to taste. But remember that this will add additional calories to the drink. Some fans add honey, lemon, and rose hips to the drink. All this only increases the benefits of the drink and gives an additional boost of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system.
If, for medical reasons, you are prohibited from drinking coffee and you would like to replace it with a drink made from chicory, at first you may be disappointed in the taste, which in the case of chicory is not so bright and rich. In order to get used to it, you can initially add coffee to chicory in a ratio of 5:1.
When choosing liquid chicory, read labels carefully. In addition to the root itself, it may contain many unnecessary additives.
You can drink 1-2 cups of chicory per day - this is a safe norm for the body.
Chicory coffee recipe
It will take about 7 minutes to prepare the drink. Adding chicory doesn't take much time. There is practically no manipulation with it.
Let's look at the recipe using a drip coffee maker. First, you need to set it up so that you can add water to the filter yourself. Place 1 tablespoon of coffee, ½ salt and chicory to taste in the brewing basket.
You can do without salt, but it will remove unnecessary bitterness. The water should be brought to a boil. Then add a little cold water to soften the coffee and chicory, as well as ½ cup of water into the filter. When the water starts dripping you need to add the other half.
Coffee with chicory should be served immediately, hot. Sugar is added to the cup, according to personal preference.
Features of using chicory
During pregnancy
A pregnant woman approaches the issue of eating food with special attention, often giving up her favorite foods for the sake of the baby’s health. But we will please you: chicory can be consumed during pregnancy. In this regard, it becomes an indispensable assistant for expectant mothers who are accustomed to coffee, since the taste of the drink is similar to coffee, but does not contain caffeine.
The beneficial properties of chicory, such as improving digestion, eliminating heartburn and constipation, calming the nervous system, accelerating the formation of red blood cells, and removing toxins from the body, make it an extremely useful drink for the expectant mother.
Just remember that there are some contraindications to consuming chicory during pregnancy : you can drink no more than two cups per day.
In childhood
Children can also be given a drink made from chicory (best from the age of three, but not earlier than one year). Although in some cases it can be prescribed as a prophylactic against diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, nervous system, as well as reduced body weight. Chicory helps regulate circadian rhythms in children.
A one-and-a-half-year-old child can be given no more than 100 ml of the drink per day; after two years, the dose can be increased to 200 ml.
When losing weight
Chicory root is also used for weight loss
. Drinking two cups of the drink a day will help improve metabolism, activate the growth of beneficial microflora in the intestines, increase the feeling of fullness, and reduce insulin levels in the blood.
Chicory: benefits and harm
chicory plant is a storehouse of benefits. Chicory roots contain chicorine, inulin, choline, proteins, fats, pectin, vitamins C, B1, E, fat, gum, essential oil, resin, tannins, mineral salts and a large number of trace elements. To some extent, chicory can be considered as a medicinal drink.
Natalya Balynina , editor of the “Health” section of the gastronom.ru : “Chicory contains the polysaccharide inulin - complex-action drugs are produced on its basis. Among the stated effects is the normalization of intestinal microflora: inulin is able to increase the number of lacto- and bifidobacteria necessary for healthy digestion, that is, it is a prebiotic. In addition, dietary supplements with inulin are recommended as absorbents for the body’s detoxification course.”
Sometimes they talk about the harm of chicory . The fact is that if you use it immoderately and every day, after a while you can get overly swollen blood vessels.
In addition, do not forget about the time of consumption of chicory . In the morning, in small doses, it will be a tonic and invigorating remedy. And in the evening, chicory can help calm a nervous system that has been overexcited during the day.
Interesting facts about chicory
- Chicory was eaten in ancient Egypt and Rome, both in the form of salads and as a medicine. Thus, the Romans used chicory as a means of normalizing digestion, and the Egyptians used it as an antidote against the venom of snakes and spiders.
- In some countries they believe that chicory can make a person invisible.
- Chicory flowers are an excellent honey plant, as they contain a lot of pollen.
- Avicenna in his medical practice used chicory root to prepare medicines for diseases of the digestive organs, joints, and eyes.
