The perennial plant chicory (Cichorium intybus) has been around for a long time and is grown all over the world. People have been feeding it to their animals for a long time. But people also like to eat it because it has health benefits and can be used in cooking. The flowers of chicory are blue, pink, or white and very bright. In the summer, you might see them along roadsides or in wild areas. Chicory leaves look a bit like dandelion leaves, but their shapes can be different. Most of the time, they have deep lobes or look crooked and toothed. Most parts of the plant are full of nutrients, even the roots. They have proteins, vitamins, minerals, soluble fiber, carbohydrates, and much more.
Additionally, the root can be roasted over an open flame in a pan to create chicory coffee, a delectable delight akin to marshmallows. Before using chicory root in recipes on its own, it is advisable to combine it with sweeter-tasting vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or butternut squash, due to its earthy and acrid flavor.
Chicory root is a good source of the prebiotic fiber inulin, which may help you lose weight and keep your gut healthy. It also has manganese and vitamin B6, both of which are good for the brain.
◉ May Boost Digestive Health - Chicory has a powerful prebiotic called inulin. It helps the gut bacteria stay healthy, which makes the gut work better. It is also well tolerated by people who have problems with their intestines. Inulin is also a natural fiber that helps people who are constipated. It helps keep the digestive process smooth and regular, which may lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
◉ May Aid Diabetes Treatment - Studies have shown that chicory root extract can raise the levels of the protein adiponectin, which controls how much glucose is in the blood. This can help delay or stop diabetes from coming on quickly. In a study with rats, chicory extract was found to be helpful as a natural supplement for slowing the progression of diabetes.
◉ May Help Fight Inflammatory Arthritis: Bioactive extracts of chicory root may be able to help treat osteoarthritis, according to early research. To confirm these results, we need to do more large-scale studies. Polyphenols from plants are thought to fight inflammation. If you have inflammatory arthritis, you might want to try chicory root (after consulting your doctor). Chicory was found to improve blood flow and the way red blood cells work when eaten. It is thought that chicory's ability to do this could help fight inflammation, but more research is needed. Chicory seems like it might help treat arthritis or gout, but more research is needed to be sure.
◉ May Reduce Stress: Still to be studied is whether chicory root reduces stress in a direct way. But because of the way it tastes, it is often used to make a drink that can be used in place of coffee. Studies show that drinking too much coffee (caffeine) can make stress worse. When combined with stress, drinking caffeine can often raise cortisol levels and cause more problems.
Buy chicory root is roasted from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.
Product Name | Chicory root is roasted. |
Scientific Name | Cichorium intybus L. |
Country of Origin |
Originally from Europe. Packaged in the USA. |
Product Style |
Granulated. |
Taste & Aroma |
Chicory is unique: strong, toasty, and nutty, with suggestions of burned sugar. |
Shelf Life & Storage |
Shelf life is about 6–12 months. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and prevent sunlight exposure. |
Precautions |
We requested that, before consuming spices, herbs, teas or any kind of natural product, you consult an expertly qualified healthcare practitioner or herbalist. |
Note | This product information has not been appraised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For educational purposes only. |