Chicory has long been used by people for its beneficial health properties, and today we can enjoy drinks made from chicory that substitute coffee. Discover why this plant is recommended and how you can consume it.
Chicory flowers from mid-summer to late autumn and its root is used to make ‘chicory coffee’, a very aromatic drink that tastes like coffee but does not contain caffeine, like chicory tea.
Chicory – nutritional content
Chicory contains inulin, a fiber considered an excellent prebiotic, and has been included in studies on weight loss or reducing the pathological effects produced in type II diabetes.
Chicory also contains folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B6, as well as manganese, potassium, and phosphorus.
Benefits of chicory root and coffee/tea
1. Chicory root improves digestive health, both through its high inulin content and its optimal plant fiber content;
2. It is helpful in slimming diets;
3. Helps to reduce blood sugar levels in type II diabetes;
4. Stimulates the production and release of bile juice (bile);
5. Supports and strengthens the immune system;
6. Helps in decreasing inflammation, which occurs in chronic, autoimmune, allergic and other types of diseases.
7. Slightly reduces heartbeat, helping people suffering from tachycardia or an increased heart rate;
8. Has antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties.
Roasted chicory root
Chicory tea, like coffee, is also used as treatment in hepato-biliary and renal diseases, improving liver function and helping to improve kidney function.
Chicory tea is also used to soothe stomach pains and in spleen complaints.
It has a mild laxative effect, combating constipation. Applied on the skin, chicory tea is used to cleanse areas affected by acne as a gentle cleanser and disinfectant of the affected skin.