Chicory is originated from Europe but nowadays you can find it in many countries. Most popular are chicory leaves but its buds and roots also have certain beneficial qualities. Ancient Romans used chicory roots for blood cleansing. Egyptians were using chicory roots for purifying liver and blood. In most modern countries chicory leaves are used as a healthy and tasty vegetable.
Chicory is a well known plant which can provide several health benefits including the ability to improve digestion, prevent heartburn, reduce pain during arthritis, detoxify liver and gallbladder, reduce tumor growth, prevent bacterial infections, protect from kidney stones, boost the immune system, help in weight loss and reduce the chance of heart disease.
Chicory has a special nutritional value – it is a good source of several vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron folic acid, potassium).
Antioxidant property of chicory is also well known – it called “phenolics”. Chicory coffee’s antioxidant effect was described by scientists and was used for preventing thrombosis and inflammation.
Chicory health benefits – cancer
Chicory extract has been linked to a reduction in tumor growth in various cancer studies. It was noted that chicory has very specific antioxidant property called “fructans“ which have anti-tumor qualities. The polyphenols and phytochemicals within chicory also have anticancer effect preventing different types of cancer, especially breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
Laboratory tests demonstrated that chicory derived oligofructose and inulin, naturally-occurring fermentable chicory fructans, can stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria which are regarded as beneficial strains in the colon and inhibit colon carcinogenesis.
Chicory health benefits – weight control
As it was already mentioned, chicory is a good source of dietary fiber (oligofructose and inulin) which are the form of natural dietary fiber – these help in weight control. Chicory is interfering in the process of feeling hunger and food-seeking behavior. By reducing the amount of the ghrelin hormone, chicory can reduce overeating and promote fullness feeling.
Some scientists suggest that chicory could have very special role in the management of obesity and diabetes through their capacity to promote secretion of endogenous gastrointestinal peptides involved in appetite regulation.
Chicory health benefits – digestion
Chicory
Chicory is an excellent vegetable for digestion system. As it was noted above, chicory “inulin” is pretty powerful probiotic – it is used to combat several intestinal and digestive problems such as acid reflux, indigestion and heartburn.
Another problem is constipation which can be treated with chicory fiber which can help to bulk up bowel movements, promote peristaltic contractions, maintain smooth and regulated digestion and the secretion of gastric juice. Simply speaking, chicory is improving digestion processes and reducing constipation. As a result, chicory can improve several gastrointestinal conditions and diseases, including stomach and colon cancer.
Chicory health benefits – cardio-vascular system
Nutrition experts confirm that chicory is good for heart health. Inulin is not only beneficial for the digestive system but also can reduce levels of so called “bad cholesterol” (LDL) which is one of the main causes of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart attack and strokes.
Chicory is also packed with plant phenols, which have been widely studied as anti-thrombotic and anti-arrhythmic agents. They are considered antioxidants, and studies have shown that chicory-based coffee rather than normal coffee can significantly improve the balance of blood and plasma in the body, which reduces chances of cardiovascular disease.
Chicory health benefits – arthritis
Anti-inflammatory properties of chicory can be used for treatment of arthritis as it can reduce the pain from conditions like osteoarthritis. Chicory can also be used as a general anti-inflammatory “treatment” for aches, muscle pains and joint soreness.
Chicory health benefits – immune system
Immune system is a crucial part of health in general. It was noted that chicory has several properties which can strengthen immune system. Chicory is known as a powerful booster for your immune system. Usually chicory phytochemicals act as antioxidants, further sweeping out free radicals from the blood stream and reducing chances of development several dangerous health conditions and diseases including heart disease and cancer.
Chicory health benefits – stress
Chicory has some sedative qualities that can reduce anxiety, support relaxation of our body and mind – relieving stress and its dangerous consequences. Sedative properties of the chicory root extract can also be used as “sleeping pills” which is much healthier than many of the sleeping pills on the conventional market.
Chicory health benefits – kidney and liver
Chicory root extract can be used as diuretic, which can increase the amount of urination – and frequent urination can help to eliminate stored toxins from liver and kidney. At the same time, frequent urination can eliminate excess water weight and excess fat deposits stored in the body.
Chicory health benefits – infections
Some studies discovered that extracts of chicory root have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Additionally, certain compounds extracted from chicory root have antimalarial properties, justifying the historical uses of chicory as a treatment for malarial fever. Laboratory tests noted that chicory roots can also fight Salmonella.
