Find out what is the use of chicory for the body, what effect it has, its composition, how to properly prepare and take it. Indeed, it is useful or can be harmful to health. Chicory (variants in English. Cichorium, Chicory or Succory) is a medicinal plant that has been widely used for several centuries to treat a variety of diseases. The greatest benefit is found in the root part. For example, in ancient Rome, the root of the plant was used to improve the digestion process, in Egypt it was used as an effective remedy against the bites of poisonous snakes and spiders.
Today, chicory is widely used not only in folk medicine, but also in cooking. It helps to significantly improve well-being, can be used in the fight against excess weight, if there are no contraindications, it is allowed to be taken even during pregnancy as a substitute for harmful coffee.
Attention, just do not confuse it with Vitluf - the Belgian chicory, it is also called "salad", the photo shows that it grows like a cabbage with a powerful root. Chicory root promotes the accelerated and gentle removal from the body of dangerous toxins accumulated over a long time toxins, cleanses the blood of various harmful impurities. The root of the plant is used to prepare not only a popular, but also a healthy drink, which bears the uncomplicated name "Chicory".
The chemical composition of chicory and calorie content
Chicory is one of the most beneficial medicinal plants for the body, but before taking it, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the calorie content and composition.
Calorie content of liquid
(thickened extract of fried chicory) per 100 g - 263, 8 kcal (1102, 7 kJ), and also:
- Carbohydrates - 64.0 g
- Fat - 0, 0 g
- Protein - 1.95 g
Calorie chicory root
per 100 g - 378 kcal, as well as:
- Carbohydrates - 56, 0 g
- Fat - 0, 0 g
- Proteins - 9, 8 g
Calorie content of raw chicory greens
per 100 g - 23 kcal (96 kJ), as well as:
- Carbohydrates - 3, 5 × 4, 7 g
- Fat - 0.3 g
- Proteins - 1, 7 g
- Fiber - 4.0 g
- Water - 92 g
- Sugar - 0.7 g
Vitamins:
- A - 286 mcg
- E - 2, 26 mg
- K - 297.6 mcg
- C - 24 mg
- B1 - 0.06 mg
- B2 - 0.1 mg
- B5 - 1, 16 mg
- B6 - 0, 11 mg
- B9 - 110 mcg
- PP - 0.5 mg
- B4 - 12, 8 mg
Macro and microelements:
- Potassium - 420 mg
- Calcium - 100 mg
- Magnesium - 30 mg
- Sodium - 45 mg
- Phosphorus - 47 mg
- Iron - 0.9 mg
- Manganese - 0.43 mg
- Copper - 0.3 mg
- Selenium - 03 mcg
- Zinc - 0.42 mg
The benefits of chicory for the human body
This medicinal plant contains a large number of nutrients that ensure the vital activity and proper functioning of the human body.
Effects on the nervous system
Chicory contains a large amount of B vitamins, due to which the functioning of the nervous system is normalized. Gives a charge of vivacity, returns energy, helps to lift the mood, while also playing the role of a sedative.
Action on the digestive system
This plant contains the polysaccharide inulin, which improves digestion, normalizes the intestinal microflora, prevents the development of dysbiosis, and helps to get rid of constipation. Also, this substance will control the level of sugar in the blood, therefore, it helps to alleviate the well-being when diagnosed with diabetes. A properly prepared chicory drink can be consumed daily and is a great alternative to coffee.
Effects on the cardiovascular system
Chicory contains high amounts of magnesium and potassium. These substances are simply indispensable for the proper functioning of the heart, and also help to alleviate well-being in a variety of diseases associated with this organ.
Drinking chicory helps to normalize heartbeat, lowers bad cholesterol and dilates blood vessels. Therefore, this plant is useful for patients with hypertension, when diagnosing coronary heart disease, tachycardia, etc.
Effects on the immune system
Provided that chicory or a drink made from this plant is regularly consumed, the beneficial substances in its composition help to strengthen the immune system, resist a variety of infections, viruses and colds. There is an effective cleansing of the body from toxins and toxins, the metabolic process is getting better. It is these qualities of chicory that made it so popular among those who want to lose weight.
For skin diseases
It helps to get rid of a variety of skin diseases, because chicory has an excellent bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. Alcohol tinctures and decoctions are made with it, added to the bath and can be used during the treatment of chickenpox, acne, eczema, vitiligo, diathesis, seborrhea, psoriasis, furunculosis, dermatitis and other skin diseases.
With diabetes and obesity
In the composition of chicory there is such a substance as inulin, therefore it is simply indispensable for diabetes and obesity, since it helps to accelerate the metabolic process, therefore it helps in the fight against excess weight. But it doesn't cure diabetes!
For sight
To restore and improve vision, it is recommended to mix carrots with chicory juice, add a little parsley and celery. This remedy has a positive effect on the muscular system of the eyes, prevents the onset of the development of various defects and pathologies.
During pregnancy
The chicory drink has a positive effect on the liver, improves and normalizes appetite, and prevents the appearance of heartburn, from which expectant mothers often suffer. It helps to facilitate and improve the functioning of the intestines, heart, so a woman will feel great throughout her pregnancy. However, such a drink can only be taken if the doctor permits, if there are no contraindications.
It is useful for pregnant women to drink milk, to which you can add a small amount of crushed chicory powder, it turns out not only a tasty, but also a healthy drink. Thanks to the action of chicory, milk will be absorbed much better.
Scientists from Australia have conducted a number of studies that have shown that chicory increases the number of red blood cells, perfectly cleanses the blood, so the child will receive more nutrients and vitamins.
Useful properties of chicory
This plant helps with various ailments, while it can be taken internally or externally in the form of lotions and compresses:
- The plant promotes the removal of toxins from the body, therefore, it has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver and helps with its various diseases.
- Chicory is used for gastritis, anemia, cholecystitis, enteritis, loss of energy, spleen diseases and constipation.
- It is useful in diseases of the cardiovascular system, since it helps to improve the functioning of the heart. Recommended for admission when diagnosing hypertension.
- It acts as a relaxing and sedative agent, therefore it is useful for neuroses or sleep problems.
- It can be used to prepare a decoction for lotions and added to the bath for skin infections, rashes, allergies.
- It has a choleretic and diuretic effect, therefore it is prescribed for cholelithiasis, cystitis, cirrhosis, hepatitis and nephritis.
- Therapists in India use chicory as a toothpaste supplement because it has anti-inflammatory effects. Such a remedy becomes simply irreplaceable in the development of periodontal disease.
Harm of chicory and contraindications
Like any other medicinal plant, chicory can be harmful to health, therefore, its uncontrolled intake is strictly prohibited. There are some contraindications:
- Chicory is capable of provoking a rather strong allergic reaction, therefore, before starting to take it, you need to consult a doctor.
- The presence of individual intolerance to the plant and individual substances that make up its composition.
- The plant causes the expansion of blood vessels, therefore it cannot be used in the presence of various vascular diseases, with the development of varicose veins.
- Usually this drink does not lead to overexcitation, but in some people it can cause overexcitement and insomnia.
- You can not take chicory when diagnosing asthmatic bronchitis, a cough that has flowed into a chronic form, as well as for diseases of the respiratory system, because the plant can increase the coughing attack.
- Do not overuse chicory and take it in unlimited quantities. This herb, when taken too high, can cause problems with the digestive system.
The drink is contraindicated if you have one of the following problems:
- Individual intolerance.
- Phlebeurysm.
- Chronical bronchitis.
- Asthma.
- Stomach ulcer.
Chicory for weight loss
When losing weight, chicory plays an important role, because the broth prepared from the root of the plant helps to accelerate the metabolic process. As a result, your body processes the incoming food much easier and faster and does not allow fat to be stored, converting them into energy.
The chicory drink is also recommended for obesity, because it contains such a valuable substance for the human body as inulin, helping to lower blood sugar levels. The lower they are, the less hunger is felt, overeating is prevented, and the figure gradually returns to its previous shape.
For weight loss, only the root of a plant can be used, if by mistake a decoction of its flowers is prepared, then the result will only increase hunger, and you will get a completely opposite result.
It is very easy to prepare such a healthy drink - 1 tsp is poured into the coffee maker. chicory powder and pour 500 g of water. The mixture is brought to a boil, boiled for about 6 minutes. As soon as the drink cools down, it must be filtered and taken 2 to 3 times a day, half a glass. Nutritionists advise replacing coffee with instant chicory, which can be taken for several months. This remedy is most beneficial when drunk before starting a meal.
What is chicory good for
- Contains vitamins E, B1 and C, mineral salts, trace elements, inulin, pectin, chicorine, tannins.
- Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect, normalizes appetite and digestion.
- Has a calming effect on the nervous system, if added to coffee, it is able to neutralize its harmful effects.
- Helps to remove toxins and radioactive substances from the body, accelerates metabolism, lowers blood sugar levels.
Types of chicory - which is more convenient for you to choose
Depending on the type of chicory, its effect on the body will be determined:
- Soluble chicory (powdered) - dilates blood vessels, has a positive effect on the nervous and circulatory system, soothes. It is easy to prepare it like instant coffee - dilute a teaspoon in 200-250 ml of boiling water.
- Liquid chicory - can be used in the treatment of diseases of the kidneys, liver, spleen. Preparation: put one and a half or 1 tsp on 200-250 ml of boiling water.
- In coffee (instant mixtures) - when added to this drink, it eliminates its negative effect on the body.
- In tea - helps in the fight against excess weight, normalizes metabolism, has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart.
A video about the beneficial properties of chicory and harm, as well as a couple of recipes with it:
The benefits and harms of chicory have long been discussed by doctors and nutritionists. Before using it, it is important to remember that this is a medicinal plant, therefore, it cannot be abused and can be taken only after the permission of the doctor, if there are no contraindications. Chicory in small amounts is beneficial for health and helps with various diseases.
