9 Surprising Benefits of Chicory Root

Chicory is a woody, herbaceous plant that has a wealth of health benefits. These include the ability to ease digestive problems, prevent heartburn, reduce arthritis pains, detoxify the liver and gallbladder, prevent bacterial infections, boost the immune system, and reduce the chances of diseases. It is also a natural sedative that can fight against kidney stones and promote weight loss. All in all, this small plant is a powerful addition to any diet.

Chicory grows well in many different conditions and is commonly found on the roadsides in Europe, where it originated, but it has now naturalized into the Americas and can be found widely there. The leaves, buds, and roots all have certain beneficial qualities, and the leaves are used in a similar way as spinach in many cultures. The root is often ground into a powder and used as a coffee substitute. It has been used for hundreds of years as an herbal remedy for many diseases and continues to prove its worth today.

In terms of nutritive value, chicory is a great source of potassium as well as vitamin A, B6, C, E, and K. These are the main agents behind all of the health benefits that come from chicory, which are explained below.

Health Benefits Of Chicory

Health benefits of chicory include:

Aids in Digestion

One of the most common reasons for adding chicory to a diet is to improve various functions of the digestive system. Chicory contains inulin, which is a powerful prebiotic. Prebiotics are a classification of bacteria that confer benefits on the host, rather than diseases, which is what bacteria is commonly associated with. Inulin is used to combat a number of intestinal and digestive concerns, including acid reflux, indigestion, and heartburn because it actively reduces the acidity of the body’s systems.

Reduces Heart Diseases

Inulin is not only beneficial for the digestive system, it has also been shown to reduce the levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the body. This cholesterol is one of the main causes of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure because it blocks the flow of blood when it binds to arteries and veins.

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 a normal coffee can significantly improve the balance of blood and plasma in the body, which reduces the chance of cardiovascular diseases.

Cancer Prevention

Although research is still ongoing in terms of the exact mechanism of prevention, chicory extract has been linked to a reduction in tumor growth in various cancer studies. Early reports indicate that it is due to the fructans within chicory, which have anti-tumor qualities and antioxidant properties. The polyphenols and phytochemicals within chicory also have a positive effect on preventing cancers of various types.

Reduces Arthritis Pain

Chicory has traditionally been used as a treatment for arthritis, and studies have shown chicory to have anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it reduces the pain in conditions like osteoarthritis. In a 2010 study, 70% of the test subjects who received the chicory treatment reported a noticeable improvement in the pain associated with their osteoarthritic conditions. Chicory can also be used as a general anti-inflammatory agent for aches, muscle pains, and joint soreness for this same reason.

Promotes Weight Loss

Chicory is a good source of oligofructose, and inulin itself is a form of natural dietary fiber, which helps in the management of weight by promoting weight loss. Both of these aid in the regulation of ghrelin, an amino acid primarily associated with feelings of hunger and food-seeking behavior. By reducing the amount of the ghrelin, chicory can reduce the chances of overeating and promote satiety, or the feeling of fullness, thus helping in weight loss.

There are many chicory root powder benefits that make it a powerful booster for your immune system. It displays clear antibacterial effects on a number of dangerous strains of bacteria, and we have already mentioned the benefits of the polyphenolic compounds in chicory in terms of an immune system boost. There are also phytochemicals in chicory that act as antioxidants, further sweeping out free radicals from the bloodstream. This reduces the chances of contracting a number of diseases or conditions, including heart diseases and cancer.

Reduces Anxiety

Chicory has sedative qualities that reduce anxiety and soothe the mind, thereby relieving stress.

Enjoy Chicory in your Chocolate!

Now, chicory root fiber is available even in chocolate. ChocoPerfection has 14g of chicory fiber in every 50g bar. Enjoy chicory root in chocolate, coffee, or whatever other preparation brings you all of these wonderful benefits!

Source:
9 Surprising Benefits of Chicory, organicfacts.net