The leaves, buds, and roots all have certain beneficial qualities. 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. Chicory has been used for hundreds of years as a herbal remedy for many diseases and continues to prove its worth today.
According to the USDA FoodData Cental, chicory is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron–folic acid, and 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.
The health benefits of this plant include:
Aids in Digestion
Chicory is great for your digestive health as it contains inulin, which is a powerful prebiotic. Prebiotics is a classification of bacteria that confer benefits on the host, rather than diseases. One report published in the journal FEMS Microbiology Ecology reports that inulin is used to combat a number of intestinal and digestive concerns, including acid reflux disease, indigestion, and heartburn because it actively reduces the acidity of the body’s systems. Thus, chicory plays a vital role in easing digestion.
Improves Heart Health
Inulin is not only beneficial for the digestive system, but it has also shown to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol) in the body. This type of cholesterol is one of the main causes of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure as it blocks the flow of blood when it binds to arteries and veins. It can also contribute to the possibility of heart attacks and strokes. Interestingly enough, the chemical pathway that inulin functions in to reduce the presence of LDL cholesterol is rarely active unless a person consumes a high level of carbohydrates, so this benefit has a slightly smaller range of effects.
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. According to a report on the influence of inulin in breast cancer and tumor growth in the Journal of Nutrition, polyphenols, and phytochemicals within chicory may also be an easy risk-free method for helping to prevent cancer of various types, including breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
Reduces Arthritis Pain
Chicory has traditionally been used as a treatment for arthritis, and studies have shown it to have anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it reduces the pain in conditions like osteoarthritis. In a 2010 study, 70 percent 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
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. A 2012 report published in the Obesity Research Banner cited research involving rats to study the impact of chicory in the entire weight loss process. It was concluded that by reducing the amount of hormone ghrelin, chicory can reduce the chances of overeating and promote satiety or the feeling of fullness, thus helping in weight loss
Once again, the role of inulin as a natural fiber comes as a major benefit to chicory eaters! The fiber helps bulk up bowel movements and promote peristaltic motions and the secretion of gastric juices. Basically, this means that digestion as a whole is improved, and constipation too is greatly reduced. By maintaining a smooth and regulated digestive process, people can reduce the chances of a number of gastrointestinal conditions and diseases
Chicory has a number of helpful qualities 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 phytochemicals that act as antioxidants, further sweeping out free radicals from the bloodstream. This reduces the chances of contracting a number of diseases
Relieves Anxiety
Chicory has sedative qualities that are thought to reduce anxiety and soothe the mind, thereby relieving stress and the dangerous effects it can have on the body. A 2016 report, based on the connection between nutrition and mental health, published in the Performance Health Center journal, revealed that chicory root extracts can also be used as a sleep aid due to this sedative quality and are much healthier than many of the sleeping pills on the conventional market. Relieving stress and anxiety can also help reduce your chances of heart disease, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, cognitive decline, and premature aging.
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