Chicory is a plant that is widely used in cooking and animal husbandry. The roots, tops and leaves are edible and have beneficial properties. Instant chicory is a complete coffee substitute. The aroma and taste of the herbal drink is quite pleasant. You should definitely buy at least one pack of chicory.
Soluble chicory for weight loss
There are many natural remedies that have a beneficial effect on the human body.
According to people's reviews, you can choose chicory when losing weight, so that the benefits are combined with a pleasant taste; cook it with ginger, milk, cinnamon or honey. Any weight loss process is based on improving metabolism, reducing calorie intake and increasing activity. The drink will help you lose weight, but you will have to follow a diet. Not everyone loves natural coffee. Many people prefer instant chicory with the addition of milk. This is a worthy alternative to the traditional drink. Despite the benefits of chicory, it also causes some harm to the body.
Chicory with milk is recommended for women who are pursuing the goal of getting rid of extra pounds, that is, losing weight. The drink has a small amount of calories and a rich vitamin composition. It contains triterpenes - catalyst substances that help improve metabolic processes, metabolism, which causes the burning of calories and the breakdown of fat.
The drink is also beneficial for women over 50 years of age. During this period, the body undergoes many changes, which result in apathy, malaise, mood swings, and unreasonable aggression. Thanks to daily consumption of chicory with milk, such conditions disappear.
In addition, the drink can be consumed to increase skin elasticity and give it a healthy appearance. Chicory is also used for cosmetic purposes, including in hair rinses, shampoo, and face creams. Chicory with milk helps restore the health of the nail plates.
Despite the benefits of the drink for women, it can cause harm to the body, especially if contraindications are neglected. Possible side symptoms include:
- allergic reaction to the skin in the form of rash, hyperemia, itching, burning sensation;
- diarrhea;
- Iron-deficiency anemia;
- exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
- impaired respiratory function with the development of asthma or bronchitis.
In some cases, the drink provokes internal bleeding.
Since representatives of the stronger sex more often suffer from pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, it is especially important for them to include such a drink in their diet. Due to stressful situations, abuse of bad habits, and poor lifestyle choices, men have an increased risk of developing a heart attack. You can prevent pathology by consuming chicory with milk.
The components included in the drink help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and restore normal blood pressure. As a result, the load on the heart muscle decreases and blood circulation normalizes.
For men, chicory with milk is also useful because it prevents congestion and inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system. The outflow of urine improves and the intensity of swelling decreases. By drinking a cup of coffee in the morning after a feast, you can eliminate a hangover.
Based on numerous reviews from men, we can conclude that when consuming chicory with milk, there is an improvement in physical endurance. In addition, the severity of shortness of breath in heavy smokers is reduced.
Numerous studies have proven that during pregnancy planning and when carrying a child, drinking a coffee drink with milk is not beneficial, and even harmful. This can be explained by the increased risk of developing allergic reactions, which do not have the best effect on the development of the fetus.
As for the possibility of consuming chicory with milk during breastfeeding, it is better to limit its inclusion in the diet. This prohibition is due to the presence of alkaloids and triterpenes in the composition. Such substances are not harmful for an adult, but they can disrupt the development of organs and systems in a child. In addition, the baby experiences allergic reactions, diarrhea, and intestinal disorders.
In any case, only a doctor can determine the advisability of consuming chicory with milk, taking into account possible contraindications and concomitant diseases.
As mentioned above, chicory for weight loss includes inulin. It has the property of slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates. As a result, you do not store fat. Chicory is a weight control agent. This plant does not allow calories to build up fat tissue. It also cleanses the blood, saturates it with oxygen, which affects the body and its ability to fight germs and viruses.
In order to get a noticeable effect, you need to reconsider your diet. It would be a good idea to reduce portion sizes, remove spicy and fatty foods from your diet, and reduce your consumption of sugar, salt, and hot spices. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the body’s water balance and drink at least two liters of water.
You can buy instant chicory at the pharmacy. Its calorie content is only 11 kcal per 100 g. For a glass of water you will need a teaspoon of root. Afterwards, the mixture must be boiled for 7 minutes over low heat, strain the broth and consume three times half an hour before meals. After you have opened the package of chicory, you need to pour it into a glass container with a lid. This is necessary because chicory loses its properties in a humid environment.
People who frequently drink coffee are harmful to their health, but giving up the habit is not so easy. There is an alternative option in the form of chicory root: it helps improve mood and invigorate. There are many opinions as to whether such a drink is healthy or unhealthy, especially if consumed with cream or milk.
Some people are mistaken in believing that a plant that grows like a weed is absolutely useless. Few people know that its root contains real treasures for the body, and these are not only vitamins. The useful sugar substitute inulin polysaccharide is also contained inside this plant. For those with diabetes, this drink is simply ideal.
Vigor and good mood come after drinking the drink due to the huge amount of proteins contained in the plant. Athletes and travelers who have to expend a lot of effort should definitely use chicory root.
The plant contains B vitamins, which are so necessary for the body, macro- and microelements, resins and organic acids that add value to the product. In addition, it is rich in protein and tannins.
The soluble powder normalizes the flora in the intestines, something that other drinks we are used to cannot boast of.
The number of calories depends on the amount of cream added, as well as sugar. On average, 100 ml contains 65 kcal, per 100 grams of product only 19 kcal. The easiest option is to use instant chicory with milk.
The root of the plant is sweet and can increase glucose levels in the blood.
How to properly prepare a drink from chicory?
The root powder has a woody aroma and an earthy, nutty flavor. However, improper preparation may degrade the properties of the product. Those who bought pieces of fried root need to grind the product into powder in advance. Next, you need to pour a tablespoon of the workpiece into a French press, pour boiling water (400 ml) and leave for a few minutes. You can drink chicory coffee with milk or honey.
Those who are just getting acquainted with a new drink may find the taste too bitter. Therefore, it is recommended to drink chicory drinks with milk at first. If you mix a freshly brewed coffee substitute with hot milk in a 1 to 1 ratio, you get a real Café au Lait. This is exactly how the French prepare chicory. You can enhance the taste and aroma with cinnamon, ground coriander, and nutmeg. The spices distract from the earthy flavor that not many people like.
If you like the taste of chicory, but are already tired of classically prepared drinks, you can make a cold cocktail. This drink will especially appeal to young children who love sweets.
Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 400 ml espresso;
- 400 ml brewed chicory;
- 1 teaspoon cardamom;
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon;
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg;
- 100 ml heavy cream (at least 33%);
- 50 grams of powdered sugar;
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar;
- 50 ml condensed milk.
First of all, you need to mix the coffee, chicory and dry spices in a French press. If you plan to give the drink to a small child, then the espresso can be diluted with water. Leave the workpiece in the French press for several hours.
Before serving, beat the cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and condensed milk. You should get a thick, viscous mass.
Place a few ice cubes in a glass, pour in the French press mixture (200 ml) and add a small amount of creamy topping. Mix well and consume immediately. After all, as soon as the ice begins to melt, the taste will become more watery.
Few people know, but chicory powder can be used not only for making drinks. The product can be added to yogurt, protein shakes, sauces and even soups. Thanks to this piquant addition, not only will the taste improve, but the amount of healthy fiber in your diet will also increase. After all, most people consume chicory again and again for the interesting taste and aroma, and not just for health reasons.
It will also be interesting
- Herbal hair dyes
- The benefits and uses of essential oils...
- Paneer
- The best products from The Face Shop brand
- Asparagus with spices
Beneficial features
Chicory root contains a lot of inulin for weight loss. This polysaccharide is an integral part of the diet of diabetics, as well as a substitute for starch and sugar. Inulin is found in the leaves and seeds of the plant. The calorie content of chicory in its raw form is 72 kcal per 100 g.
Inulin has a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive tract and metabolism. In addition, the root contains the glycoside intibin. This element relieves tachycardia, has a positive effect on the central nervous system, and dilates blood vessels. The plant also contains tannins, sugars, bitter resins, carotene, organic acids, vitamins C and B.
Chicory has antimicrobial and astringent properties. A decoction and tincture of the root improves digestion, appetite, and calms the nerves. Drinks also help dissolve gallstones, enhance metabolic processes, produce a choleretic effect, and increase blood flow in the liver. This plant is used to treat dysbacteriosis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, constipation, gastritis, dispersion.
The content of potassium and iron in the root of the plant has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. As a result, blood vessels dilate, heart function normalizes, and bad cholesterol is eliminated. In addition, chicory is recognized as effective in the fight against tachycardia, atherosclerosis, anemia, and coronary heart disease.
Today, chicory is known as an alternative to coffee. A cup of this drink has a general strengthening effect and gives a boost of energy. A mixture of parsley, chicory, celery, and carrot juices has a positive effect on the muscular system of the eyes.
If used externally, chicory treats skin diseases, old wounds, psoriasis, furunculosis, and eczema. Thanks to its drying effect, the plant quickly relieves inflammation. It is also used in cosmetology. It is added to rinses and shampoos and helps improve hair structure and accelerate hair growth.
The benefits of drinking a drink from the root of the plant are mainly associated with the presence of catalysts in its composition that can activate metabolic processes. This is one of the opportunities to lose a few kilograms without harm to your health. After drinking the drink, pectins eliminate the feeling of hunger - that’s why the calorie content is quite low.
Milk goes well with the product, but it is recommended to consume it after meals. A drink with chicory root will help increase hemoglobin, which is important for people with iron deficiency anemia.
Pancreatitis is a disease in which drinking coffee is strictly prohibited, but this rule does not apply to chicory. It can be used even when the disease is in remission in a chronic form, but not during an exacerbation.
Coffee made from the root of the plant can activate the immune system, maintain muscle tone and even strengthen blood vessels. It also contains carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps women look younger. The juice of this plant has a positive effect on the eye muscles, but it is not easy to obtain, so it is mixed with others, for example, carrot juice. A small portion of cream or milk added to the mug helps digest the drink.
Those with poor appetite are advised to consume chicory regularly, this especially applies to people with underweight. Often pregnant and nursing mothers are recommended to drink coffee from the root, which helps restore strength and improves lactation.
The plant is used not only as an excellent coffee substitute, but also as part of medications with the following properties:
- antimicrobial;
- choleretic;
- anti-inflammatory.
During periods when infectious diseases are especially active, the plant will help support the immune system and cope with increased body temperature.
Tinctures can be used for application to wounds, eczema and other skin conditions. They have a drying effect and quickly relieve inflammation. They have actively learned to use chicory in the cosmetics industry as part of hair washes and rinses that promote hair growth.
Drinking the drink is beneficial for pregnant women, but requires consultation with a specialist. The active components of chicory help the body quickly remove toxins from the body and fight constipation. This is one of the natural remedies that can cope with an attack of heartburn.
The benefits and harms of this plant for the human body border on each other, so it is important to know not only about the beneficial properties, but also about the contraindications.
Chemical composition of chicory
Inulin
Dehydrated chicory root, according to various studies, contains approximately 50 to 75% inulin, depending on seasonality. This is why chicory drink has such a pleasant sweetish taste.
Inulin is a polysaccharide, or more precisely, a polymer of fructose, a “spare” plant carbohydrate that is deposited by plants “in reserve” in case of unfavorable conditions. Like another storage polysaccharide - starch, inulin has a sweet taste, but (unlike starch) is not digested by enzymes in the human body. Thus, inulin does not have the disadvantages of sucrose, glucose and fructose, but can become a natural, harmless sweetener for those on a diet and for patients with diabetes.
Inulin improves metabolism, activates the process of reproduction of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microflora, thus being a prebiotic.
Cellulose
Like other plants, chicory contains a significant amount of fiber. It is necessary for the human body to maintain the health of the microbiota and the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Beta carotene
Beta-carotene is a pigment, a provitamin of vitamin A. It is known as an antioxidant and also has a strong immunostimulating and adaptogenic effect. Foods and medicines containing this substance promote wound healing.
Beta-carotene deficiency causes problems with twilight and night vision.
Folic acid
Folic acid is an important substance involved in the construction of new cells. It is necessary for the normal functioning of the bone marrow, in which active cell division occurs. Pregnant women also need folic acid for intrauterine development of the fetus.
Vitamins
- Vitamin C
. Ascorbic acid not only helps improve immunity, but is also vital for the functioning of connective and bone tissue. It is an antioxidant and participates in the normalization of redox processes.
- B vitamins
. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is necessary for the human body to maintain healthy skin, nails and hair. In addition, riboflavin is partially responsible for the formation of red blood cells and thyroid function. With a lack of vitamin B2, skin lesions, eye diseases (conjunctivitis, keratitis) and anemia may appear.
- Vitamin B5
(pantothenic acid) is needed by humans to stimulate the production of adrenal hormones, primarily cortisol, which is necessary to preserve the body's energy resources. The substance is also involved in the metabolism of fatty acids. - Vitamin B6
is involved in general metabolism. Needed for normal functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system.
- Vitamin A
(retinol) is involved in virtually all vital processes: the synthesis of connective tissues, cartilage and bones, the synthesis of muscle tissue proteins, the production of sex hormones, etc. It is also necessary for the production of rhodopsin pigment, necessary for normal eye function.
Minerals
- Potassium
. Participates in the normalization of water and acid-base balances in the body, supports the functioning of the heart muscle. Potassium deficiency can cause neuralgia and arrhythmia.
- Calcium
. The most common of minerals, it is an integral part of the skeleton and teeth. Calcium ions are also involved in blood clotting, regulation of the secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters.
- Selenium
. One of the most well-known properties of selenium is that it helps in the production of testosterone. In addition, the mineral is involved in the regulation of metabolism, in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and redox processes.
- Iron
. An important element for the functioning of the circulatory system. It is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, ferritin, myoglobin and other proteins. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia.
Effect of chicory for weight loss
Often on diets we lack the bitter taste. According to one nutritionist, even with sufficient protein and fiber intake, we can experience hunger because the diet lacks natural bitters. The last items on the regular menu include pickles, sausages, smoked meats, marinades, and black coffee.
And in the dietary menu, herbs can give bitterness, but we do not have a particularly developed culture of using them. And then chicory for weight loss saves us. One cup of this coffee substitute after a meal signals the end of a meal and allows you to maintain a feeling of fullness longer. In addition, this plant evens out sugar levels and fights the adverse effects of overeating fruits, sweets, and white flour products. This plant allows you not to experience strong changes in appetite while losing weight.
Benefits and harms
This aromatic drink made from milk and instant chicory is characterized not only by excellent taste, but also by a set of useful qualities. However, if you combine the ingredients used incorrectly and take the cocktail on an empty stomach, you may experience serious harm.
Did you know?
Coffee is consumed the most in Finland, where every adult consumes an average of 5 cups of the aromatic drink every day.
These positive and negative processes are determined by the reaction of the constituent components that interact, as well as the influence of the resulting compounds on the human body. Let's figure out how to prepare the drink, and what is more of it: benefit or harm.
Why is it useful?
Thanks to its unique chemical composition, chicory perennial is widely used for medicinal purposes. The herb is not medicinal, but is used in traditional medicine for:
- improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (especially with dyspepsia, gastritis, pancreatitis, eating disorders);
- stimulation of good appetite;
- normalization of blood sugar levels (in addition to chicory drink, salads from the young leaves of the plant are also recommended for diabetics);
- treatment of liver diseases (herbal decoctions and tinctures are indicated for liver enlargement, as well as for the prevention of cirrhosis);
- general strengthening of the body;
- relieving toothache;
- calming the nervous system and relaxation (relieving stress, elevating mood and vitality);
- improving the functioning of the kidneys and adrenal glands;
- cleansing the body of toxins, heavy metals and cholesterol;
- normalization of the sweat glands;
- establishing metabolic processes in the body;
- treatment of iron deficiency anemia;
- increased bile production;
- strengthening blood vessels;
- body rejuvenation;
- losing weight.
Important!
Chicory dissolved in warm water can be used to rinse hair. The product carefully cares for curls and improves their structure.
What harm
The beneficial properties of chicory are undeniable, but each body can react in its own way to an invigorating milk drink, and even more so if the rules for its preparation are violated. Doctors strongly recommend drinking such a cocktail after meals, and adding milk to the powder while preparing it, but not vice versa. Otherwise, unpleasant consequences are possible in the form of:
- allergic reactions (the ban on taking such drinks is especially important for expectant and nursing mothers);
- stomach upsets (to avoid this, chicory-milk drink should be introduced into your diet gradually in small portions);
- iron deficiency, which is associated with the properties of milk to impede the absorption of iron (the problem can be solved by switching to a plant-based or dry product);
- progression of duodenal and stomach ulcers (usually similar consequences occur when drinking a drink during an exacerbation of the disease);
- worsening breathing, choking (therefore, you are not allowed to indulge yourself with such a delicacy if you have asthma, bronchitis or a chronic cough);
- internal hemorrhages (they occur if you drink chicory with milk for varicose veins and other diseases of the circulatory system).
Important!
You need to harvest chicory roots in the fall. It is advisable to plan the collection of raw materials after heavy rain, which will make it easier to extract them from the softened soil. To do this, you need to dig up the plant and then pull it out by the top. If the ground is dry, instead of a long underground part, you will only get a short fragment of it.
Chicory for weight loss and cellulite
A cup of aromatic chicory is also an excellent remedy for combating cellulite:
- One cup of the drink contains about half the recommended daily intake of folic acid. This acid takes part in the formation of new cells. If there is enough folic acid in the body, the skin becomes fresher, its elasticity increases, and the appearance of cellulite decreases;
- a cup of the drink contains a third of the required daily amount of vitamin A, which protects the skin from infections, increases collagen production, relieves irritation, and improves the appearance of the skin;
- the drink is rich in vitamin C. It is recognized as a strong antioxidant and protects cells from the effects of free radicals. Vitamin C also takes part in the production of collagen, which makes the skin velvety, fresh, and also heals it;
- If you grind chicory root, it can be used for wraps and massage against cellulite. This plant relieves swelling, irritation, makes the skin velvety and soft.
Drink recipes
Having found out whether instant chicory powder is useful, as well as the intricacies of taking it with milk, we will understand the technique and methods of properly preparing the drink. To improve the blood formula and prevent anemia, traditional healers advise dissolving a dessert spoon of chicory in a glass of warm milk. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and drink after eating. For medicinal purposes, this drink is taken three times a day for 8–9 weeks. If you want to achieve a general strengthening effect, boil 200 ml of cow's milk, then pour a quarter teaspoon of chicory powder into it and stir until completely dissolved. If desired, you can sweeten the drink with 2 teaspoons of liquid honey. But you need to add the product when your cocktail has cooled down, because high temperatures have a detrimental effect on its composition. Well, in cases when you just want to satisfy your gastronomic needs with something tasty, pour 2 teaspoons of vegetable raw materials into 150 ml of boiling water, stir well and dilute with boiled milk.
To make the drink have a more pleasant taste and aroma, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top. As you can see, preparing chicory drink does not require complex ingredients, and if you follow the technological rules, it will improve your health. We hope our article helped you find answers to frequently asked questions.
Recipes with chicory for weight loss
We present to you a recipe that will help remove waste and toxins and lose weight: dissolve 2 tsp in half a glass of hot water. chicory. We drink this drink half an hour before meals three times a day.
The following recipe: grind 150 g of root, add 500 ml of water, put on fire and boil for half an hour. 30 minutes before a meal, drink 150 ml of the drink.
Soup recipe: pour 150 g of lettuce chicory with 150 ml of white wine, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, add 100 g of chopped champignons, 100 g of celery, 100 g of rice and one bell pepper.
A wonderful dish is made from fresh leaves of the plant: wash a bunch of greens, cut into pieces and fry in butter. The calorie content of chicory leaves is 23 kcal per 100 g.
Chicory inflorescences are not recommended for weight loss, as they increase appetite. Chicory for weight loss can be added to a variety of dishes. It affects weight loss and improves food quality.
Interesting facts about chicory
The popularity of chicory in the United States was facilitated by the Civil War of 1861–1865 between the Northern Union and the Southern Confederacy. The latter, especially Louisiana, were traditionally considered “coffee”: New Orleans was the second most important port city through which coffee traffic into the country passed. During the war, the port was blocked by northern troops, and residents were left without fresh coffee supplies. To save money, they added ground acorns or grains to the grains and then tried roasted chicory root. Over time, chicory with milk became a traditional urban drink, still served in Louisiana coffee shops to this day. By the way, all chicory produced in the United States is still produced in New Orleans.
In European fairy tales, chicory was credited with magical properties: it helped open any doors and windows, and made a person smeared with its juice invisible. Travelers tied chicory flowers to staffs to protect themselves from robbers and other obstacles on the road.
In Europe, a relative of ordinary chicory, endive (or lettuce chicory), which looks more like cabbage, is very popular. It is not used for drinks, but for adding to food. Endive is very popular in Mediterranean cuisine as an ingredient for salads.
However, chicory root powder can also be eaten: for example, added to muffin batter to add a slight nutty flavor.
*This material summarizes the best research on evidence-based medicine over the years. However, it is for informational purposes only and cannot be used as a direct guide to action. Before using chicory for medicinal purposes, consult a specialist.
Contraindications
Despite all the positive aspects, there are also contraindications. It should not be used by people with vascular diseases, varicose veins, asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, or liver diseases.
Mental problems are also a contraindication, since this plant can lead to depression, neurasthenia, and insomnia. Also, ascorbic acid in chicory can cause allergies.
Chicory root is not beneficial for everyone - there are categories of chronic diseases in which the use of this drink is strictly prohibited: it should not be introduced into the diet of patients with asthma and bronchitis, it is also contraindicated for varicose veins and impaired functioning of the heart muscle. Problems with the gallbladder will also become an obstacle to drinking the drink.
The first sign that this coffee substitute is not suitable for you is a rapid heartbeat, nausea and dizziness after a small amount. Although there are no cases of extremely negative effects on the human body, you can worsen your condition, so it is better to give up the drink altogether.
The harm depends on the individual characteristics of the body as a whole and specifically the gastrointestinal tract. If drinking milk causes discomfort, it can be replaced with a plant-based analogue. It is forbidden to drink the root with milk for people who:
- ulcer;
- haemorrhoids;
- allergy to vitamin C;
- constant cough.
How to choose chicory?
Having figured out how soluble chicory is useful and harmful for the body, and how much of the drink you can drink, it is recommended to purchase a package of the product “to try.” Powdered root is sold in regular grocery stores. However, unscrupulous manufacturers may mix crushed acorns and roasted barley into the raw materials. There will be no harm from such a drink, but the benefits are also very doubtful.
To fully appreciate the usefulness of the product, it is recommended to make purchases in trusted stores that can provide quality certificates. It is also necessary to check the composition. It is best to buy 100% root. Any impurities are permissible only if the buyer consciously pays for additional natural coffee in the composition.
