Have you ever heard of chicory? If not, you are missing out on some major health benefits. This distinctive perennial herb has been used throughout history to treat various ailments, and its healing properties have become increasingly popular in recent years. Highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds like polyphenols, chicory can help improve digestive function and naturally support overall vitality. In this blog post, we look at 7 amazing health benefits that come from adding chicory root to your diet. Read on to find out more!
-
Stimulation of digestion:
Chicory root is known for its ability to improve digestion, as well as reduce bloating and gas. The bitter compounds it contains can boost digestive activity, while its inulin content helps support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Chicory may also be helpful for people with constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other digestive issues.
-
Improved liver health:
Chicory contains certain compounds that may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins or medications. Studies have shown that chicory extract can reduce fat and cholesterol levels in the liver, as well as protect against liver damage caused by alcohol consumption or chemotherapy drugs.
-
Reduction of cholesterol levels:
Chicory root contains high levels of dietary fiber which is important for keeping cholesterol levels under control. Regular consumption of chicory may help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides, while improving HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).
-
Anti-inflammatory properties:
The active ingredients in chicory root have anti-inflammatory qualities that can be helpful in treating inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis, eczema, and acne. Clinical studies have shown that these compounds can reduce inflammatory markers in the body and promote healing of various skin conditions and joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
-
Cancer prevention:
Some research suggests that chicory may be effective in helping prevent certain types of cancer. Including breast cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, colon cancer and leukemia. Thanks to its antioxidant properties that fight free radicals in the body before they can damage healthy cells or cause DNA mutations that lead to cancer formation.
-
Better regulation of blood sugar:
By stimulating insulin secretion, chicory increases the body’s ability to react and balance glucose in the bloodstream. Additionally, chicory’s high levels of soluble fiber slow the breakdown of sugar and help lower cholesterol while providing long-lasting energy throughout the day.
-
Excellent brain function:
For anyone who wants to optimize their brain health, chicory is one of the most powerful herbs there is, as it has incredible vasodilating effects. These effects stimulate increased blood flow throughout the body and directly to the brain, improving its function by allowing an increased supply of oxygen. This oxygen supply helps improve reaction time, alertness and overall cognitive performance. Additionally, certain components of chicory may help reduce inflammation in brain cells, which may improve concentration and memory. So if you’re looking to boost your mental performance while supporting your overall health, chicory is a great option!
How to consume chicory to take advantage of all these benefits?
If you want to take advantage of the many health benefits of chicory, the best thing is to start incorporating it into your diet. You can soak chicory root in boiling water and use it as a coffee alternative or add it to salads to give it a nutty flavor. Roasted chicory root is also a great way to enhance any dish. Chicory is also available in tea, syrup and various tablet forms, which makes daily intake even easier. Each serving of chicory has many gut-healing benefits, making it a popular choice for natural health enthusiasts!