Chicory is a biennial plant whose root is used as a coffee substitute. The plant grows wild in meadows and roads. And the chicory flower blooms from July to September.
The root is the most useful part of the plant. It consists of 60% polysaccharide, which is used as a natural substitute for sugar and starch. Chicory contains vitamins B, C, iron, pectin, carotene, proteins, various resins, macro- and microelements. Due to the high content of nutrients, chicory has the property of calming the nervous system, giving strength, energy and vigor.
Since chicory contains a lot of iron, it is useful in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases: coronary artery disease, tachycardia, atherosclerosis, anemia. Potassium improves the functioning of the heart, slows down the rhythm, dilates blood vessels, and helps to remove excess cholesterol from the body.
Soluble chicory can relieve insomnia and fatigue.
With regular use of chicory, the work of the digestive system is normalized, namely the pancreas, stomach, intestines. The beneficial substances of chicory stimulate the development of beneficial intestinal microflora, reduce the risk of inflammation in the stomach.
Chicory has a choleretic, diuretic, astringent, antihelminthic, antipyretic effect. It affects the metabolic processes in the liver and improves them. Chicory helps dissolve gallstones.
Overweight children under two years of age are advised not to consume instant chicory.
Inulin is a natural sugar substitute found in chicory. That is why the product helps diabetics and those who are obese to lower blood sugar levels, normalize metabolic processes and normalize body weight.
Chicory is good for both adults and children. It can be consumed by pregnant women in reasonable amounts.
Chicory tastes very similar to coffee. However, this product does not contain caffeine at all. Therefore, the stimulating effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems is not observed. Chicory cannot completely replace the aroma and taste of coffee. Therefore, there is such a compromise: put half a teaspoon of instant chicory in your morning cup of your favorite coffee. Excellent taste and health benefits!
Experienced housewives use a teaspoon of chicory to significantly improve the taste of homemade cakes. The product is added to salads with yogurt, carrots and apples.
It is useful to treat the skin after acne and rash with a mixture of milk, honey and chopped chicory root. Perform this procedure every day until the acne is completely healed. A decoction of chicory and fennel can be used for eczema. 1 tbsp chopped chicory root and 2 tsp. pour fennel with one glass of boiling water. Insist for an hour. Strain the broth. Lubricate the skin with the remains of the herb 1 time a day, and drink the broth.
When consuming chicory, you need to know when to stop: do not drink five cups of this drink a day. The accumulation of nutrients by the body in large quantities can have the opposite effect. Consult your doctor about the use of chicory if you suffer from hemorrhoids, varicose veins, or vascular disease.
