An alternative to coffee is chicory. It is very important that the root of the plant not only replaces coffee, but also has a positive effect on health.
What is chicory?
Chicory is a plant with oblong leaves, has a long dense root, extending deep into the ground. Mass cultivation of the plant began at the end of the 19th century, although information about it appeared in ancient Egypt.
Soluble chicory is a powdered substance that is obtained from roasted and shredded rhizomes of a plant. Quite often they are replaced by coffee. Chicory does not contain caffeine, so there is no adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels. To taste, chicory is very reminiscent of a replaceable drink.
The benefits and caloric chicory
Calorie content
The advantage of chicory is that it contains very few calories and can be included in a variety of diet programs. Per 100 g accounts for 72 kcal, and usually not more than two teaspoons are used, so the presence of this product in the diet will not affect the weight loss.
Chicory benefits
The root of the plant in question is healing. Useful properties due to the large number of vitamins and minerals in the composition, which contribute to the strengthening of the immune system. A daily intake of chicory helps resist the growth of microorganisms and improves metabolism. For men, the root is useful in that it contains a large amount of selenium, which promotes the production of testosterone.
Composed of:
- beta carotene;
- choline;
- vitamins E, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, PP, K, A;
- calcium;
- phosphorus;
- potassium;
- sodium;
- iron;
- magnesium;
- zinc;
- copper;
- selenium;
- manganese.
Drink based on the root will help lower blood glucose levels, normalize the pancreas. Often chicory is used as an antimicrobial and astringent. There is an unconfirmed opinion that the root suppresses the development of oncological processes.
Medicinal properties of chicory in various diseases
The root of this plant has many healing properties:
It soothes, as it contains elements that improve the functioning of the nervous system.- Relieves inflammation, has a sedative effect. Useful for diseases of the urinary system.
- Stimulates the liver, helps to eliminate toxins and toxic substances, has a choleretic effect.
- Useful in chronic inflammatory processes of the stomach, GERD.
- Improves calcium absorption, it has a positive effect on bone growth.
- Helps to lower blood pressure.
- Accelerates tissue regeneration.
It soothes, as it contains elements that improve the functioning of the nervous system.As well as chicory has a positive effect on the body in such diseases as:
- nephritis;
- anemia;
- scurvy;
- enterocolitis;
- hepatitis;
- cholecystitis;
- arthritis.
This is not the whole list of diseases in which the infusion of the root will be a good remedy added to the main treatment.
Application for weight loss
The composition of chicory is unique. There is no sugar in the instant drink, it is often recommended to drink to people with diabetes.
Inulin contained in the drink, promotes the intake of carbohydrates, reduces the desire to eat sweets, normalizes metabolism. Fiber gives a lasting feeling of fullness.
In order for chicory to promote weight loss, you need to adhere to several rules:
- drink 20 minutes before meals;
- do not take more than 4 cups per day;
- Do not add sugar or milk to the drink.
Infusion of the root normalizes intestinal microflora, appetite and carbohydrate metabolism.
Will chicory replace coffee?
Many people have come to understand that it is better to use chicory instead of coffee. And there are logical explanations for this:
A pack of instant chicory is cheaper than a coffee pack. This is due to the fact that the plant is easy to grow, it grows on almost any soil. Coffee is not grown in our country, and its import from other countries creates certain difficulties that affect the price.- The root of the plant contains many beneficial ingredients that make it curative. It is for these qualities that coffee is significantly inferior to it.
- Many people have contraindications to drinking coffee, so chicory is an appropriate substitute.
A pack of instant chicory is cheaper than a coffee pack. This is due to the fact that the plant is easy to grow, it grows on almost any soil. Coffee is not grown in our country, and its import from other countries creates certain difficulties that affect the price.Many are wondering if this drink can fully replace coffee. Manufacturers are making efforts to make the drink close to instant coffee. For these purposes, flavoring agents are used, and special production methods are used. Although the compositions of these drinks are quite different, both are considered energy drinks. Only vigor from chicory is achieved by inulin.
Perhaps coffee lovers will not be able to immediately fall in love with the bitter taste of chicory and they will miss the aroma of coffee.
To do this, at first you can add half a spoon of coffee and half a spoon of chicory to the mug, gradually reducing the dose of coffee. Also chicory goes well with milk or cream. Gourmet drink will turn out if you add to honey, ginger or cinnamon.
Preparation of soluble chicory beverage
The recipe of the drink based on chicory root:
- root need to grind;
- fry in a skillet;
- grind in a coffee grinder;
- pour boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
You can buy instant chicory in the store. On one glass of water you need to add an average of a teaspoon of powder.
In industry, the powder is made according to a specific scheme. The roots are washed, cleaned, crushed, then dried. After that, the powder is mixed with the necessary additives. This is followed by the concentration and packaging of the product.
There are several options for making a delicious drink with chicory at home.
With blueberries
This infusion is especially recommended for diabetics. Mix the chicory root, blueberries, burdock leaves and flax seeds. Pour boiling water, insist half a day.
With lemon
It will require lemon syrup, which can be made independently or purchased at the store. Add chicory, pour syrup, add honey for sweets. All pour boiling water. After cooling, you can add the juice of apples.
With rosehip
Mix chicory, wild rose, mint and juniper berries and pour boiling water over it. Insist a few hours, preferably in a thermos.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that chicory has a huge number of useful components and is recommended for many diseases, there are still contraindications for its use.
It is not recommended to use the drink for the following diseases:
- with neurosis;
- with bronchitis and bronchial asthma;
- with gastritis;
- with hemorrhoids;
- with varicose veins;
- those who are allergic to vitamin C;
- pregnant and lactating mothers.
Individual intolerance is very rare. It should be borne in mind that the beneficial vitamins that are contained in chicory, have limitations in the daily intake.
The benefit of chicory is obvious, and the advantage of the root of this plant over coffee is beyond doubt. Although this drink is considered a phytotherapeutic agent and is not a medicine, it is recommended for certain diseases. Chicory is sold not only in grocery stores in the departments of healthy nutrition, but also in pharmacies as part of various phyto-beverages.
