Is it true that chicory is a good and healthy substitute for instant coffee? Chicory - medicinal properties and contraindications Chicory drink benefits and harms beneficial properties.

Having appeared on the market relatively recently, instant chicory has already found its admirers. The product perfectly cleanses the body, strengthens vitality and even helps get rid of some ailments. However, it is not equally beneficial for everyone. To help you decide whether to include this drink in your daily menu, we have prepared for you complete information about its beneficial and possible harmful properties.

Composition of the product

Powder poured with boiling water is the best alternative to regular coffee. This natural concentrate does not contain food additives, dyes or other harmful components. It is made using a special technology: the root of the plant is fried, then dried and ground to a powder. Before use, the concentrate is diluted to taste in boiled water. In its color, aroma and taste, this drink is very similar to classic natural coffee.

This plant powder is often mixed with ground coffee to create an even richer coffee drink. Thanks to chicory, the properties of coffee are improved and the price is reduced. At the same time, there is not a single gram of caffeine in drinking from the root, therefore it is recommended in cases where the consumption of caffeine-containing products is undesirable.

Sometimes this plant powder is used as a seasoning for certain dishes. The underground part (root) of the plant is a whole storehouse of compounds essential for internal organs. The powdered product includes useful micro- and macroelements (calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron and others), protein and tannins, organic acids, resins, and pectin.

The soluble powder contains the following organic substances:

• carotene;
• a nicotinic acid;

The root also contains the polysaccharide inulin and the glycoside intibin. Concentration of useful inulin in the dried root of the plant is about 60-75%. Low-calorie inulin provides drinking with a characteristic sweetness (this substance is absent in popular coffee and tea). Therefore, the use of such a drink allows a person to partially refuse sugar. To soften the bitterness of the plant, very little granulated sugar is required, many do not add it at all. As for intibina, then it is thanks to this glycoside that the drink has an original, slightly bitter taste.

Did you know? The military in ancient timeswas chicoryThere is one romantic legend associated with it.Pred-hairedwarriorsto battle,their wives and brides tied the root of this herb to the weapon. Women believed that the miracle rootwill help defeat the most powerful opponent, andwill return their loved ones home safe and sound.

Calorie content and nutritional value

The ground root of the plant is characterized by low energy value. This indicator is usually calculated based on the concentration of kilocalories in 100 grams of the product. Chicory powder contains 11 kilocalories.

Nutritional value (per 100 grams of powder):

• - 0.1 g;
• carbohydrates - 2.8 g;
• fats - 0 g.

How it is useful and how it affects the body

Due to the fact that chicory root is recyclable, the properties of the powder are slightly different from ordinary root. However, most of the important qualities are retained. The concentrate is popular not only because of its taste, but also due to its therapeutic and prophylactic properties. Due to the unique composition of the product, its consumption leads to the following favorable changes in the body:

• protects from stress, relieves fatigue;
• promotes vasodilation, stabilizes the functions of the heart muscle;
• normalizes the efficiency of the digestive tract, eliminates toxins from the intestines;
• promotes the removal of poisons, has a positive effect on the liver;
• useful for the hematopoietic system, lowers the concentration of glucose in the blood;
• accelerates metabolic processes, promotes weight loss;
• strengthens the body's defense system;
• produces a stimulating effect.

Did you know? The famous ancient scientist and physician Avicenna used chicory in his practice for the treatment of stomach ulcers,gout,eye diseases. He believed that this plant "opens blockages in the vessels", helps with arrhythmia. And the scientist called a drink from chicory root an excellent way to quench thirst.

Is it possible to have chicory

For children

The product is useful not only for the adult body, but also for children's health. The concentrate increases the child’s appetite, supplies the body with organic substances, improves immunity, and calms the child. The powder has antiphlogistic, antimicrobial, and high body temperature-lowering properties. The drink is recommended from the age of one, for this reason it is often included in the menu of kindergartens and nurseries. However, it is advisable to introduce this product into your baby’s diet with caution.
To prevent allergies, try first pouring just a little powder into warmed milk and monitor the child’s body’s reaction. If no unexpected phenomena are observed, the portion can be gradually increased. After 3-4 years, the portion of the product can be increased to a teaspoon per day. You can offer your child a cool drink with honey or citrus juice. The powder is also useful to take with milk (lactic acids will be better absorbed). You cannot give a drink:

• children under 1 year old;
• for lung problems;
• with a predisposition to excess weight;
• with individual sensitivity.

Important!When purchasing a product, carefully examine the original packaging. A good powder should be made from the natural root of the herb, and not from an extract.

Pregnant

A woman expecting a baby is forced to radically change her usual diet, in particular, give up coffee. In this case, instant chicory comes to the rescue. Doctors themselves often recommend that pregnant women consume this soluble raw material. One cup of drink in the morning helps relieve nausea in the early stages, and in the later stages it relieves congestion in the body.

The product normalizes the emotional state, has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems, supports the spleen and liver, eliminates toxins from the body, and copes with constipation, heartburn and nausea. Chicory helps prevent anemia in expectant mothers. Plus, it is a source of vitamins, organic acids and healthy inulin.
However, this product has its limitations for pregnant women. Chicory slightly dilates blood vessels, so if you have varicose veins or hemorrhoids, it is better to avoid it. And due to its tonic properties, the root is contraindicated for gastritis or ulcers. This plant is known to worsen coughs, so if you have a cold, it is better to give preference to other drinks. Also keep in mind that the plant stimulates the appetite and can lead to unwanted weight gain.

Nursing

Despite the undeniable benefits of the plant, expert opinions about its benefits for nursing mothers vary. Adherents of a strict diet during breastfeeding often insist on the ban. However, it has already been proven that there is no need for such restrictions; the main thing is not to abuse this concentrate. Therefore, this soluble raw material can be drunk by nursing women.

Important! An obstacle to consuming chicory powder is a child’s allergy to plants of this family.Therefore, to begin with, consume the drink in small amounts and monitor the child’s reaction. If the baby does not experience any allergic reactions, you can safely increase the portion.

Contraindications and harm of soluble chicory

Chicory, the harm of which may be associated with very beneficial ingredients in its composition, must be consumed with caution. For health and prevention purposes, it is enough to drink a couple of cups a day. Excessive consumption can lead to digestive disorders, diarrhea, bloating and flatulence.
Soluble raw materials should not be consumed by people with a number of chronic diseases or impaired body functions:

• peptic ulcer or inflammation of the gastric mucosa (may aggravate the situation);
• asthma or inflammation of the bronchial mucosa;
• 2 or 3 degree swelling of peripheral veins under the skin (chicory has a vasodilating effect);
• hemorrhoids (may lead to bleeding);
• problems with the gallbladder;
• the presence of cardiovascular pathologies.

Important! If you have been diagnosed with chicory intolerance, then an unpleasant reaction to the concentrate from its root will also occur. After drinking the drink, you may experience rapid heartbeat, body weakness, dizziness, or nausea. Sometimes aAllergy manifests itself in the form of rashes, swelling and itching on the skin.Any unwantedthe reaction should be a reason to exclude this product from the diet.

Chicory is a plant for everyone. Its taste and aroma are specific. But if you like this product, then it will be a wonderful helper for maintaining health.

Most people know chicory as a coffee substitute. Indeed, this plant does not contain caffeine, and the drink tastes like natural coffee. Consumption of chicory has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart muscle and gastrointestinal tract, and the drink is even allowed to be consumed by people with hypertension.

Chicory is classified as a composite flower and perennial representative of the flora. It is a wild flower that can be blue, white or pink.

The flower is widespread in Australia, North Africa, America and Europe. Botanists identify about 10 plant species, but only 2 are cultivated:

1. ordinary;
2. salad.

There are many more chicory-based products on sale:

• ground, from roots;
• chopped and fried root fragments;
• concentrate obtained by extraction;
• instant drink produced by sublimation.

In any form, the plant not only resembles coffee, but also improves mood and invigorates.

Instant chicory

An instant drink is made from the roots by drying them. After this, the remaining moisture is removed by extraction. Then the chicory is sifted and packaged.

The benefits of consuming instant and ground chicory are the same. Both products have a pleasant aroma and excellent taste, and the preparation method for both is exactly the same.

Chicory composition and calorie content, beneficial properties

Chicory contains a unique substance - inulin. About 75% of this substance is found in the root part of the plant. It is a true polysaccharide that is widely used in the diet of diabetics.

In addition, the plant contains 12 of the most beneficial vitamins for human health:

1. antioxidant beta-carotene;
2. anti-aging vitamin E;
3. a substance that prevents neurological pathologies – thiamine;
4. liver cleansing choline;
5. ascorbic acid, which strengthens the immune system;
6. vitamin that helps improve the structure of the skin B5;
7. pyridoxine, which helps cope with fatigue and depression;
8. riboflavin, which stimulates cell regeneration;
9. vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting;
10. a substance that allows you to convert incoming substances into energy - vitamin PP;
11. retinol, which helps improve vision;
12. folic acid, useful for the formation of the baby’s bone and nervous system.

But these are not all the beneficial substances contained in the plant. It contains phosphorus, selenium, dietary fiber and more. The calorie content of chicory is very low - 23 units.

Benefits of chicory for women

The main benefit of the plant for women is that it helps keep the skin in excellent condition, as it contains magnesium and potassium, which help restore collagen fibers.

For older women, chicory is useful because it can replace an ordinary cup of coffee without increasing blood pressure.

If you rinse your hair with chicory, it will become silkier and grow faster. A drink consumed internally will have the same effect.

Benefits of chicory for men

Chicory cannot be called an aphrodisiac; the plant has virtually no effect on potency. But it will help reduce the level of irritability and improve blood flow to the genitals. The plant helps cope with swelling and prevents congestion in the pelvic organs.

The plant is useful for single men who eat irregularly and mostly “wrong” food. Against this background, digestive problems appear, and almost all organs suffer. It is chicory that will improve the functioning of the whole body. Just do not drink too strong drinks from this plant, as they will stimulate heart palpitations.

Consumption of chicory during pregnancy and breastfeeding

In an interesting situation, women can easily replace coffee and tea with a chicory drink. It will help raise tone to the proper level in the morning, cleanse the intestines and relieve the woman of swelling. In addition, the drink helps many women cope with nausea and constant mood swings.

There are practically no contraindications for use during preparation for childbirth, of course, if there is no allergy to this plant. The second important point is that the plant contains a lot of vitamin C. This is a useful substance, but in large quantities it can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus.

The drink is not recommended for consumption during lactation. This is due to the fact that most women note a decrease in the amount of milk after drinking the drink. There is also a risk that chicory, which enters the baby’s body with mother’s milk, will cause him to become overexcited or provoke an allergic reaction. So while a woman is breastfeeding, it is better to avoid this product altogether.

Can chicory be consumed by children?

The introduction of chicory drinks into children's diets is allowed from 3 years of age. The drink will help strengthen the immune system, remove toxins and improve the baby’s mood. Chicory allows you to quickly cope with a cold and improve metabolic processes.

It's no secret that many kindergartens provide such a drink. Mothers should not worry, it will not cause harm, the main thing is that the child does not have an allergic reaction to this plant.

Is chicory good for weight loss?

Since ancient times, chicory has been used as a means to maintain a slim figure. The plant allows you to remove toxins from the body and cleanse the blood, thereby stimulating the process of weight loss.

To normalize intestinal function and get rid of extra pounds, you can prepare the drink according to a very simple recipe. Dilute 1 teaspoon of roots in half a liter of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. Then infuse and after cooling, drink 100 ml before each meal. The main thing is not to forget that the product must be used 30 minutes before eating. In addition, a drink prepared according to this recipe will cleanse the liver and get rid of excessive sweating.

Consumption of chicory for diabetes

People have long realized that chicory should be present in the diet of diabetics. It contains insulin-like substances that help lower blood sugar levels. You don’t even have to drink the drink; you can consume a small amount of the roots, for example, add them to a salad.

In addition, chicory thins the blood and prevents sudden glycemic spikes.

The following recipe has long been used in folk medicine: 20 g of ground roots are diluted in 250 ml of hot water. The mixture should be infused for 15 minutes. Then drink a tablespoon about 4-5 times throughout the day.

How to take chicory for medicinal purposes

For therapeutic purposes, a tincture from the flowers of the plant is used to normalize metabolism and as a choleretic agent.

Leaves and stems are most often found in herbal teas. Juice is made from fresh shoots of the plant, which is used to treat anemia. The roots are used to obtain inulin, which is needed to make pharmaceuticals.

For an inflamed spleen, make a tincture. To prepare it, 3 g of root is diluted in hot water (500 ml), left for 35 minutes and drunk 1 tablespoon 3 times throughout the day.

To treat skin diseases and allergic reactions, a decoction is made from the root powder. Boil 1 tablespoon in 500 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes, cool naturally. Use one spoon 3 times a day. The same solution is used to wipe the damaged areas of the skin.

At high pressure, 2 tablespoons of crushed roots are boiled in two glasses of water for about half an hour. After preparation, consume 2 times a day, 50% of the resulting decoction.

Chicory harm and contraindications

Despite the apparent absolute benefits of chicory, it is still not recommended for use in the presence of diseases of the stomach and intestines. It is unacceptable to use chicory in the presence of varicose veins, hemorrhoids and vascular pathologies.

The plant should not be consumed if asthma or bronchitis is diagnosed.

How to select and store

It’s sad to admit, but ground chicory is very often counterfeited. To check the quality of the powder, a small amount is diluted with water and a drop of iodine is added. If a purple tint appears, it means the powder contains ground grains.

If the powder is too light or has a too dusty structure, it means that the manufacturer is unscrupulous and has added maltodextrin to the product.

The ground product is stored in a glass container in a dark place.

Good afternoon, dear readers! Soluble chicory is produced from the roots of the plant of the same name, a perennial weed that grows everywhere in all latitudes. The prevalence of the roadside weed does not in any way affect its healing properties, of which it has plenty.

Especially, chicory preparations have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, improving the activity of the stomach and intestines. And extracts of the root of this plant activate the tone of the body, stimulating the nerve endings of the gastrointestinal tract, which makes a person feel a surge of additional strength and energy. That's why it is used instead of coffee. Today in the article, the beneficial properties and contraindications of soluble chicory, its composition and benefits for the body.

Soluble chicory beneficial properties and contraindications

Although this plant is considered a weed, its leaves and especially its roots contain useful chemicals, vitamins, and organic compounds that people successfully use for their health.

Read the article: composition features and health benefits.

What does chicory powder contain?

Inulin. The roots from which the powder is produced contain from 40 to 45% inulin polysaccharide. Inulin , it is a sweet carbohydrate consisting of polysaccharide residues and, like starch, serves as a reserve carbohydrate for the body. But it is not digested by intestinal enzymes.

Therefore, it is classified as a dietary fiber. Inulin is a good nutritional medium for bacteria living in the intestines, which are called prebiotics. You can read about the role of prebiotics for the body in the article, which talks about the difference between probiotics and prebiotics.

It has a sweet taste and is used in the food industry to replace sugar, so the drink is not contraindicated for diabetics.

Proteins are present performing not only a structural and mechanical function, maintaining the shape of the cell, but are also an important part of human nutrition. They supply the body with all the necessary amino acids that participate in the biosynthesis of its own proteins or are broken down into energy. Therefore, the drink gives strength and vigor. Watch the video of chicory benefits and harm.

Glycoside intibin , which gives the drink a characteristic bitterness, accelerates the process of oxidative reactions in the plant. And for humans it plays an important role in the breakdown of fats.

Tannins present, having astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

organic acids (apple and oxalic, benzoin and milk). Which maintain acid-base balance in the body, improve the functioning of the digestive tract, reducing the risk of diseases.

Group of vitamins consisting of:

• thiamine, which ensures smooth functioning of the heart and contributes to the normal state of the nervous and digestive systems;
• carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant that slows down early cell aging and helps strengthen the immune system.
• riboflavin, which supports the healthy state of all integumentary organs (skin, hair, nails), the functioning of the thyroid gland and the reproductive system;
• ascorbic acid, which stimulates the immune system, helps strengthen blood vessels and maintain muscle tone;

The benefits and harms of instant chicory

Powdered chicory is considered the best substitute for natural coffee. Because it is a product of natural origin and does not include preservatives or dyes. Of course, during the production process, some of the beneficial substances of the root are still lost, but most of them are still present.

The drink, for its beneficial properties and health-improving effects on the body, finds its admirers and is a therapeutic and prophylactic drink.

Useful properties for the body

Many people replace coffee with soluble chicory, for whom the caffeine it contains is harmful. And this is perhaps the most significant benefit it brings. What is good for the body:

Scientists have confirmed that the drink has a mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. It stimulates metabolism and activates the secretion of bile.

Benefits of soluble chicory: help improve the functioning of the digestive organs, delivering food in the form of the prebiotic inulin for bifidobacteria and intestinal lactobacilli.

Inhibits the process of fermentation and decay of food, improves intestinal motility, eliminates bile stagnation, promotes timely bowel movement, and eliminates heartburn. A small amount of dietary fiber, very gently absorbs excess liquid.

There is a tonic effect on the nervous system and an increase in energy potential, without harmful effects on blood vessels and heart muscle. This is facilitated by the vitamins, polysaccharide and glycoside contained in the drink. Especially inulin, which softens the existing bitterness of this drink and allows you to drink it without adding sugar, which is important for diabetics and when losing weight.

Contraindications and possible harm of soluble chicory

The information found about chicory and drinks prepared from it is very contradictory, as well as about instant chicory. Some sources speak only about benefits, while others, on the contrary, place more emphasis on harm and contraindications.

But still, people who decide to drink the drink constantly should consult their doctor, because sources indicate that the contraindication is:

• stomach ulcer and gastritis in the acute stage,
• hemorrhoids,
• unstable human psyche,
• prone to allergic reactions.

The drink helps to dilate blood vessels. And this property can be harmful to people with varicose veins or hemorrhoids. But for colds, it can activate the cough reflex.

Drinking too much of the drink can harm your health, manifesting itself in flatulence and indigestion. If your body is overly sensitive, you should first listen to yourself and your well-being. At the first sign of health problems: palpitations, dizziness or nausea, you should stop using this product and consult a doctor.

What are the benefits of instant chicory for women?

The female body, having the main feature of conceiving and bearing a child, always requires more careful care and attention. Therefore, when using herbal preparations, one should ask the question: is it harmful to the body, is it safe to drink, especially for pregnant women.

Chicory is not contraindicated for pregnant women; on the contrary, it is considered useful during pregnancy, because drinking coffee during this period is not recommended.

A drink made from chicory will help you cheer up, gain additional strength and energy, and provide support for the functioning of internal organs, especially the gastrointestinal tract, which is why it is sometimes even prescribed during pregnancy and when breastfeeding a child.

It significantly alleviates the symptoms of nausea and heartburn. And it is an excellent opportunity to replenish your body with an additional portion of vitamins and acids.

But at the same time, do not forget about contraindications, they remain the same as for everyone.

Is there any benefit for losing weight?

Nutritionists have specially developed a system for losing weight for women using chicory; it is believed that this requires long-term use, up to six months, with the exception of chocolate and coffee.

How much can you drink per day and how to drink it? When taking a drink medicinally, you should follow some rules. You should consume chicory 30 minutes before meals; you can take up to four cups a day. Calorie content of chicory is 11 kcal per coffee cup.

Fat burning, according to experts, occurs due to the content of inulin and intibin. In the presence of inulin, the processes of breakdown of sugar and glucose are accelerated, and intibin helps the breakdown of fats and their absorption, so that there is no longer any left for “reserve”. The bitterness of intibine, however, slightly increases appetite and this shows its harmful effect for those who want to lose weight. Watch a video on this topic:

A drink made from chicory serves as an excellent preventative against constipation and dysbacteriosis; the fiber it contains, being a breeding ground for beneficial intestinal bacteria, promotes their proliferation.

What is useful chicory soluble for men

It is no secret that men pay less attention to their health compared to women. A drink from a soluble powder, in this case, will play a double favor. They can and should replace coffee, especially for middle-aged and older men, when internal organs need support.

After all, the drink can be taken several cups a day and it not only acts as a prophylactic agent, but also as a therapeutic one. As noted above, it has a beneficial effect on the work of the digestive tract. This feature is important for men of all ages and even for students who sometimes forget about breakfast.

And this natural remedy, with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which have a beneficial effect on the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, accelerates the development of beneficial bifidobacteria, and normalizes intestinal function.

Thiamine helps the heart, blood vessels, and strengthens the nerves. And the absence of caffeine will help normalize sleep.

Is it possible to give the drink to children?

The drink will also be useful for children. It is recommended to include it in food for children after 2 years of age. Be sure to check your child’s reaction to allergic manifestations. Start with small doses, literally a few teaspoons, and preferably in the morning, so that you can monitor your child throughout the day.

How to drink a drink for a child. If no side effects occur, you can gradually increase the amount of drink, bringing it to a full cup by age 3. At the same time, taking into account and adhering to this dosage: one teaspoon of tea powder per 150 ml of water.

If you prefer, you can add fresh fruit and herb juice, milk, honey or a lemon slice, as well as sugar to the drink. The drink stimulates appetite well and increases the child’s body’s resistance to disease.

• up to two years,
• if your child tends to gain weight,
• taking into account individual intolerance,
• for diseases of the respiratory system, especially the lungs.

Which is better, powdered or chicory extract?

The best thing, in my opinion, is ground and roasted chicory from the roots. But today we are talking about soluble, which is made by extracting and drawing all useful substances into liquid.

This liquid is the basis for the production of extract and powder:

• after slight evaporation, at a temperature of 60-100 degrees, a viscous extract is obtained,
• and after spray drying, at a temperature of 150 degrees - dry soluble powder.

Which is better, soluble or liquid? The taste of two products obtained from the same base is slightly different, but the nutritional value is almost the same. Unless you take into account the temperature of food processing, the higher the temperature, the less useful.

But it still exists and the most important one is the absence of caffeine in the prepared product. Doctors recommend using extract and soluble powdered chicory for the prevention of diseases and for existing diseases: diabetes and stomatitis, asthma and bronchitis, anemia and gastrointestinal diseases, heart disease and nervous exhaustion.

How to choose and where to buy a useful product

When choosing a product, pay attention to the packaging; it should indicate that it is made from natural chicory. Sometimes manufacturers add cereal powder.

This powder is prepared from 100% root; GOST R 55512-2013 and a hologram must be written on the packaging. You can buy packages in any supermarket at prices ranging from 80 rubles and above. It all depends on the manufacturer, packaging of the product, weight, distance from the capital and natural beneficial additives in the form of ginseng, rose hips, blueberries and hawthorn, hazelnuts, stevia and sea buckthorn.

The product is intended for preparing cold and hot drinks, which just need to be dissolved in boiling water. It is highly hygroscopic, so it should be stored in airtight packaging and only use a dry spoon.

I like a drink with milk . I read somewhere that these two products form synergy, enhancing each other’s properties. Preparing such a drink is easy and simple; a teaspoon of powder is dissolved in 100 ml of water and 50 ml of milk is added. The drink is very tasty when served warm.

Chicory is a soluble, healthy product, study its beneficial properties and if you have no contraindications, enjoy this drink to your heart’s content.

Health to you, dear readers!

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Coffee, like tea, in large quantities causes adverse effects: removal of iron, vitamins, microelements, which leads to anemia, deterioration of hair and nails.

How to replace tea and coffee, such familiar drinks in everyday life? One such substitute is chicory. Chicory is a plant of the Asteraceae family. Especially common in Altai and Western Siberia.

Chicory root powder, which can be up to 15 meters long, is used as an alternative to coffee. A drink made from chicory root resembles natural coffee in taste; however, unlike it, it does not contain caffeine and is very healthy.

Useful properties of soluble chicory

Rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, pectin, carotene, organic acids, micro- and macroelements, tannins and protein substances, essential oils, mineral salts. It has a wide range of therapeutic effects on the body.

What is useful chicory for the body:

When used rationally, it is useful for adults. Pregnant women and children - at the discretion of the doctor.

Chicory inulin - what is it?

Chicory contains inulin (up to 60%)– a polymer of fructose, an organic substance, a natural antagonist of sugar. Reduces blood glucose. The properties of inulin (fructosan) promote the use of chicory in the treatment of diabetes mellitus as an adjuvant.

What is the benefit of inulin in chicory, besides its effect on sugar? Inulin is a type of fiber that serves as food for bifidobacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This normalizes the intestinal microflora, eliminating problems associated with stool disorders (treatment of constipation).

Inulin stimulates the absorption of minerals and vitamins, improving metabolism.

To prepare a drink from instant chicory, add hot water to it and let it brew (200 ml of water per a couple of teaspoons of powder). Do not overdo it with sugar, since the drink that replaces coffee itself has a sweet taste.

Chicory drink as a coffee substitute

How much instant chicory can you drink per day?

There are no official recommendations regarding frequency or duration of use. Individual characteristics are taken into account here. Some say no more than 100 grams and no more than 2 cups per day. It is better to drink in the first half of the day.

Milk makes it difficult to absorb iron. Instead of cow's milk, vegetable milk is added. If, after all, “coffee lovers” cannot do without caffeine, then you can add a fifth of natural coffee to the instant drink. This measure will allow you to gradually get rid of addiction.

Varieties of chicory: ground (for making a drink, made from roasted root) and liquid chicory (concentrated extract).

Ground instant chicory

Instant chicory should not contain lumps. Must have a bitter taste and come in sealed packaging. Flavorings are not allowed in the composition, as they reduce the beneficial properties. Natural plant extracts (for example, ginger or rose hips) are allowed as additives. You can improve the taste by adding lemon or honey, however, this will affect the calorie content.

Liquid chicory extract has the highest concentration of beneficial substances. It is more difficult to counterfeit and easy to store. It is drunk diluted in cases of increased excitability, to combat anxiety, and is also added to confectionery products as a flavoring agent.

Soluble chicory is not inferior to decoction in terms of useful properties.

Who should not drink chicory?

Despite the content of a lot of useful substances, the question arises: can chicory be harmful? Excessive consumption of it can be harmful to health. Consultation with your attending physician is necessary.

Contraindications for chicory:

• Vascular diseases, varicose veins,... Contraindications also include gastritis and peptic ulcers. It is worth taking into account individual intolerance to components, especially vitamin C.
• Too large amounts harm the liver. Sometimes it can increase appetite and lead to overstimulation. Not recommended for people prone to agitation.
• Chicory should not be drunk if you have asthma, bronchitis, or cough, as it may make the cough worse. Avoid drinking if your blood pressure is low.
• Large quantities are not allowed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Given the choleretic effect, use caution in the presence of gallstones.

How much instant chicory you can drink per day without harm depends on your initial state of health, individual characteristics and the presence of contraindications. Once considered a weed, chicory has now gained great popularity as a dietary supplement due to its numerous medicinal properties.

Anyone who embarks on the path to leading a healthy lifestyle thinks, first of all, about changing their diet and eliminating frankly harmful foods from their menu. But if everything is clear with food - eliminate fatty foods, flour, semi-finished products, then difficulties often arise with the choice of healthy drinks. This is especially true for coffee lovers, because is it really possible to replace it with something? It turns out that it is possible. A healthy alternative to coffee and many other invigorating drinks is chicory.

What is chicory? Where does it grow, how is it collected and processed? What effect does it have on the body? Does chicory have medicinal properties and are there any contraindications for its use? After reading this article, you will stop asking yourself such questions and, for sure, will be convinced of the benefits of chicory drinks.

Chicory - what is it?

This is, indeed, a plant, and one that is familiar to almost all of us. Remember the tall bushes with stiff stems and small blue flowers growing along roadways, in fields, and even in the city on any neglected lawn? This is chicory. More precisely, one of its types is common chicory. And its second variety, best known to housewives, is the so-called radicchio salad: crispy and piquant. A cultivated biennial subspecies of chicory is grown for salad form, and a perennial, “weedy” subspecies is grown for drinks and seasonings. Although it is difficult to call it a weed - after all, chicory began to be grown in Russia back in 1880. It continued to be cultivated in the Soviet Union. Nowadays, although in much smaller quantities, chicory is grown in farms and agricultural enterprises. The food industry uses mainly the root of the plant. So, for salads and main courses it is used as a culinary additive. In the confectionery industry it is a natural coffee flavoring. Finally, roasted ground chicory root is used as the base for a delicious, healthy drink.

It is worth noting that among European countries, France ranks first in terms of the volume of cultivation and consumption of chicory. French chicory is highly valued among lovers of this product. Although it is worth noting that the first handwritten recipe for a drink made from chicory root was found in the Italian city of Padua and dates back to 1600. And only in 1780 this drink appeared in France, creating a real boom: the new “coffee” instantly found many fans. Thus, in France during the reign of Napoleon, chicory consumption was higher than coffee consumption. Then it was called “Prussian coffee”, and in the 19th century it began to be called “Indian coffee”.

What are the benefits of chicory for the body? The root of the plant (which, by the way, reaches 15 meters in length) contains a lot of different useful substances, vitamins and compounds. First of all, of course, inulin, thanks to the high concentration of which chicory has a beneficial effect on metabolism and the digestive system. In addition to inulin, the root contains B vitamins, tannins, carotene, organic acids and many macro- and microelements. In instant chicory, all these beneficial substances are preserved, since the chicory drink powder is made from a dried root extract that has not been chemically processed.

In recent years, however, unscrupulous manufacturers, moving towards reducing the cost of the final product, began to use low-quality raw materials or even mix chicory with carbohydrates and other components, significantly reducing the beneficial properties of the drink. To protect consumers from such counterfeits, the Research Institute of Food Concentrate Industry and Special Food Technology of the Russian Agricultural Academy developed GOST R 55512-2013 “Natural instant chicory”. It will come into force on January 1, 2015.

Types of chicory

As already mentioned, the main raw material for all chicory products is the rhizome of the plant. Depending on the method of its processing, different versions of the final product are obtained. There are only three main types:

• Liquid chicory. This is a concentrated extract, a kind of “extract” from the root of the plant. Liquid chicory is added as a flavoring to confectionery and savory sauces, and is also drunk diluted as a remedy for insomnia and increased nervous excitability.
• Ground chicory. To produce this product, chicory rhizomes are washed, dried, or rather, roasted in the oven or in special ovens, and then ground into powder. The drink is made by infusing hot or cold water on the powder. The use of such an infusion helps to improve attention, normalize the functioning of the intestines and bile ducts.
• Soluble chicory. Perhaps the most difficult to prepare: in order to obtain soluble chicory, the plant root extract is placed in special spray dryers, from which the powder comes out. Instant chicory is essentially the same natural product as ground or extracted chicory, but there are some benefits to using it. It does not need to be infused for a long time, like ground chicory, and it is much more convenient to store than liquid, and besides, the shelf life of soluble chicory does not expire so quickly.

What are the benefits of chicory?

Although some of the medicinal properties of chicory were mentioned above, they should be discussed separately. This product is a godsend not only for fans of traditional folk medicine, but also for those who do not trust “old-fashioned methods” too much: the benefits of chicory are difficult to overestimate. The substances contained in the drink will be useful, first of all, in the following cases:

• for patients with diabetes and obesity. At the peak of the ripening season, chicory rhizome contains up to 75% inulin - a plant polysaccharide, which is often used as a natural sweetener (only it has very little sweetness). Chicory helps reduce sugar and bad cholesterol in the body, which is very important for diabetes. Also, a drink made from chicory, when consumed regularly, normalizes the functioning of the digestive system and promotes faster saturation. This is why it is recommended to use chicory for weight loss. Of course, you should drink it without sugar and cream, but you can add natural sweeteners and low-fat milk.
• for the cardiovascular system. Chicory has a wonderful bitter taste, but does not contain caffeine, which is contraindicated for people with heart problems. To enhance the medicinal properties of chicory, you can use it with various natural supplements. For example, chicory with ginger helps strengthen the heart muscle and dilate blood vessels.
• for the digestive system. In folk medicine, a decoction of chicory root has long been used for digestive problems. The drink has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora and significantly reduces the risk of inflammatory processes in this digestive organ. Inulin promotes the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria and calcium absorption. To maintain digestive function, chicory in combination with rose hips is especially useful.
• for the nervous system. A drink based on chicory roots and flowers has a truly amazing property - it gives a boost of energy and promotes the activity of the mind and body. For a long time, chicory was included in herbal teas that healers gave to children tormented by nightmares and elderly people suffering from insomnia. Can pregnant and nursing mothers consume chicory? You can, chicory with blueberries is especially useful! But everything should be in moderation, follow the daily norm.

Is there any harm?

Like any health-improving product, chicory requires careful attention to contraindications and dosages. The beneficial substances and vitamins contained in this plant have certain restrictions on daily intake. To determine the optimal amount of drink, it is best to read the manufacturer's instructions.

If the dosage is observed for healthy people, chicory drink is certainly beneficial. But those who have chronic diseases should consult a doctor before use.

Thus, it is not recommended to consume chicory in large quantities during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Chicory may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. It is also worth keeping in mind that chicory can stimulate bile production. So people with gallstones should not consume chicory without medical supervision.

How to choose chicory?

When choosing chicory in a store, first of all, you should familiarize yourself with the packaging. Like any product, chicory has an expiration date, and this parameter should be paid attention to first. The second thing the packaging will tell you is the composition, which should not contain preservatives, chemical dyes and other harmful substances.

High-quality insoluble chicory is sold in the form of crushed roots, which should be brown and dry. They lose their flavor over time, so look closely at the production date.

If we are talking about buying instant chicory, it should be a hermetically sealed, homogeneous powder without lumps. It is best, naturally, to choose chicory made from high-quality raw materials, for example, from French. Well, the last but not least important aspect of the choice is the taste of chicory: classic coffee-caramel or with additives - the main thing is that the composition does not contain unnatural aromatic substances that will give the drink a chemical taste and reduce its beneficial properties. If you are still a fan of various additives, then choose chicory with natural plant extracts such as rose hips or ginger.

How to properly prepare a drink from chicory?

How to drink chicory? The easiest way to introduce a tasty and healthy drink into your diet is to buy instant chicory, which does not require complex and time-consuming preparation: you just need to pour it with hot water and stir. Instead of coffee, which is not always healthy, but beloved by many, you can prepare a drink consisting of four parts chicory and one part coffee powder.

Some manufacturers offer instant chicory with various additives - for example, ginseng or blueberries, which will help you choose the taste of this healthy drink to your liking and bring additional benefits.

Lovers of variety can add milk or honey and lemon to the drink, which, of course, will affect the calorie content of chicory, but will make the taste even more interesting.