A modest plant with medium-sized blue flowers familiar to many. Wild chicory is widespread and ubiquitous - its discreet flowers dot hillsides, roadsides, meadows and forest edges in Eurasia, America, New Zealand and other regions. Slightly less known is the chicory salad produced agriculture. This plant has very valuable qualities, and its use for food and medical purposes is completely justified and advisable. Chicory, the beneficial properties of which will be described in this article, looks something like this:
The first mentions of the use of chicory were discovered in Egypt and date back to the era of the pharaohs. In those days, the plant was used as an antidote in case of bites from poisonous snakes and scorpions. Somewhat later, Ibn Sina, or Avicenna, recommended chicory for the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines, as well as for gout and other diseases musculoskeletal system. A decoction of chicory flowers and roots - ancient remedy from edema due to heart disease. The potassium contained in the plant serves as a sodium antagonist, which reduces the secretion of fluid by the kidneys. In addition, potassium is necessary for normal operation heart, normalizes heart rhythm.
Chicory, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are well known to doctors, is widely used to treat various diseases more than one hundred years. The plant contains quite a lot of iron, which makes it recommended as a aid in the treatment of heart diseases, vascular pathologies, at elevated level in the blood and atherosclerosis. Tachycardia and other disorders heart rate are also indications for the use of chicory.
The plant is rich in vitamin C. B vitamins are also present in large quantities in the roots and leaves. The rhizomes contain a significant amount of a natural substitute for glucose and starch, which is valuable for dietary nutrition with diabetes mellitus.
Wild chicory, the benefits of which have been known to folk herbalists since ancient times, was used to treat wounds, burns, and long-lasting ulcers, as it has a pronounced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Applications and compresses from tinctures of chicory roots and leaves are effective for severe furunculosis, eczema of various origins, as well as for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Chicory decoctions and infusions were used as an antipyretic for fever and as a mild anthelmintic. There is information about the effectiveness of chicory preparations for dissolving stones in gallbladder, at inflammatory processes in the intestines, spleen, urinary system.
The use of chicory decoction by pregnant women is also quite justified: it helps solve digestive problems, fights heartburn, and normalizes intestinal motility. There is no harm to the fetus. In young children, compresses made from chicory decoction help reduce the manifestations of diathesis. For bathing newborns, a decoction of herbs is added to the bath water, which, along with oak bark and string, also includes dry chicory leaves.
A mixture of juices, and, taken daily in a glass, can restore vision to early stages myopia and relieve a person from the need to wear glasses. The course of treatment lasts a month, then, after a break of one and a half months, another month.
However, along with the beneficial properties of chicory, there are also contraindications to its use. Use not recommended medicines based on chicory for people who have problems with blood vessels (varicose veins), as well as those suffering from hemorrhoids and diseases of the central nervous system. So many useful qualities, which chicory has, the contraindications are minimal.
The attitude towards chicory as a food product in Russia and the countries of the former USSR is ambiguous. The older generation remembers the bitter drink made from chicory, which had to replace coffee during hungry periods of total shortage. Since then, many have associated chicory with poverty and low level life.
However, in very wealthy and developed France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, chicory occupies one of the leading places in the ranking of the most consumed vegetables. Apparently, it’s worth reconsidering your attitude towards this food product. Even using it as a coffee substitute is not so bad at all. The fact is that chicory has almost the same pronounced tonic effect as coffee. But, unlike it, it does not contain caffeine. This means that a drink made from roasted and ground chicory roots can be consumed without harm to health, even by people suffering from chronic hypertension(high blood pressure).
The taste of chicory salad is distinguished by its mild pungency and piquant bitterness. However, bitterness can be practically eliminated if you store the collected heads of cabbage in complete darkness: Bitter substances are produced under the influence of light. Chicory leaves can be eaten raw, stewed, fried, boiled, or added to first and second courses. Low-calorie chicory is used for dietary nutrition, but it should be remembered that the bitter taste of the pale yellow leaves increases appetite and is therefore not suitable for dietary nutrition for obesity. The vegetable is also included in the diet of diabetics due to its high inulin content.
The ability to force chicory is another valuable property plants. In winter, when natural vitamins there is very little on the table; forced chicory grown in a greenhouse (or even at home) will successfully make up for their shortage. A few fresh chicory leaves for breakfast can provide the body with required quantity and B vitamins for almost the whole day. Fresh chicory is especially useful for anemia, as it contains large number easily digestible iron.
Adding chicory to baked goods gives a pleasant nutty flavor, so some housewives successfully use it when baking Easter cakes, muffins and gingerbread cookies.
However, vegetable chicory also has contraindications: it is not recommended to include it in the menu for people who have been diagnosed with gastric ulcers, as well as for asthmatics and patients chronic bronchitis. Occasionally, individual intolerance to the plant and allergic reactions to it also occur.
Chicory root decoctions have long been used as a home remedy for treating seborrhea. This remedy is also effective for increased hair loss. That is why an extract from chicory roots and leaves is included in many industrial shampoos, conditioners and hair masks.
The anti-inflammatory qualities of chicory are used in cosmetology to solve problems with complex skin prone to the formation of purulent acne, and teenage acne. Chicory juice is good to add to homemade masks, creams, lotions. For example, for quick recovery healthy looking for acne-affected skin, apply a mask of fresh chicory root crushed in a blender, honey and a few drops alcohol solution propolis.
A simple blue flower, habitually and imperceptibly growing near the house, turns out to be a real storehouse of useful properties. Pay attention to him!
Instant chicory is made from the root of the plant of the same name, which has gained popularity as a substitute for natural coffee. The drink made from it not only looks and tastes like coffee, but also contains many useful components that coffee does not have. It is recommended for people for whom caffeine is contraindicated. The plant is also used in folk medicine and cuisine of different nations.
The root of common chicory is very powerful: it grows up to 15 meters long. Soluble chicory is produced industrially by grinding dried and roasted rhizomes - separately or together with coffee beans.
The powder is diluted with boiling water and an aromatic drink similar to coffee is obtained. Its advantages are that chicory does not contain caffeine, and that it has a natural sweetish taste, and therefore does not require sugar. Powdered chicory is often added to dishes and baked goods.
Manufacturers offer various types product. How to choose instant chicory from this variety?
Experts pay special attention amount of inulin. This substance is broken down into fructose and other compounds that enter the blood. The rest is excreted, removing heavy metals, cholesterol, and toxic components from the body. A quality product contains a lot of inulin. Experts call the high-quality drinks “Galka Ranok”, “Khutorok”, “Golden Root”, “Zdorovye”, “Tsikorinka” (with stevia).
Liquid chicory is also soluble - a thick dark extract with a rich, bitter taste. It is released in cans. Diluted either with boiling water or not hot water- who likes it how. When sweetened, the bitterness begins to resemble the taste of chocolate. The extract is easier to store and prepare than the powder product.
Fillers are added to some varieties of the drink: sea buckthorn, lemongrass, ginseng, rose hips, cinnamon, blueberries, stevia. Natural additives enrich the taste and affect both the properties and the price of the product.
Soluble chicory powder is one of the best substitutes natural coffee. This natural product without preservatives, dyes and other additives; it is obtained using a special technology, when the root is crushed and dried. In this regard, its properties are somewhat different from the ordinary root, but most of the beneficial qualities are preserved.
Instant chicory appeared on the market relatively recently, but has already found its admirers. And not only for taste, but also for therapeutic and prophylactic properties. The drink causes the following positive changes:
Since chicory also has medicinal properties, you need to know about contraindications and undesirable consequences when using it.
Information about this is contradictory. Some sources write that the product is useful to almost everyone. Others, on the contrary, name entire lists of contraindications. Here is information about who should be careful when starting to take chicory drink regularly.
When purchasing a product, you should examine the packaging; a quality one should contain natural chicory, not its extract.
Soluble chicory contains low-calorie inulin, which gives the drink sweetness (this substance is not found in coffee and tea). Therefore, less sugar is needed, just to soften the bitterness, and many people refuse it altogether.
Thanks to unique composition The drink invigorates you in the morning and helps you fall asleep in the evening. Added to coffee, chicory improves its properties and reduces the price.
Other properties of soluble chicory:
A drink made from chicory stimulates appetite and normalizes elevated temperature. Medicines containing chicory are used as choleretic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
When applied externally, chicory has a healing effect; As an anti-cellulite procedure, salons use chicory wraps.
But these properties can also be harmful. Thus, the ability of chicory to dilate blood vessels can harm people suffering from hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The invigorating effect is undesirable for people with an unbalanced psyche. The root has an adverse effect on inflamed digestive organs and on the skin of people prone to allergies. When you have a cold, drinking chicory can strengthen your cough reflex.
Is it possible for pregnant women instant chicory? Definitely yes. This is one of the healthiest drinks during pregnancy. And, importantly, it can successfully replace coffee lovers’ usual morning drink.
Unlike coffee, instant chicory has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular and hematopoietic system, calms the nerves and emotional state, eliminates constipation, heartburn and nausea. The drink supports the spleen, liver and removes poisons from the body; promotes the absorption of milk, so necessary for a woman expecting a child. With the help of chicory it is easy to prevent anemia in pregnant women. This is the source additional vitamins, organic acids, inulin. Chicory eliminates stagnation of bile and urine, stimulates metabolism.
The plant also stimulates and worsens cough. Therefore, when you have a cold, you should drink other drinks.
You should not drink instant chicory if you have gastritis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. If an allergy to chicory and similar plants is detected, then an undesirable reaction to a drink from the root is also possible.
Soluble chicory benefits not only adults, but also children. Instant chicory has been recommended for children since they are one year old, which is why it is included in the menu of kindergartens and nurseries.
The benefits of chicory are evidenced by the fact that it treats diathesis in newborns. But for a therapeutic effect, a decoction of the rhizome is used: it is added to a children's bath or compresses are made.
Introduce into the diet small child Instant chicory, like any other product, must be handled with caution. To begin with, add a little powder to warm milk. It is important to monitor his reaction in order to prevent allergies at the very beginning. If unwanted effects is not observed, the dose can be gradually increased to two servings per day.
After 3–4 years, the dose of powder is increased to a teaspoon per day. If the child tolerates chicory normally, you can offer him a cold drink with the addition of honey, lemon and other juice.
You cannot give the product:
A drink made from chicory improves appetite, enriches the body with vitamins, and increases protective forces, calms the child. Has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, lowering high temperature properties.
It is useful to add milk to your drink. In this form, lactic acids are well absorbed.
The trade offers ready-made powders and liquid soluble chicory, including those with natural flavors.
If you wish, you can prepare the rhizome yourself, dry it, fry it, crush it and store it in proper conditions. The technology of the process is described in many Internet sources devoted to medicinal plants and balanced nutrition. The taste of this drink is different, and the quality is guaranteed, but the process of producing raw materials is very labor-intensive.
There are a lot of tips and ways to brew instant chicory. The variety concerns additional ingredients: there are much more of them than for coffee. The classic of the genre is to simply pour boiling water over the powder and leave until it reaches a warm temperature. Since soluble chicory does not dissolve completely, the finished drink can be strained.
Some people like the drink with milk, cream, honey, sugar. There are chicory drinks on sale with natural ingredients(berries and other healthy fruits).
Instant chicory recipes:
Soluble chicory with milk is useful because it improves the absorption of milk several times. Many children readily drink a drink with milk or cream. It is prepared quickly and simply:
You can buy instant chicory in any supermarket, herbal stores, and some pharmacies. The product is packaged like classic coffee - in sealed bags or jars.
They also produce portioned bags for use in offices, camping trips or trips; The contents of the bags are filled with hot water or milk.
Soluble chicory contains inulin, fructose, intibin, vitamins, pectin, tanning and minerals, carotene, organic acids.
Rosehip is rich in carotene, vitamins C, B and E, and minerals. The fruits of the plant increase immunity, cleanse the blood and vessel walls of cholesterol, tone and promote body growth.
“Tsikorinka”, “Verkhovyna”, “Fitodar”, “Tsikorich”, “Tonus”, “Galka” are just some of the product brands. But before using the drink regularly with therapeutic purpose, you need to consult a specialist.
The method for preparing the herbal drink is the same as for other coffee analogues: pour one or two tablespoons of powder per serving with hot water. You can sweeten, add milk or cream according to your preference. A portion drunk in the morning gives pleasure, gives vigor and energy.
Much has been said above about the benefits of instant coffee. Let us recall the properties of another popular plant - blueberries, the berries of which contain a whole bunch of vitamins and organic acids.
Blueberries perfectly regulate the functions of the digestive organs - thanks to their anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
Blueberries are beneficial for diabetics because they can lower sugar levels.
The healing qualities of blueberries relieve anemia, help with kidney diseases, in particular, with the presence of stones, with rheumatism and skin problems.
Instant chicory with blueberries is produced by several companies producing herbal drinks. They should be prepared as standard, dissolving the powder or extract with hot water (1 - 2 spoons per cup of liquid). If desired, the natural bitterness can be softened with milk and honey. But many prefer the natural taste of the drink - as it is most reminiscent of natural coffee.
Manufacturers of instant chicory enrich the taste and properties of the drink with natural ingredients, including the famous ginseng.
Ginseng root is an excellent adaptogen. Valuable for its immunostimulating, strengthening, tonic effects. Ginseng inhibits tumor growth, slows down the aging of brain cells, and supports memory and attention.
The healing root also reduces cholesterol, preventing the development of atherosclerosis, and reduces blood sugar levels, which is important for insulin-dependent diabetes.
The components that make up ginseng have antiviral properties, therefore they are effective against herpes viruses, including the causative agents of AIDS.
Soluble chicory with ginseng is used as a drink, without strict dosage. Usually 2-3 servings a day are enough, prepared to taste - with milk, honey, sugar.
Bread is the head of everything, and this is not just a poetic image. A person needs it every day, never gets bored and contains almost everything necessary for the body substances.
The introduction of additional ingredients into the bread recipe increases the taste and nutritional value of the product. So, soluble chicory enriches diet bread proteins, vitamins, organic acids, inulin, microelements.
Custard malt bread with instant chicory can be baked at home - in the oven or bread maker.
Flour (70 g rye and 330 g wheat), 200 g wheat sourdough, 4 g coriander, 3 g chicory powder, 30 g water, 60 g kefir are poured into the bread machine.
After 45 minutes, mix all parts, add salt (2 tsp) and 5 g mustard oil. Bake for 55 minutes. at 180 degrees. The result is a fluffy and tasty loaf.
Prepare and drink chicory powder in the same way as an instant coffee drink: pour boiling water over it, add (or not) milk and sugar. Many people immediately perceive this drink positively and receive two in one: benefits and pleasure.
After getting used to it, you can skip adding coffee and switch to pure instant chicory in such a painless way for the body. This applies to cases where there are no contraindications. But even healthy people Don’t get carried away and remember moderation: 2 – 3 cups per day is enough. It is better to drink them in the first half of the day.
For preventive purposes, nutritionists advise drinking two cups of instant chicory per day. An excess of chicory is fraught with diarrhea, flatulence, and digestive disorders.
However, no cases of harm from soluble chicory have been described. Individual contraindications and hypersensitivity are possible, especially if manufacturers add dyes or flavors of non-natural origin to the product. Therefore, you need to start drinking a new drink with a small portion.
Some properties of chicory can be harmful. Thus, the drink is not recommended for patients with bronchitis, asthma, hemorrhoids, or acute gastrointestinal pathologies; they should not be used for severe cough and recovery after operations in body cavities. An overdose of ascorbic acid is dangerous due to allergies and hypervitaminosis, especially in pregnant women.
Chicory is known to many as an analogue or alternative to coffee, while its beneficial properties used in folk medicine are undeservedly forgotten. Today, instant chicory is getting a second wind and becoming very popular among people who profess healthy image nutrition. If there are no contraindications, anyone can join the community of drink lovers. Drink and enjoy!
The benefit of chicory is that it helps those for whom caffeine is harmful to their health to give up coffee. Not all the beneficial properties of soluble chicory have been studied, but what has already been studied is more than enough. Thus, the substance has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, tonic, diuretic and choleretic, metabolism-stimulating qualities.
Soluble chicory has a beneficial effect on the entire body:
Chicory prevents rotting and fermentation of food, eliminates stagnation of bile and constipation, gently removes excess water, thereby helping to lower blood pressure.
The beneficial ingredients of chicory support the tone and energy of the body - without harmful consequences for blood vessels and heart. These include ascorbic acid, B vitamins, microelements, polysaccharide inulin, glycoside intibin.
Inulin in the fresh root is up to 60%, in dry raw materials - 75%, while in coffee and teas it is completely absent. This allows diabetics and overweight people to drink chicory without sugar.
Soluble chicory has been successfully used to combat excess weight. What is the power of chicory rhizome?
The secret lies in the composition. Inulin, pectin, intibin are the main components that promote weight loss.
In addition, chicory activates the digestive and metabolic processes, deletes excess fluid. Therefore, its use is recommended every time before meals, about half an hour.
Instant chicory for weight loss is drunk warm, preferably without sugar and honey. If an unsweetened drink seems too bitter, you can sweeten it: this will not reduce the benefits.
There are many effective drinks made from chicory for weight loss. The easiest way is to take a soluble product by pouring a teaspoon or two per serving of boiling water or milk. There are no officially established standards, but you still shouldn’t drink liters of chicory.
In truth, it should be noted that ground chicory or from pieces of root, as well as liquid extract, are more effective for weight loss. But no drink will work a miracle if, in parallel with its consumption, you do not take care of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
Soluble chicory is used to prevent pancreatitis and treat diseased pancreas. The point is that useful substances drink dissolves and removes gallstones that block the outflow of enzymes from the gland. As a result, blood circulation is restored and the body is cleansed.
There is also the opposite opinion: choleretic properties drinks can provoke the passage of stones and blockage with them bile ducts, and this is very painful and dangerous to health. Therefore, the issue of using soluble chicory for pancreatitis should be decided by the attending physician.
In most cases, chicory is used as an addition to basic medications and diet during remission. chronic process. The chicory drink is introduced into the patient’s diet gradually, prepared in a concentration of a teaspoon of powder per serving of water. You can improve the unusual taste with milk. The benefit is that the root stimulates the secretion of bile and the digestion process, prepares the body for processing nutrients, removes toxins and undigested substances.
If regular use of an instant drink is required, then dissolve 25 drops of chicory tincture and a few grams of honey in a glass of water. Drink a tablespoon daily, 20 minutes before meals.
This dosage improves metabolism, reduces sugar, eliminates bloating and pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Inulin, in particular, stabilizes the activity of the pancreas, which fails due to the inflammatory process.
Soluble chicory is useful for hypertension for several reasons.
Hypertensive patients feel the result after a few days - if they use instant chicory regularly, monitor their blood pressure and well-being.
Blood pressure may increase with insomnia, stressful situations. The aromatic drink has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, prevents nervous and emotional overload, normalizes sleep, and increases resistance to stress.
The sweetish drink reduces sugar consumption, which is important for diabetics who are also susceptible to hypertension.
Ascorbic acid, which chicory is rich in, strengthens blood vessels, and potassium is needed for the heart muscle. Thanks to the drink, you can normalize your weight, because its excess is also dangerous for the development of hypertension. Inulin supports beneficial intestinal microflora, promoting digestion. In addition, chicory is useful for the normal functioning of the kidneys; With dysfunction, swelling and increased blood pressure are possible.
The drink is prepared in the same way as tea or coffee: brewed in a Turk or thermos. Add honey, soy milk, and other ingredients.
IN for preventive purposes Soluble chicory is used to improve the functioning of many organs and systems, including digestion.
Soluble chicory should be used with extreme caution for liver diseases. Too large doses are harmful to the liver.
It is appropriate for the treatment of certain liver diseases: it accelerates metabolic processes, promotes the dissolution gallstones, normalizes the activity of this and other organs: kidneys, spleen, gall bladder. Chicory is useful during the period of recovery from viral hepatitis.
Chicory rhizome is rich in inulin, and in this context the plant is very interesting for diabetics. Inulin preparations made from chicory roots for type 2 diabetes:
Thanks to this, soluble chicory can be used for treatment as an additional treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Inulin also prevents the development of the disease, treats light form, and in moderate and severe forms it helps to reduce the dose of basic medications and prevent complications typical of diabetes.
The substance gives a satiating effect, which is important for diabetes and the excess weight that often accompanies this disease.
Use it with caution when treating stress, depression, and insomnia.
People who react to ragweed may also be allergic to chicory root.
For most modern people The introduction to chicory comes from the colorful packaging in the dietary products or a department where tea and coffee drinks are sold. IN lately The range of this drink is amazing; manufacturers produce powdered, granulated, liquid, and even fried ground chicory.
The product usually contains the phrase “chicory extract”. This implies that the drink is a concentrated extract from the raw material plant origin in the form of dry or liquid mass. The raw material for the production of soluble and liquid chicory is the medicinal plant of the same name.
The chicory plant is widespread in the central part of Russia, as well as Western Siberia. Abroad, it is cultivated in the USA, Western Europe, India and Indonesia. The root of the plant is used to make the drink. It is its composition that provides the beneficial properties of the drink.
Chicory root contains more than 50% of the substance inulin, which ensures the normalization of metabolism and digestion; up to 15-20% fructose - sugar of natural origin. It also contains vitamins B, C, minerals and organic acids.
Currently, manufacturers add to the drink various substances, which complement the properties of the main substance. Among the common additives you can find Jerusalem artichoke (earthen pear), sea buckthorn, hawthorn, mint, rose hips and other plants.
Eating chicory stabilizes work gastrointestinal tract, pancreas. The drink is recommended for treatment intestinal disorders, dysbacteriosis and inflammation in the intestines.
Chicory normalizes metabolic processes in the liver and promotes the removal of stones from the gall bladder. Among the beneficial properties of chicory, its effect on normalizing body weight and lowering blood sugar levels has been identified.
B vitamins contained in the plant have a calming effect, without reducing a person’s activity and energy. An increase in mood and vitality is also noted.
Chicory juice combined with carrot and parsley juice is good for vision. It nourishes the muscular system of the eye, thereby helping to improve vision.
The chicory plant has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Previously, its leaves and decoctions were used to heal wounds. Nowadays they make from chicory alcohol tinctures for external use in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and others. Medicines based on chicory can have a choleretic and anthelmintic effect. They also help cope with high temperatures.
It is especially noted that the use of chicory is allowed and recommended for pregnant women and children in moderation. The drink promotes rapid elimination toxins, normalization of intestinal function, which often malfunctions during pregnancy.
Chicory extract is used in the cosmetics industry in the production of hair care products.
However, not all people can consume chicory without caution. First of all, it is contraindicated for people who have severe symptoms vascular diseases, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis and so on.
Chicory poses a health hazard to people suffering from asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough.
People who are prone to allergies should treat chicory with caution. Vitamin C contained in the product can trigger an allergy attack.
You should also limit the use of chicory while taking antibiotics; it has been found that it can affect their absorption in the body, and, accordingly, their effectiveness.
The harm of chicory can also be hidden in a poorly produced product. Often, in pursuit of maximum profits, manufacturers artificially enrich the drink with vitamins, add apple pectin instead of inulin, and so on.
Another danger of industrially produced chicory is that the drink may contain components of a genetically modified plant. This is especially true for foreign producers, although in Russia the ban on growing genetically modified plants has now been lifted.
Therefore the most healthy chicory, this is the one that is grown and dried in your own garden, or released under the brand name of a bona fide manufacturer.
Vitamin A;- vitamin B;- vitamin C;- vitamin E;- potassium;- sodium;- magnesium;- calcium;- iron;- pectin;- inulin;- proteins;- fat;- choline;- chicorine;- essential oil; - carotene; - organic acids; - glycoside inhibid; - mineral salts; - bitter and resinous substances; - tannins; - gum.
Chicory is a tall plant with blue flowers and long healing root, reaching up to 1.5 m. Since ancient times, this plant has been famous for its medicinal properties. Residents of many countries use chicory leaves to make salads, dry the roots and prepare a drink from it that replaces morning coffee. When reading the works of European writers of past centuries, you can often find mention of chicory.
Chicory is harvested in the fall, when the flowers and leaves wither, and the root is carefully dug out. Clean, get rid of small roots and rotten parts, wash and dry in the sun for 5 days.
You can check the readiness of the root by breaking it. If a noticeable crunch is heard, the root is considered ready for use.
The dried plant can be stored for 3 years in paper bags.
Chicory leaves are added to salads; they are rich in vitamin C, but they should not be consumed in large quantities, as they can cause allergies. All the benefits of chicory mainly lie in its healing root.
Chicory is very popular because it is used to make a drink that tastes like coffee. Chicory coffee is prepared as follows: 100–200 g of dry plant root is roasted until light brown. Then grind it in a coffee grinder, brew 1-2 teaspoons of ground chicory root with a glass of boiling water.
Consumption of chicory during pregnancy
To prevent the drink from being too bitter, add sugar and cream or honey. You can also grind dry rosehip berries along with the root.
Recipe for making chicory tea: pour 1 teaspoon of chicory roots into 250 ml cold water, bring to a boil and cook for several minutes. Then strain the tea and add honey to it.
People who cannot drink natural coffee due to high pressure, chicory coffee will perfectly replace it and give the same vigor and wellness. For those who are used to instant coffee, the manufacturers have prepared a gift - soluble chicory, which preserves all the vitamins and beneficial substances of the medicinal plant. Those who have low blood pressure should avoid chicory.
Chicory is good to drink with milk, it helps to absorb it, you can also prepare pleasant cold drinks from the root of the plant with the addition of honey, lemon, apple juice. In addition, chicory is added to various dishes and confectionery products.
The medicinal properties of chicory have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, sedative, diuretic, choleretic and hypnotic effects. A cup of chicory coffee or tea in the morning gives energy, and in the evening it cures insomnia in older people.
Inulin, found in chicory, is a polysaccharide that is used as a substitute for starch and sugar, so chicory can be included in the diet of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. Potassium normalizes the condition of the heart muscle and the whole body, B vitamins have a positive impact on nervous system, iron - on the hematopoietic system.
Chicory is used as a vasodilator for atherosclerosis, tachycardia, and arrhythmia. To treat arrhythmia, prepare a decoction as follows: pour 1 tablespoon of crushed roots with 2 glasses of water, boil and leave for 2 hours, then strain the decoction, add 1 teaspoon of honey and drink half a glass 3 times a day.
Chicory is used for the treatment and prevention of gastritis, diseases of the kidneys, spleen, liver, and improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. There are many folk recipes that help get rid of ailments.
So, for the treatment of gastritis and an enlarged spleen, it is recommended to pour 2 tablespoons of crushed root with boiling water (0.5 liters), leave for 2 hours, strain, drink half a glass 2 times a day before meals.
White chicory with mozzarella and fish sauce
Before consuming chicory for people with gastritis and a diseased liver, you should consult a doctor.
Chicory helps with skin diseases and acne, and can also serve as a means for weight loss. The recipe is simple: boil 1 teaspoon of crushed root in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes, take half a glass 3 times a day.
If you drink a decoction of chicory to treat obesity, you need to take into account that chicory causes appetite, so you should try to combine this remedy with diet and exercise.
Tincture and decoction of chicory roots are used for toothache, joint diseases, gout, scurvy and as a general tonic. Fresh juice of the stems is useful for anemia.
Like many medicinal plants In addition to its great benefits, chicory has quite a few contraindications. It should not be used by people with stomach and intestinal ulcers; especially strict contraindications apply to people with varicose veins, as well as those suffering vascular diseases, hemorrhoids. It is not recommended for allergy sufferers to consume chicory, because it contains a large amount of vitamin C, and it causes allergies in many. Chicory is contraindicated for people suffering from chronic cough, bronchitis and asthma.
Chicory is believed to be beneficial for children and pregnant women, especially if taken with milk. However, it can also cause allergies in children; in pregnant women, it can affect the health of the unborn child, although chicory is useful for women themselves, as it relieves constipation and heartburn, and cleanses the body of harmful substances.
Healthy eating: what and how to eat to avoid gaining weight
Chicory, an attractive plant with blue flowers and an equally attractive name, was considered a weed and a cheap coffee substitute in the old days. But over the past few decades, the root has gained immense popularity as a food additives due to its many medicinal properties.
The entire plant is used for food without any residue: root, stem and leaves. But as a means of losing weight, only the root of the plant is suitable, since its leaves can increase appetite.
Read below about how to use chicory for weight loss, but now I’ll briefly talk about beneficial properties plants and their effects on our body.
The benefit of chicory root for weight loss is its positive impact on the digestive system. It is an excellent source of fructooligosaccharides, which help stimulate growth beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
By cleansing the liver, blood and intestines, it improves metabolism and helps you shed unnecessary pounds much faster and easier.
Enjoying healthy drink, we increase the rate of fat breakdown and reduce the level of insulin in the blood.
An additional benefit for weight loss is that the plant increases satiety.
A decoction of chicory can be combined with a decoction of rose hips, sea buckthorn, and blueberries.
Delicious and no calories All about meat and vegetable broths for those who do not want to gain weight from the first courses.
If you have this growing in your garden useful plant, then you can prepare a decoction of chicory for weight loss yourself.
To do this:
Recipe for making chicory decoction for weight loss. Ratio: 2 teaspoons (without slides) per 200 ml of water. Bring to a boil, let it brew for ten minutes and drink twice a day, an hour before meals.
During fasting days It is useful to eat salads with the addition of green leaves of the plant. Chicory goes well with nuts, cucumber, parsley, and apples. These salads are topped with yogurt or sour cream.
Despite all the usefulness of the plant, it is not recommended to drink more than 2 cups of this drink per day.
Many coffee lovers cannot immediately switch to a healthier, but less tasty substitute for an invigorating drink. I’m also a terrible coffee lover, but health dictates its terms to us, not noticing our tastes and preferences.
Of course, not everyone will be able to switch to instant chicory right away; you need to get used to it gradually. To begin with, I prepared my morning coffee in the following proportion: 1 part chicory to 3 parts natural coffee. Total quantity the required ingredients to suit your taste. Some people prefer strong coffee, while others prefer weak coffee. Drink as you drink, the main thing is to maintain the proportion. But no more than 2 teaspoons of chicory per cup of boiling water.
Gradually equalize the proportion and bring it to 1:1. Then adjust the proportion to 1:3 (1 part coffee to 3 parts chicory). And after getting used to it, you can completely eliminate coffee and switch to chicory pure form(no coffee). This transition is less painful for the body.
Poor nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle and genetic inheritance are a favorable environment for the development of cellulite.
By replacing morning coffee with a cup of aromatic chicory drink, we not only help the body fight overweight, but also fight back against cellulite.
Due to the high content of calcium oxalate, chicory is contraindicated in people prone to urolithiasis and at varicose veins veins
Do not abuse the drink during treatment for depression, stress or insomnia.
If you are allergic to ragweed, it is possible allergic reaction and chicory root.
