Chicory Coffee: Benefits, Contraindications and How to Make It

what is this

Chicory coffee is one An alternative drink to coffee, Is produced using the dried, roasted and ground roots of the chicory plant. Chicory is a small herbaceous plant that grows spontaneously, thanks to the small blue flowers that color our countryside during the cold hours of the day in spring and summer. Chicory leaves are always eaten in salads and the root is used as an alternative to coffee. The drink you receive Chicory roots In fact it has a bitter taste reminiscent of coffee, but, unlike coffee, it is completely devoid of caffeine. Precisely for this reason, chicory coffee has come back into fashion in recent years and has become very popular among those looking for an alternative to coffee, which can not only trigger effects but also bring benefits. Chicory root and leaves are used in herbal medicine Property Bitter-tonic, diuretic and laxative, effective in relieving anorexia, constipation and fluid retention.

Benefits

The first benefit of chicory coffee consumption Reduce caffeine intake. In fact, a regular cup of coffee contains about 90 milligrams of caffeine, although the amount may vary depending on various factors, including the type of bean, the type of roast and the portion of coffee consumed. For some, caffeine causes some Side effects These include agitation, anxiety, restlessness, rapid heartbeat and sleep disturbances. The body’s reaction to caffeine is very different: even those with sensitivity to low levels of caffeine may express anxiety and agitation, while at other times coffee is highly tolerated, especially when consumed in the morning or afternoon. Those who need to reduce coffee levels or eliminate coffee consumption altogether can seek out chicory coffee, replacing coffee entirely or in part.

Other Benefits Chicory can be obtained from the content of coffee Nutrients At the root from which it is made. In fact, chicory root contains vitamin B &, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and folic acid and is a good source of fiber, including insulin and sesquiterpene lactones. Inulin has prebiotic propertiesThat is, it is able to support a good intestinal bacterial flora. Due to the presence of fiber, chicory root can help improve digestion and improve the health of intestinal microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Attached to a symmetric microenvironment a Immune system Strong and therefore a general well-being. Thanks to the fibers, chicory root promotes intestinal transport, softens the stool and fights constipation and constipation.

Inulin slows down the absorption of simple sugars in the gut, thus helping to control it Glycemia And underlying factors to prevent insulin resistanceBeginning of type two diabetes In addition, chicory root has anti-inflammatory properties. L ‘Swelling It is the body’s natural response to cell damage, which manifests itself with more or less prominent symptoms such as pain, swelling in the inflamed area, redness and loss of function. In some cases, the inflammatory condition can last longer and damage the tissue rather than repair it. Chicory root seems to be helpful in this regard because its consumption reduces inflammation.

Clearly chicory root drinks contain less macro and micronutrients than root, but chicory coffee may still have some benefits.

How it is made

Chicory coffee can be purchased at herbal stores, organic or natural food handling stores, and some supermarkets. It is found in ground and in powder or soluble version. Chicory coffee In powder It is similar to coffee and is made by half-filling the filter with coffee maker (mocha). Soluble It is dissolved in warm water. Chicory root powder can be used to make a completely caffeine-free beverage or mixed with ground coffee if desired to reduce the caffeine content of the beverage. Alternatively chicory coffee can be prepared Decoction of dried root: It is generally recommended to use one teaspoon of chicory root (about five grams) for every 100 milliliters of water. It can be sweetened with other sweeteners such as sugar, honey or stevia.

Contradictions

Chicory coffee consumption has no specific side effects, but should be avoided Allergy, It can cause a reaction in people with allergies. Especially those with allergies to other plants of the asteraceae family that are part of chicory. The use of chicory root during pregnancy and lactation is contraindicated.