Chicory Benefits:- Various herbs have been used for centuries to cure physical problems. Especially, they have an important role in Naturopathy. In this sequence, we are going to tell you about one such herb ‘Kasni’. It is believed that the simple-looking chicory plant can act as a preventive measure against various diseases. At the same time, it can help in recovering from illness and can increase the effect of medical treatment and medicine.
What is chicory?
Chicory is a special type of herb, which has many medicinal properties. Its scientific name is Cichorium intybus and it belongs to the dandelion family. Its flower is white-blue in colour. Chicory plants are about one to two meters tall. Know below how this medicinal herb can be beneficial for the body.
Why is chicory good for your health?
Chicory can be considered a boon for health, the reason being the various medicinal properties present in it. It is believed to have an effective effect on many physical problems, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, constipation, and liver-kidney problems. Apart from these, it can work to benefit the body in many ways, whose information will be given below.
Benefits of chicory
Chicory can work to provide many benefits to your health, which we are telling below.
1. Relief from stress and anxiety
Consuming chicory can prove beneficial in stress and anxiety. According to research published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), antioxidant properties can help relieve mental disorders, including anxiety, stress, and depression. According to another research published in NCBI, a good amount of antioxidants are found in chicory. Therefore, it can be said that the benefits of chicory can work to relieve stress and anxiety.
2. Beneficial in digestion
Chicory can play an important role in providing relief from digestive system problems. Chicory is rich in inulin (dietary fiber), which can help combat a number of intestinal and digestive problems, including acid reflux. In addition, it can also provide relief from indigestion and heartburn.
3. For heart health
Chicory can also be considered useful for heart health. It is rich in antioxidant properties and the consumption of coffee made from it can work to improve the balance of blood and plasma in the body, which can reduce the risk of heart disease to a great extent. In addition, it also contains inulin, which may work to lower levels of harmful cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack. On the other hand, if someone has any heart-related disease, then he must get a checkup done by the doctor and take medicine along with this home remedy on the instructions of the doctor.
4. For liver health
Chicory can also play a major role in keeping the liver healthy. According to research published on the NCBI website, chicory has hepatoprotective properties, which can act to protect the liver.
5. For arthritis
Chicory powder can be used in the treatment of arthritis . It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. In addition, chicory may also provide some relief from muscle pain and joint pain.
6. Helpful in weight loss
The benefits of chicory can also be seen to reduce body weight. A good amount of fiber is found in chicory. Fiber can work to maintain energy in the body as well as control hunger for a long time. Also, the habit of excess eating can be stopped, as a result it can help in controlling weight.
7. For cancer
Chicory can also act as a prevention against breast and colorectal cancer. Along with this, it can also show an effective effect on the symptoms of cancer. For this, the properties of polyphenols and photochemicals found in chicory can be helpful. Also, anti-cancer properties are also found in its root. If someone is suffering from cancer, then he should not rely only on home remedies. He should also get proper medical treatment done in time.
8. Get rid of constipation
If someone is struggling with the problem of constipation , then chicory is nothing less than a miracle for them. An element called inulin is found in chicory, which acts like a fiber. Fiber can help improve digestion as well as improve the bowel system, which can help relieve constipation.
9. Relief from kidney problem
Chicory root extract can be used as a diuretic. This can increase the amount of urine. Toxins present in the kidneys can be excreted through urine, which can have a positive effect on kidney health. Therefore, it can be said that the benefits of chicory can be for the kidney as well.
10. Eczema and Candida
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition and Candida is a fungal infection of the skin. The benefits of chicory can be seen in both these conditions, as chicory is rich in anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-fungal properties.
Chicory Nutritional Value
Many nutrients are found in the chicory plant, which we will know through a chart.
| NUTRIENTS _ | QUANTITY PER 100 G |
| Water | 92 g |
| energy | 23 kcal |
| protein | 1.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.3 g |
| carbohydrates | 4.7 g |
| fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar, Total | 0.7 g |
| MINERAL | |
| Calcium | 100 gm |
| Iron , Fe | 0.9 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 30 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 47 mg |
| Potassium,K | 420 mg |
| Sodium ,Na | 45 mg |
| Zinc | 0.42 mg |
| VITAMINS | |
| Vitamin C, Total Ascorbic Acid | 24 mg |
| thiamine | 0.06 mg |
| riboflavin | 0.1 mg |
| niacin | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.105 mg |
| Folate, DFE | 110 µg |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 286 µg |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 2.26 mg |
| LIPID | |
| Fatty Acids, Total Saturated | 0.073 g |
| Fatty Acids, Total Monounsaturated | 0.006 g |
| Fatty Acids, Total Polyunsaturated | 0.131 g |
How to Eat Chicory
Chicory can be included in the diet in many ways. Some of these common methods are mentioned below-
How to eat :
- Chicory can be used as tea or coffee, as it tastes similar to coffee. Although it is caffeine free.
- Fresh leaves of chicory can be included in the diet like salad.
- Chicory leaves can be eaten as a vegetable.
- You can consume chicory powder by mixing it with water, milk or honey.
When to eat:
- The drink made from it can be taken at any time in the morning or evening.
- Vegetable or salad of its leaves can be taken with lunch or dinner.
How much to eat:
At the moment, it is difficult to tell how much is sufficient per day, because there is no scientific evidence available in this regard. Therefore, you should consult a dietitian to know its proper quantity. He will tell about its daily dosage according to your health.
Side Effects of Chicory
There may be some side effects of chicory as well. Know below about the disadvantages caused by this.
- People who have more complaints of allergies, they may be allergic to the consumption of chicory.
- Consuming chicory in excess can cause obstruction in the digestive tract.
- During pregnancy and lactating women are advised not to consume it.
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