What is chicory?

Chicory is a perennial, herbaceous plant with many surprising health benefits. There are many varieties of chicory grown, some for the root and some for the leaves. The chicory root is best known for its use as a substitute for coffee, and is often used as an additive in coffee. Less well-known are the many health benefits of chicory, which include help with conditions like loss of appetite, stomach upset, and rapid heartbeat, to name but a few.

Some amazing benefits of the chicory root

Here are some of the main health benefits of chicory.

• Digestion. Adding chicory to your diet is a great way to aid digestion. Chicory is high in soluble fibre and low in calories. The soluble fibre feeds the gut with healthy bacteria, which supports the immune system and helps prevent disease.
• Weight loss. The high concentration of soluble fibre in chicory gives a feeling of fullness and may act as an appetite suppressant.
• Heart disease. Chicory is rich in plant phenols that help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, which can block arteries and impede blood flow to many parts of the body. A clinical study also revealed that the phenols in chicory have the potential to reduce inflammation in the body and help prevent blood clots forming in veins and arteries, which can lead to heart attacks.
• Stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that the nutritional value of chicory includes trace minerals such as zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium — all of which have a calming effect on the body.
• Sexuality. Heart disease, stress, and obesity can all negatively affect sexuality if your immune system isn't in good shape.

Chicory plays a major role in keeping you healthy, keeping your immune system strong, and improving your sexuality and general sense of well-being.

How to get chicory into your system

• Chicory root extract has a taste similar to coffee, and many people use it as a coffee substitute for a healthier drink without the caffeine.
• Chicory extract is also sometimes added to coffee blends for a creamier taste.
• The chicory leaf can be finely chopped and sprinkled on salads.
• Many food manufacturers use an extract from the chicory root and add it to products such as yoghurt, ice cream, chocolate bars, salad dressings, and margarine.
• Ground chicory root is used as a cooking spice to flavour foods.
• Some manufacturers even add it to beers and ales.

The growing popularity of chicory for its health benefits has given rise to annual festivals held by proponents of natural health therapies.

Natural health experts are also available to explain how the health benefits of chicory can help you stay well. Festivals are held annually in South Africa, some European countries, and the USA — wherever chicory is cultivated.

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