You may not know chicory root, however chances are high you’d acknowledge its periwinkle blue flowers. Let’s check out the advantages of chicory root fiber, the unwanted effects of chicory root extract, and why some folks use it as a espresso substitute.

What Is Chicory Root?

A relative of dandelions, chicory (or Cichorium intybus) is a wildflower that blooms abundantly alongside roads and in meadows all summer season. The usage of chicory root and leaves dates again to historical Egypt, and since then, its presence in herbalism, in addition to the kitchen, has solely grown.

Its lengthy, serrated leaves look and style much like dandelion greens and are used uncooked in salads with greens like endive or radicchio. They’re additionally typically braised to tame their bitterness.

Although prebiotic chicory root extract or dietary supplements are extra widespread, some European international locations eat chicory root as a vegetable. Chicory root appears like a parsnip, and the traditional Greeks and Romans grew it as a vegetable, too.

Chicory Root Advantages

Like maca root and rhodiola rosea, chicory root is utilized in herbalism for numerous causes. Analysis research validate a few of chicory’s conventional makes use of — principally attributed to its distinctive fiber content material — however word that extra analysis is required.

1. Chicory root incorporates prebiotic fiber

As a result of chicory root’s bitter compounds and comparatively excessive quantity of the prebiotic fiber inulin (a sort of resistant starch), analysis has related it with a wide selection of advantages. One of the crucial fashionable amongst them is digestive well being, explains Liz Wyosnick, MS, RDN.

Chicory root has one of many highest quantities of inulin in comparison with different meals, says Wyosnick. Inulin is a prebiotic, which makes it a fantastic meals supply for helpful intestine micro organism. Jerusalem artichoke is the runner-up with regards to inulin, however the fiber can also be in meals like leeks, onions, asparagus, and garlic.

Like insoluble fiber (the sort present in darkish leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, and entire grains), inulin has a “bulking impact” in your stool, which may make it softer and simpler to cross. Thus, chicory root fiber and different varieties of prebiotic fiber could assist stop occasional constipation.

2. Chicory root and weight administration*

All of that fiber results in one other chicory root profit. Fiber (together with inulin), together with protein, is believed that will help you really feel full longer, making it a fantastic a part of a wholesome weight administration technique.

3. Chicory root can be utilized as a caffeine-free espresso swap

This chicory root profit is a tasty one that may assist you to reduce on caffeine. “Chicory root is commonly used as a swap for espresso as a result of it has a bitter style and comparable shade to that of black espresso, and it doesn’t comprise any caffeine,” says Wyosnick.

In case you’ve ever been to New Orleans, you will have washed down a beignet with chicory espresso, created from roasted chicory root. Chicory root espresso began out of necessity as a strategy to stretch restricted provides of espresso beans.

Younger chicory roots are barely bitter, with a touch of caramel taste, much like espresso. The chicory roots are roasted, floor, then brewed like espresso.

The one disadvantage of getting ready chicory root this manner: You don’t get the fiber.

Aspect Results of Chicory Root

Whereas extra fiber is often a great factor, it’s best to take it gradual, particularly with the inulin present in chicory root. Chicory root is mostly secure, however these new to it might expertise the next signs:

• Gasoline
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramping
• Elevated urination

“The inulin inside the bitter compound of floor chicory root is disguised nicely, and you’ll simply eat sufficient of it to trigger digestive discomfort,” cautions Wyosnick. “Chicory root can also be thought-about a light diuretic by some and will trigger you to urinate extra, so it is very important drink loads of plain water if consuming a drink or meals merchandise that incorporates chicory root.”

As with every fiber complement, begin small and work your method up — and drink loads of water alongside the way in which.

The place to Discover Chicory Root

You could find entire chicory root at specialty grocery shops, and chicory root espresso or tea is often accessible at common supermarkets (Cafe du Monde is a well-liked model).

Chicory root dietary supplements can be found at well being meals shops, bigger supermarkets, some pharmacies, and on-line.

However before you purchase any complement, contemplate these questions: How is the complement produced? Is it processed with out dangerous solvents or different components? Is the corporate respected? Are they making claims that sound too good to be true?

Remember that complement corporations need to abide by trade requirements for his or her claims, that are regulated by the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration. And all the time remember to talk about any dietary supplements you might be contemplating together with your physician.

Listed here are some chicory root merchandise accessible on Amazon:

*These statements haven’t been evaluated by the Meals and Drug Administration. This product will not be meant to diagnose, deal with, remedy, or stop, any illness.