Chicory Coffee Health Benefits
This morning, with her, having coffee.
∼ Johnny Cash, when asked for his definition of paradise.
And he makes a good point. Don’t we all love our morning coffee? Or that extra special double spiced, chai almond latte?
Whatever your morning routine… perhaps you’re wanting to mix things up a bit and try something new? Or something that doesn’t give you those dreaded morning coffee shakes?
So if you’re looking for something a little bit different but equally tasty, chicory root may be your answer.
Chicory is a plant that’s found in the USA and cultivated in Mediterranean Europe. The root is then ground down and roasted to create a deep, rich powder that’s bursting with flavour and the closest thing you’ll ever taste to coffee.
This popular coffee substitute does more than just take the place of your favorite breakfast accompaniment. Both the plant and leaves can be used in cooking and salads. As interesting as this may be, the important thing to remember here is just how many health benefits this versatile plant has.
In addition to providing added fiber to foods, the chicory root has a long history of providing support to liver problems. Ancient Romans and Egyptians used the chicory root to detoxify the liver and cleanse the blood. Today it’s used for a variety of additional maladies:
- Used to treat loss of appetite and sometimes even cancer
- Helps boost digestion and relieve constipation
- It has a mild laxative effect as it increases bile production from the gallbladder
- Chicory is a rich source of beta-carotene
- Organic chicory root contains insulin which is a soluble fiber that feeds digestive flora in the intestines
- Insulin also helps promote optimal blood sugar levels
- Chicory is full of antioxidants and boosts immunity
- It reduces inflammation in the body
- Studies show that it’s antibacterial and antifungal
- Helps reduce heart rate and has been used use to treat rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia and fibrillation
My favourite health quotes
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food ~ Hippocrates
The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease. ~ Thomas Eddison
