What Are the Health Benefits of Chicory and Why Do They Put It in Coffee?

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a perennial plant that's grown extensively in several parts of the world. Chicory may help improve digestion and diabetes and it's a good caffeine-free coffee substitute.

Chicory root has become an increasingly popular addition to coffee. We will look at some of the health benefits of this root and why it’s become so popular.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a perennial plant that’s grown extensively in several parts of the world. The plant has many varieties, depending on where it’s grown, and comes with several nutritional, medicinal, and culinary properties.

Although various parts of the chicory plant are rich in nutrients, the nutrients in the root are considered to contain the bulk of its nutrients.

The original use of chicory traces its roots to ancient Egypt, where it was widely used for its medicinal properties. It is now grown in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

According to some accounts, chicory gained popularity in the U.S. around the beginning of the nineteenth century. A blockade initiated by the Union cut off access to the port of New Orleans, which was an important part of the coffee trading route. This led to a shortage of coffee, so people started using chicory as a substitute.

Now, it’s extensively used as a coffee substitute, with people roasting the roots and then grinding them to get a brown powder that can be used to make a hot, coffee-like beverage.

The high fiber content in chicory roots, combined with its low calorie and fat content, may be a good option to reduce your overall calorie intake while still giving your body plenty of energy. In fact, you’re likely to come across processed foods that include chicory root to increase the fiber content of the product. 

Eating more fiber may also give you a sense of fullness sooner, which keeps your calorie intake in check.

The fiber content in chicory roots can also improve digestion. Probiotics break down the fiber to produce fatty acids that aid digestion and also modify the pH in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). This reduces the harmful effects of the bad bacteria in your gut while creating a suitable environment for the growth of good bacteria.

Research has also shown that chicory contains large quantities of oligofructose, another type of fiber. Oligofructose is also broken down into fatty acids by the probiotics and reduces the pH in the GI tract (making it more acidic). This causes increased calcium absorption.

Research has shown that chicory could also help in managing diabetes. A 2015 study identified that chicory could delay or prevent the early onset of type 2 diabetes. It also found improved liver function and lower blood pressure in the participants who took part in the study.

The study involved 46 female participants with type 2 diabetes. The intervention group was given 10 grams of chicory every day for two months. The results of the study revealed that after two months, the participants who were given chicory every day reported lower fasting blood glucose levels and a reduction in the hematological risk factors of type 2 diabetes.

Chicory roots contain active bio compounds such as coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids that come with many health benefits. Research has shown that flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. 

Not only this, but research also indicates that chicory could have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, immune-stimulating, and antioxidant properties.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given chicory a “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) rating. Although there are no known serious side effects of chicory when it is taken orally, there have been some reports of abdominal pain, bloating, belching, and flatulence after eating the root.

Research has also not completely ruled out any harmful effects of chicory in pregnant women, so it may be a good idea to avoid eating it if you are pregnant, though you can always ask your doctor for their recommendation.

Although cases are very rare, there have been instances of chicory allergies that could lead to symptoms like pain, swelling, and a prickling sensation in the mouth.

One of the most popular hot brews around the world is coffee, which involves roasting and grinding coffee beans to prepare the drink. A single cup of coffee, though, typically contains roughly 92 milligrams of caffeine.

Chicory is fast becoming a widely sought-after substitute for coffee for those who want to avoid or reduce their caffeine intake. Chicory root is completely caffeine-free and is a great alternative to coffee.

In some parts of the world such as India, coffee enthusiasts mix chicory with coffee in varying proportions to get their caffeine fix without overdoing it.

Chicory comes with several health benefits and can be a great substitute for coffee if you’re looking to lower your caffeine intake. Chicory can be an acquired taste, but if you enjoy it and are not allergic, you can add it to your diet.