Probably many people have tried a drink made of chicory, a coffee reminiscent of flavor. This plant has a mass of medicinal properties, which have been known for many centuries. Powder of chicory root is successfully used for the preparation of an invigorating drink and for medicinal purposes. Such an extensive field of application to the plant was provided by the incredible use of chicory.
Even the Egyptians in antiquity from this plant made means against the bites of various poisonous insects like spiders or snakes. In addition, it was widely used by European chefs as a food seasoning. Today, chicory is better known as an analog of coffee, but unlike the original, it does not have caffeine, it is also added to baking, a variety of desserts.
Than chicory is useful for men
The root of a plant, like the rest of its parts, is widely used in the treatment of a variety of diseases. This plant is so widespread that it can easily be found growing along the road. But its general availability does not detract from the healing properties of chicory, which are determined by its rich composition.
Composition of
One of the significant components of the plant is inulin. This is a very well-known polysaccharide, which is often replaced by starch and carbohydrate compounds in the diet of diabetics. The use of chicory is largely due to this particular polymer substance. Moreover, the root of the plant consists of inulin approximately 60%.This polysaccharide is involved in the metabolism of a variety of substances( lipids, carbohydrates, etc.).
Inulin, contained in chicory, increases the body's immune resistance, promotes cleansing of cholesterol and toxic substances, reduces sugar content.
Besides inulin, chicory contains many other useful components like:
- Vitamins C, E, B, A;
- Intibina - glycoside, which has a calming and vasodilating effect;
- Useful protein compounds;
- Acids of organic origin;
- Mineral salts;
- Fructose;
- Minerals( magnesium, calcium, etc.);
- Essential oils;Bitter substances - lactukopicrin, lactucine or taraxasterin, etc.;
- Substances of resinous and tannic nature, pectin, carotene or chicoryin.
Each of the components has a beneficial effect on the body. Vitamins increase immune defense, prevent the development of catarrhal conditions, improve nervous system activity, etc. Microelements have a beneficial effect on the state of cardiovascular health, iron improves blood formation, etc.
For digestive organs
If you regularly drink a drink from chicory root powder, then it comes back to normalintestinal, gastric and pancreatic activities. If there are pathological processes in the intestine, then chicory restores the microflora, normalizes metabolism and prevents the development of inflammatory reactions. Chicory helps with hepatitis, cirrhosis, dysbiosis, gastritis and ulcers.
By virtue of this action, a drink from chicory has long been used to stimulate appetite and improve gastrointestinal function. Nutrition of many men, especially single, leaves much to be desired. The basis of their diet is often semi-finished products, fast food, fast food, etc. Therefore, it is not surprising that they often suffer from gastrointestinal pathologies and disorders. Daily use of chicory will help protect the digestive system from the negative effects of such products.
For the genitourinary system
The drink made of chicory powder is incredibly useful for the urological system, since it has a diuretic and choleretic effect. Regular use of the drink helps dissolve small bile calculi, and the diuretic effect prevents the development of a variety of pathological processes in the genitourinary system.
For cleaning
No less effective is chicory as a detoxifying agent from toxic compounds and toxins. Therefore it is recommended to use it often for drinking men, as chicory quickly expels alcoholic toxins. After a few cups of the drink, the body will quickly recover, and the liver and kidneys will be cleaned.
Good to know. Studies have shown that chicory helps to remove not only toxic substances, but also various parasites.
For immune protection
Thanks to its rich vitamin composition, chicory strengthens immune barriers. Value here also has inulin, which, by normalizing the material exchange, increases the body's absorption of vitamin compounds. Yes, and chicory acid, which is present in the plant, has an immunostimulating effect.
From extra pounds
As it was already specified, chicory consists mainly of inulin, which reduces the level of glucose, so people who are fond of candy or sweet baking, it is recommended to drink this drink. Then he will eliminate the negative impact of these sweets. Accordingly, the weight of the sweet will not increase.
Being present in the vitamin B₁ helps to process incoming products into energy, B₂ promotes fatty cleavage - all this helps to lose weight. In addition, the plant contains triterpenes, which accelerate the processes of metabolism. A similar factor also affects the elimination of excess weight.
Other properties of
Chicory has many useful properties:
- Coffee-breaker - thanks to a similar flavor of chicory helps to avoid consuming large quantities of coffee. It is not recommended to add sugar and milk to it, otherwise it will negate the whole benefit of chicory. In addition to the aroma, the chicory drink is also invigorating, like coffee, and it also enhances the mood, although there is absolutely no caffeine in it;
- The multicomponent vitamin composition maintains a normal nervous system activity, the chicory drink acts soothing to the nerves, and at the same time gives a cheerful spirit. Given how many stressful situations a man experiences daily, such a drink will be a good means of preserving the nervous system;
- Chicory is very rich in iron content, which is easy to digest, so a chicory drink is recommended for the prevention or treatment of anemia.
Warning! When you add cow milk in a beverage, the digestibility of iron is significantly reduced, so experts recommend taking a drink without additives or adding a vegetable equivalent of cow's milk( like soybean, etc.).
- It is proved that the plant positively influences cardiac activity and vessels due to the content of potassium and magnesium, which are considered as protectors of the heart from various pathologies. Influence on the vessels is in the expanding action, which contributes to the normalization of blood pressure and myocardial contractions. A huge advantage in favor of chicory is its ability to eliminate bad cholesterol. Due to all these qualities, the plant is successfully used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, ischemia, tachycardia or hypertension;
- In an external way, alcoholic chicory tincture is successfully used against skin pathologies such as psoriasis, eczema, seborrhea or dermatitis.
So, the chicory drink has many useful properties, although it feels like a familiar coffee.
How to prepare
There are many recipes for preparing drinks based on chicory, which are used for various pathologies. The classic recipe for making a drink is:
- A teaspoon of root powder is poured into a glass of boiling water and insisted for about 5 minutes.
If you use self-prepared rootlets of a plant, you can also prepare the following:
- Two large spoons of dry root stir in a liter of boiling water and leave for about half an hour. Drink such a remedy mainly from the pathologies of the digestive tract and the liver.
For weight loss, it is recommended to soak a large spoonful of 0.5 liters of boiling water and hold for about an hour. Then, the infusion is taken in front of the food in half a large spoon.
Any prescription before use should be discussed with a doctor, only after agreement to begin treatment.
When to use chicory is not recommended
The plant has many advantages, although it also has some specific contraindications. A chicory drink is contraindicated in:
- Chronic bronchitis;
- Gastric ulcer;
- Varicose veins;
- Asthma;
- Hemorrhoidal inflammation;
- Chronic heart disease;
- Individual hypersensitivity or intolerance to components.
The plant has repeatedly proven effective in treating many conditions, but it can not be taken immensely. As any drug, chicory does not tolerate an overdose. Therefore, to abuse the drink( albeit useful) is still not worth it.
