The Health Benefits of Chicory

Chicory is a highly versatile herb, and can be utilized in many ways, such as in salads, as a tea, as a substitute for coffee, and for various medicinal purposes. Its natural sweetness also enables it to be used as a sugar substitute in some items. All this, when combined with the nutrition and health benefits one receives from chicory, make this a highly important plant to cultivate.

Chicory is an herb that is closely related to both the dandelion family and the lettuce families, but is actually part of neither. Rather, it belongs to the sunflower family. It is also commonly referred to as either radicchio or endive, the leaves of which are often used in salads and other dishes.

Europeans have also utilized the roots of the chicory plant as a substitute for coffee. It's popularity as such has also spread to parts of the US, India, and Southeast Asia. However, chicory root contains no caffeine, so as a coffee substitute, it is utilized for flavor only. It is, however, more water-soluble, and so can be used sparingly when brewed as coffee.

Chicory is also known to contain a number of nutritional and health benefits. It is also high in Vitamin A, calcium and potassium. It also contains iron, niacin, phosphorus, and other important vitamins and minerals.

Most importantly, Chicory has been found to contain a substance called inulin, which is very beneficial to diabetics, as it helps to regulate blood sugar levels. As chicory is also utilized as a sweetener, with a taste comparable to sugar, it makes a great sugar alternative for diabetics as well.

Other health benefits of chicory include its effectiveness at fighting intestinal worms and parasites, aiding in digestion and colon cleansing, and helping to cleanse the blood, liver and circulatory system of harmful toxins.

Many other health benefits have been associated with chicory, or, more specifically, chicory root, when used as a tea. Chicory tea can be made by simmering a tablespoon of chicory root in a cup of water for approximately 20-30 minutes. It is recommended to drink a cup of chicory tea every day in order to truly benefit from the health and nutritional properties inherent in the chicory root.

Some herbal tea companies also sell a chicory root tea, or an herbal tea with chicory as an ingredient. Other ailments that have utilized the chicory root tea as a treatment include cramps, sore throats, and tuberculosis, among others.

For more information about chicory root and its health benefits, read about it at Regaining Health Naturally

To learn more about the health benefits of other herbs and plants, you may read the following articles:
Sumac Spice - Uses in Middle Eastern Cuisine and Health Benefits
Carob - A Healthy Alternative to Chocolate that is Vegan Friendly
Coral Calcium: Properties and Health Benefits of the Calcium Dietary Supplement
Health Properties of Suma, the Brazilian Folk Remedy
Schisandra Berries: One of China's Most Important Medicinal Herbs