Chicory root may boost digestive health, aid diabetes treatment, help fight inflammatory arthritis, aid weight loss, and improve skin barrier function. In this article, we have discussed the many benefits of chicory root and how you can use it in your diet. You can also check out the nutritional profile of the root.
What Is Chicory Root? How Can It Be Good For You?
Chicory root comes from a plant of the dandelion family that bears bright blue flowers. It appears wood-like and is fibrous. This root has natural laxative effects on the body. It also contains inulin, which could promote bone health in rat studies (1). In the following section, we will look at the benefits of the root in detail.
What Are The Benefits Of Chicory Root?
1. May Boost Digestive Health
The inulin in chicory works as a powerful prebiotic. It improves gut function by promoting the health of the gut bacteria. It also is well tolerated by individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms (2). Inulin also works as a natural fiber and eases constipation (3). It promotes a smooth and regular digestive process, and this can potentially reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (4).
2. May Aid Diabetes Treatment
Studies have shown that chicory root extract can increase the levels of adiponectin, a protein that regulates blood glucose levels. This can help delay or prevent the early onset of diabetes (5). In a rat study, chicory extract was found to be useful as a natural dietary supplement for slowing down the progression of diabetes (6).
3. May Help Fight Inflammatory Arthritis
Preliminary studies show that bioactive extracts of chicory root can have a potential role in treating osteoarthritis. More large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings (7). It is believed that plant polyphenols combat inflammation. If you have inflammatory arthritis, chicory root could be one remedy you can look at (after consulting your doctor). Intake of chicory was found to enhance blood flow and the functioning of red blood cells (8). It is believed that this property of chicory could help combat inflammation, though more research is warranted. Chicory appears likely to help in the treatment of arthritis or gout, but more studies are needed in this regard.
4. May Aid Weight Loss
This could be attributed to the inulin in chicory root. Studies show that inulin can aid weight loss, especially in individuals with prediabetes (9).
5. May Improve Skin Barrier Function
Studies have shown that chicory root extracts may improve skin barrier function. They may also treat the dryness that accompanies the aging process (10). Chicory root extracts act as an active ingredient and can restructure the skin barrier. These extracts can effectively maintain homeostasis and prevent skin alterations (10).
6. May Reduce Stress
Whether chicory root directly reduces stress is yet to be studied. However, because of its flavor, it is often used to make a beverage that can be substituted for coffee. Studies show that excess coffee (caffeine) intake can aggravate stress. Repeated caffeine consumption, combined with stress, can increase one’s cortisol levels and further cause issues (11).
7. May Boost Liver Health
A rat study states that chicory extract can protect the liver from oxidative damage. However, excess (doses of 200 mg per kg of body weight) of the same may cause damage to the liver (12). In an Egyptian study, chicory extract was found to reduce oxidative stress and prevent cell damage in rat livers. When taken along with celery leaves, the mixture could reduce the symptoms of liver diseases (13).
8. May Help Reduce Cancer Risk
Though we need more research in this regard, certain sources promote the anticancer activities of chicory. The root extract showed antiproliferative activity on skin cancer cells (14).
9. May Help Treat Kidney Disorders
Some research states that chicory can help prevent renal injury. In rats, the root lowered serum uric acid levels and prevented possible kidney damage. Chicory could be used as an alternative to alleviate kidney damage caused by high blood uric acid levels (15). It is believed that chicory root also has diuretic properties, which may increase urine volume and eliminate toxins from your system. If you have kidney issues, use chicory root only after consulting your doctor. The root is not a replacement for medications.
10. May Help Treat Candida And Eczema
Chicory extract was found to have antifungal properties that may help in the treatment of certain forms of Candida. The extract also has fewer side effects (16). Replacing your regular coffee with chicory coffee may also help in treating Candida. Caffeine may stress your adrenal glands and weaken your immunity, further aggravating candida. Replacing it with chicory coffee may help, although there is no research to support this. Anecdotal evidence suggests that chicory root may help treat eczema. You will need two teaspoons of ground chicory root and a glass of boiling water. Add the two to a steam bath for about 30 minutes, and allow the mixture to sit for another 30 minutes. Dip gauze bandages in the liquid and apply them to the affected areas. You can cover the bandage with a plastic wrap and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Repeat every morning and night for a week. However, this procedure has not been validated by the medical community. Please check with your doctor before using chicory root for eczema treatment. Certain benefits of chicory root are yet to be studied extensively. However, the root does help promote health in a few ways. In the following section, we will look at the different ways you can include the root in your diet.
How To Use Chicory Root In Your Diet?
Some of the most popular methods include:
Chicory Coffee
Wash and slice the roots. Roast them in an oven. Cook them until they turn dry and brown. Grind the roots in a food processor. The consistency must be similar to ground coffee. You can brew ground chicory alone or with coffee. Take a tablespoon of ground chicory and mix it with hot water.
Grilled Chicory
You can cut chicory root and coat its sides with olive oil. Halved or quartered chicory heads work best on a grill. After setting the heads on the grill, they should be cooked in 10 minutes. You can have it on its own or drizzle it with lemon juice.
Steamed Chicory
This method involves the leaves as well. Steam the leaves along with the chicory root in a steamer basket for about 5 minutes. You can add them to salads or pasta. These are the ways you can consume chicory and avail its wonderful benefits. In the next section, we will explore the nutritional profile of chicory root.
What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Chicory Root?
*Values sourced from USDA, chicory roots, raw Though the chicory root is nutritious, you should not consume it in excess. Over-consumption of the root or its extracts may lead to certain side effects. They are not scientifically proven and are based on anecdotal evidence.
What Are The Side Effects Of Chicory Root?
May Cause Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Chicory root may trigger menstruation and miscarriage. Hence, it is not recommended during pregnancy. There is not enough research in this regard. Hence, stay safe and avoid use.
May Cause Allergies
If you are allergic to ragweed or related plants, you may be allergic to chicory as well. The root can cross-react with birch pollen and cause the associated oral allergy syndrome (17). If you are allergic to the marigold, daisies, chrysanthemums, etc., please consult your doctor before using chicory root.
May Cause Gallstones
Chicory may stimulate bile production and cause issues in individuals with gallstones. Hence, it is imperative to consult your doctor. What is the difference between chicory root and psyllium husk? While chicory is a root, psyllium husk is a seed. The similarity between them, however, is that the two have fibrous characteristics. Where to buy chicory root? You can buy the root from your nearest supermarket or health food store. You can also get it online. Does chicory root cause gas? As per anecdotal evidence, the root may cause gas. The fiber in the root is possibly broken down by the bacteria in the intestine, leading to bloating and gas. Does chicory root increase appetite? No. The fiber in this root may decrease appetite and total calorie consumption. This, in turn, can lead to weight loss. Is chicory root gluten-free? Yes. Chicory root is gluten-free. Inulin, a fiber derived from this root has been used in many gluten-free cakes, bread, and pasta (18). Does chicory root raise blood pressure? No. Chicory root does not raise blood pressure. On the contrary, its regular consumption may lead to a decrease in systolic blood pressure (19). Is chicory good for the heart? There are no studies that link the consumption of chicory with improved cardiovascular health. However, as it is known to lower blood pressure and help with weight loss, it may exert a cardioprotective effect on the body (9), (19). Does chicory give you energy? No, chicory does not act as a stimulant the way coffee does. However, it is known to boost digestion and, hence, may help make more fuel from the food available for energy. Is chicory root acidic or alkaline? Chicory is considered to be an alkaline herb.
