How is chicory obtained? Is it true that chicory is a good and healthy substitute for instant coffee? Useful properties and use of chicory

In the article we talk about chicory, discuss its beneficial properties and use in traditional medicine. You will learn how to use chicory for pressure, to normalize the digestive tract and in order to reduce weight.

Chicory (lat. Cichorium) is a genus of biennial or perennial plants of the Asteraceae family. Includes 2 cultivated species - lettuce chicory and common chicory. The latter is used for medicinal purposes, and we will talk about it in the article.

Among the people, common chicory has other names - roadside grass, blue flower, Peter's batogs, shcherbak.

What does it look like

Chicory - perennial, a widespread weed. It has a long tap root and lactifers in all organs.

Photo and description of the chicory plant: Appearance of chicory The stem of chicory is erect, rod-shaped, green or bluish-green in color. Branched, rough to the touch. It reaches a height of 15 to 150 cm. The branches of the plant strongly deviate from the stem and thicken towards the top. They may be naked or almost naked, bristly or curly-haired.

The basal leaves of chicory can be from prickly-pinnate to entire. The leaves are toothed along the edge, narrowing into a petiole at the base. Stem leaves are rare and small, lanceolate-ovate and lanceolate.

At the top of the side branches and in the axils of the upper and middle leaves, numerous single baskets are formed. Chicory flowers are reed, blue, white or color pink, have a corolla 15–25 mm long. Baskets open only in the morning or in cloudy weather.

The fruit of chicory is a three- to five-sided achene, light brown in color, oblong in shape, 2–3 mm long.

Where does it grow

Common chicory is most common in the temperate and tropical climates of Eurasia. It can be found in the territory from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, and from Britain to Eastern Siberia and India. The plant also grows in North and South Africa, North and South America, in New Zealand.

Chicory grows in meadows, forest clearings, grassy slopes, wastelands, near roads and near settlements.

Root and leaves of chicory

The roots and leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes.. Although chicory flowers and stems also have beneficial properties, their content is biologically active substances much lower.

Chemical composition

Composition of chicory:

• polysaccharide inulin;
• protein substances;
• intibin glycoside;
• tannins;
• organic acids;
• coumarin glycosides;
• thiamine;
• riboflavin;
• carotene;
• vitamin C;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• sodium.

A popular question asked by users is, does chicory contain caffeine? There is no caffeine in chicory, this is one of the advantages of the plant and drinks based on it.

We will talk more about the beneficial properties and contraindications of fresh and soluble chicory later.

Medicinal properties

Use the roots and leaves of chicory Useful properties of chicory:

• antibacterial;
• antioxidant;
• anti-inflammatory;
• painkiller;
• tonic;
• soothing;
• anti-sclerotic;
• hypotensive;
• choleretic;
• laxative;
• decongestant;
• immunomodulatory.

Dried chicory roots are 40% composed of the polysaccharide inulin. Inulin is not digested in the stomach and acts as a prebiotic - it stimulates the growth and vital activity of the intestinal microflora. Read more about inulin in chicory here.

Thanks to inulin, chicory has a beneficial effect on the composition of the blood and its rheological properties. Means based on the plant reduce the level of glucose and cholesterol, normalize blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. Therefore, it is useful to take chicory for diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis, and for the same reason it is prohibited for use in varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Inulin in chicory improves digestion, relieves inflammation of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, stimulates the motor function of the intestine and has a mild laxative effect. Chicory has a choleretic effect. Medicines based on it eliminate the stagnation of bile and contribute to the removal of small stones from the gallbladder. We talked about this in more detail in the articles: chicory from gastritis, from peptic ulcer and with a removed gallbladder.

Chicory is good for the nervous system. It has a calming effect, relaxes, eliminates anxiety. Chicory is recommended to drink with stress, increased excitability, cognitive impairment - memory loss, concentration, mental performance and others. Chicory helps with headaches and migraines. And its use in the morning tones up and gives a charge of vivacity.

What else is useful chicory? Plant-based products have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Chicory strengthens the heart, helps to normalize the rhythm. Often the drink is used as a prophylactic to prevent arrhythmias and other disorders. You can learn about the effect of chicory on blood pressure in this article.

Due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of chicory, it is used to treat joint diseases - arthritis, myositis, gout. It stops inflammation in the tissues of the joint and reduces pain. You can read more about chicory for gout here.

The diuretic properties of chicory help to remove excess fluid from the body and eliminate edema.

Chicory also has an antibacterial effect on the pathogenic microflora of the oral cavity. Acts as an antiseptic and eliminates inflammatory processes. Increases immunity.

These properties are typical for the roots and leaves of chicory, which are collected according to certain rules and dried, as well as for preparations based on them. But is instant chicory good for the body?

The most common chicory powder that can be found on sale is crushed roots, which were initially dried at a temperature of 180-200 degrees or fried in order to give the drink a coffee taste. At this temperature, most of the nutrients disappear. However, if you buy organic freeze-dried chicory from a trusted manufacturer, you can be sure that the drink will be useful if consumed correctly.

You can also prepare chicory yourself at home, then we will tell you how to do it right.

How to collect

You already know where chicory grows. You can collect and cook its leaves from June to September, and the roots - in early spring or late autumn.

Chicory leaves and stems are harvested in dry weather. Lay out in a thin layer on a cloth or paper and dry in the shade under a canopy or in the attic. Periodically, the raw material is mixed so that it dries evenly. Drying can be considered complete when the stems break easily and the leaves crumble. Leaves and stems of chicory are stored in canvas bags or paper bags in a dry and dark place. Shelf life - 1 year.

The roots of chicory are dug up, cleaned from the ground and quickly washed in cold water. First laid out for initial drying. Next, the roots are cut into pieces, laid out on cloth or paper and dried in a ventilated room under a canopy. Drying is stopped when the roots break easily, and at the same time they emit a characteristic crack. Chicory roots can also be dried in an oven with the door ajar at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees or in a special electric dryer. Raw materials are stored in wooden boxes or paper bags in a dry and dark place. Shelf life - 3 years.

Now you know when to harvest and how to dry chicory. Next, we will talk about its use in traditional medicine.

How to apply

Soluble chicory is brewed like coffee. From the leaves and roots of chicory, decoctions, infusions, teas, as well as lotions and compresses for external use are made. You can also purchase chicory extract from a pharmacy or stores. In addition to the benefits, chicory can also cause harm, so consult your doctor before using it for medicinal purposes.

Usually chicory is drunk as tea or coffee. Below is a classic recipe - how to brew chicory.

Ingredients:

1. Chicory - 1 teaspoon.
2. Boiling water - 1 cup.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over chicory, put on low heat and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and infuse the drink for another 5-10 minutes. Strain.

How to use: Drink like tea.

Result: Improves performance of cardio-vascular system, lowers blood sugar levels, calms the central nervous system, activates digestion.

It is even easier to brew instant chicory. How much it can be drunk per day - no more than 3-4 glasses. It is preferable to take a drink one hour after a meal. Do not pour soluble chicory with boiling water, use warm water.

For weight loss (with a diet)

Chicory effectively helps in the fight against excess weight. A drink based on the roots of the plant does not burn fat, but it stimulates the intestines, improves digestion, lowers blood glucose levels, and removes toxins from the body. You can read more about this in the article chicory for the liver.

Ingredients:

1. Chopped chicory root - 1 teaspoon.
2. Water - 2 glasses.

How to cook: Pour water over chicory and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the drink before drinking.

How to use: Take half a glass 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

Result: Promotes weight loss without harm to health.

Chicory is also used for weight loss because a drink based on it is low-calorie. The calorie content of chicory is only 21 kcal per 100 grams, while the calorie content of coffee is 109 kcal per 100 grams.

Read more about chicory for weight loss in this article.

From pressure

To lower blood pressure and maintain its normal levels, you can drink chicory brewed according to the classic recipe. Honey will help enhance its effect. Chicory with honey not only helps to normalize blood pressure, but also improves immunity.

Ingredients:

1. Chicory - 1 teaspoon.
2. Honey - 1 teaspoon.
3. Boiling water - 1 cup.

How to cook: Brew chicory. If using prepared raw materials, boil for 5-10 minutes over low heat. Soluble just pour warm water. Add honey to a warm drink. Chicory should not be hot, otherwise useful material contained in honey will be destroyed.

How to use: Drink the drink in the morning on an empty stomach.

Result: Chicory with honey helps lower blood pressure, has a tonic effect and improves immunity.

From diarrhea

Chicory improves intestinal motility, but when used properly, it has a fixing effect and helps with diarrhea. For the treatment of diarrhea, chicory is taken as an infusion or decoction, it can be taken by adults and children. The recipes are below.

Ingredients:

1. Boiled water - 1 cup of boiling water.

How to cook: Pour the chicory flowers into a thermos and pour boiling water over it. Insist 2 hours. Strain before drinking.

How to use: Drink the whole infusion during the day, dividing it into 5-6 equal parts. For children, give 5-6 times a day, 1 teaspoon.

Result: Eliminates diarrhea, normalizes digestion.

You can also prepare a decoction of chicory for diarrhea.

Ingredients:

1. Dried chicory flowers - 1 tablespoon
2. Boiling water - 1 cup.

How to cook: Fill the raw material with water and put on low heat. Boil for 5 minutes, do not allow a strong boil. Ready broth insist 1.5 hours. Strain before use.

How to use: Take 5-6 times a day, divided into equal parts. For children, give 1 teaspoon, the number of doses is 5-6 times a day.

Result: Normalizes stool and digestion.

With gallstone disease

The roots and grass of chicory are useful in gallstone disease. As a remedy with a choleretic effect, it is used together with dandelion roots, mint leaves, tripoli and agrimony.

Ingredients:

1. Chicory roots - 50 grams.
2. Dandelion roots - 50 grams.
3. Mint leaves - 50 grams.
4. Trifoli leaves - 50 grams.
5. Leaves agrimony - 50 grams.
6. Boiling water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Mix medicinal plants and take 2 tablespoons of raw materials. Pour boiling water, leave for 1-2 hours. Strain before drinking.

How to use: Take the decoction for 2 days, divided into equal portions.

Result: Relieves inflammation, promotes the outflow of bile, prevents the formation of stones in the gallbladder.

Read more about chicory for the gallbladder here. You can also learn about the use of the plant for pancreatitis and for the pancreas.

For joints

Chicory has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. As an external agent, it is used for diseases of the joints. The recipe is below.

Ingredients:

1. Dry herb chicory - 20 grams.
2. Dry chicory roots - 20 grams.
3. Boiling water - 2 cups.

How to cook: Fill the raw material with boiling water, leave for 10 minutes.

How to use: Use infusion of chicory as lotions and compresses for sore joints. Compresses can be fixed with a bandage and left overnight.

Result: Relieves pain in the joints, relieves inflammation.

Contraindications

Despite the benefits, chicory has serious contraindications and side effects. Before using it for medicinal purposes, be sure to consult your doctor.

Chicory contraindications:

• children's age up to 3 years;
• pregnancy and lactation (only after consultation with a doctor);
• gastritis and gastric ulcer in the acute stage;
• cholelithiasis with large stones in the gallbladder;
• varicose veins and hemorrhoids;
• serious diseases of the nervous system.

Chicory can cause allergies, which are manifested by itching and redness, impaired respiratory function, and pulmonary obstruction.

When chicory is consumed in large quantities, the drink increases blood pressure, causes heart rhythm disturbances, provokes headaches, nausea, heartburn, and an increase in the production of hydrochloric acid by the gastric mucosa.

Classification

Taxonomic position:

• department: Flowering;
• class: Dicotyledons;
• order: Astrocolor;
• family: Asteraceae;
• genus: Chicory;
• species: common chicory.

Varieties

The genus of chicory includes 10 species, in addition to common chicory, the most famous is salad chicory or Endive.

Other types of chicory:

• Cichorium alatum;
• Cichorium bottae Deflers;
• Cichorium callosum Pomel;
• Cichorium calvum;
• Cichorium dubium;
• Cichorium hybridum;
• Cichorium pumilum;
• Cichorium spinosum.

More about chicory:

What to remember

1. Chicory is a plant whose leaves, stems and roots are used in folk medicine and in cooking as a drink that replaces coffee.
2. Chicory lowers blood sugar levels, normalizes blood pressure, the functioning of the nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Take chicory with high cholesterol, diarrhea.
3. Chicory-based drinks have contraindications for use, read them. Before using chicory for medicinal purposes, consult your doctor.

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Russia is my meadow,

There is no more beautiful land!

Flowers with blue eyes

They look into your heavens.

The dew reflects the sky

And it seems that they have merged

As in a fairy tale: both true and fiction,

Earth and sky...

My early childhood was spent in a wonderful land of endless fields and mighty forests. My grandfather worked as a forester, he knew many different natural signs. I remember we went to check the planting of young pines. Grandfather drew my attention to chicory and told me that this plant is a real natural hydrometeorological center: by the rain, the beautiful pale blue flowers of chicory became darker and closed, and by the time the sun and clear sunny weather appeared, they opened up and again took on a sky-blue appearance.

Common chicory before flowering is an unremarkable perennial herbaceous plant with a simple or branched tall stem, which (like the leaves) is covered with hard villi. Basal leaves form a beautiful rosette, and the upper leaves "hug" the stem.

Sky blue inflorescences-baskets consist of delicate reed flowers. The fruit of chicory is an achene with an egg-shaped crest with a membranous crown.

Flowering in warm summer begins at the end of June.

Common chicory grows along roads, in meadows, in rocky places and along river banks, in front gardens and vegetable gardens like a weed. There are always a lot of bees around him, as he is an excellent honey plant. Individual varieties of chicory are cultivated. Their roots are used to make a drink - a coffee substitute. For this, chicory is highly valued by diabetics.

The chemical composition of chicory

Contain chicory roots up to 60% inulin. What it is? Inulin is a polysaccharide that accumulates in plants from the Asteraceae family, such as dandelion, burdock, Jerusalem artichoke, and of course chicory. Inulin, when taken orally by a person, is able to participate in the same metabolic metabolic processes as glucose. This is important, since inulin replaces glucose in situations where it is not absorbed by the cells in type 2 diabetes.

Inulin from a drunk cup of chicory coffee in the acidic environment of the stomach is hydrolyzed by the enzyme inulase to form fructose.

And fructose is absorbed by our body without insulin, being a nutrient for our cells. Energy hunger and complications of type 2 diabetes thus do not occur.

But chicory is not only rich in this - it contains choline. Many have heard of choline. So, pharmaceutical preparations gliatilin, cerepro, noocholine are derivatives of choline. The action of choline is nootropic, regulating metabolism in the brain, improving cerebral (cerebral) blood flow. In our chicory drink, although there is not much choline, it is still present.

Contains chicory vitamins, bitterness.

The use of chicory

What a wide use of chicory root has acquired over the years!

Chicory root:

• improves digestion, metabolism,
• soothes the central nervous system,
• slows down the heart rate,
• restores the work of the heart,
• acts as a mild laxative and diuretic.

It is used in the complex treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, with liver diseases, with stones in the gallbladder and kidneys, with an enlarged spleen. With hypertension, chicory can replace coffee, but without increasing pressure.

In folk medicine, it is recommended as an infusion inside as a diaphoretic, diuretic, choleretic, analgesic for dyspepsia, especially for stomach pain, and is also recommended for diseases of the kidneys, spleen, liver, exhaustion, hysteria, type 2 diabetes, and anemia.

Externally, in the form of rubdowns and washings, a decoction and tincture of chicory are recommended by folk medicine in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic sluggish wounds, and skin diseases: rashes, boils.

In Bulgarian folk medicine, chicory is used to treat stomach ulcers, as well as to treat the throat (for example, sore throats), respiratory organs, and with impaired urination.

At times Soviet Union at the Azerbaijan Medical Institute, clinical trials of a liquid alcohol 50% extract of chicory in 70% alcohol were conducted for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Soviet scientists proved that in the first initial stages, type 2 diabetes can be treated with chicory. In more advanced stages of diabetes, there is an improvement in the patient's well-being and a partial decrease in sugar in the urine.

For medicinal purposes in folk medicine, the whole plant is used: both grass and roots. The grass is harvested during active flowering, and the roots are in September-October.

Traditional medicine recipes from chicory

With biliary dyskinesia ways chicory herb with flowers is used. For cooking, it is better to take a thermos. Dry chicory grass is crushed. Place one teaspoon with a slide of chopped chicory herb in a thermos, pour a glass of boiling water over it, let it brew for 40-60 minutes. Take half a glass 30 minutes before meals in the morning and evening. The gallbladder will work more actively: digestion will improve, there will be no reflux of bile into the stomach, there will be no fermentation and putrefaction in the small intestine, constipation will not bother.

With gallstone disease and urolithiasis it is better to use both chopped chicory grass and chopped chicory root together. Place 1 tablespoon of roots and herbs in a thermos and pour 2 cups of boiling water, let it brew for 4 hours. Take 20 minutes before meals for half a glass in the morning, afternoon, evening. Course 21 days.

For urinary incontinence in mature women, crushed chicory root is used. Place 1 tablespoon of chopped chicory root in an enamel saucepan, pour 1 cup of boiling water. Boil in a water bath for 10 minutes, let it brew for 1 hour. Cool and make up to 1 cup boiled water. Drink during the day 1/4 cup 20 minutes before meals. Course 21 days.

The same decoction is used with neurasthenia and menopause pathological, removes inflammation in the spleen.

For colds, fever, rheumatism: put 1 tablespoon of crushed chicory root and 1 teaspoon of grass meadowsweet (meadowsweet) in a thermos. Pour 1 cup boiling water over. Let it brew for 1 hour. Take 1/2 cup several times a day.

In complex treatment tuberculosis both the root and the flowering herb of common chicory are used. To do this, 2 tablespoons of chicory roots, 1 tablespoon of flowering herbs (dry), 1 teaspoon of meadowsweet herb, 1 teaspoon of motherwort herb, pour 2 cups of boiling water in a thermos. Let it brew for 1 hour. Take 1/2 cup with mummy tablets 0.2 x 3 times a day. Course 3 months.

With fatty degeneration of the liver, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic hepatitis: put 2 tablespoons of crushed chicory roots in an enameled pan, add 1 tablespoon of chopped chicory herb, pour 3 cups of boiling water. Boil in a water bath for 15 minutes from the moment of boiling. Let it brew for 25 minutes. Strain. Take 1/2 cup hot with honey x 3 times a day. Course 3 months.

The same recipe is applied externally (without honey) for eczema, dermatitis, furunculosis, abscesses, trophic ulcers, burns in the form of applications.

There is information about the treatment of sinusitis, but the effectiveness has not been proven.

For hair loss apply this decoction inside and rinse your hair with it after washing.

Here they are so interesting - blue flowers of common chicory in a green meadow. As a diabetic, I myself regularly take a chicory drink and am satisfied with the effect of this plant, therefore I am always happy to tell pharmacy visitors about it, and today to our readers.

Good health to all!

Pharmacist-herbalist Vera Vladimirovna Sorokina

Chicory- the eternal companion of a hot summer, so dear to the Russian soul. Chicory grows throughout Russia, in fields, meadows, along roads. Even if the heat dries up the grass - Chicory holds on steadfastly, raising sky-blue flowers to the sun. For stamina and a hard stem, he is also called "Road Guard".

Chicory widely used in folk medicine. Chicory roots make a wonderful drink that is not inferior to Coffee.

Names of Chicory

People call chicory: Petrov batog, wild chicory, petrov batog, shcherbak, Petrov whip, blue batogs, roadside grass, blue flower, Tatar color, sickle, black companion, yellowberry, shkerda, endevion.

Where does Chicory grow?

Chicory grows throughout Russia. It occurs in meadows, along roads, along ditches, like a weed in weedy wastelands, in places it forms large thickets.

What does chicory look like?

Chicory ordinary- perennial herbaceous plant with milky juice.

stem of chicory upright, ribbed, reaching a height of 30 to 120 cm, with branched rod-like branches.

Chicory flowers light blue, located in the axils of the leaves at the ends of the branches and collected in open baskets.

On fine summer days, Chicory delights the eye with sky-blue flowers. The inflorescences-baskets of Chicory resemble a cornflower, which is why it is popularly called the blue flower. Chicory has other poetic names - each country has its own. They reflect the habitat, appearance and properties of Chicory: roadside grass, guardian, sentinel road, waiting plant and even an enchanted maiden. In Poland, Slovenia and Bulgaria, chicory is called the bride of the sun because its flowers turn as the sun crosses the sky.

Chicory flowering time

blooming chicory all summer and autumn, until the cold.

Collection and preparation of chicory

herb chicory harvested in June-August and dried directly in the sun. BUT chicory roots dug in September-October or early spring, it is better to do this after rain, when the ground is soft and the roots are easy to pull out.

Medicinal properties of chicory

Chicory normalizes the metabolism in the body, is able to remove all toxins. Chicory cleanses the kidneys, helps to improve the condition of patients diabetes. In addition, it is used to improve blood composition. Chicory stimulates the appetite, improves bowel activity, and is also an excellent remedy for heartburn. Due to the ability of chicory to increase the overall body tone, it is used instead of coffee beans. A drink made from chicory cleanses blood vessels and relieves fatigue and fatigue.
Chicory has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is used as an antipyretic for colds and other diseases.

Chicory improves sleep

Due to the stimulating effect on the central nervous system, Chicory reduces its excitability and improves sleep (unlike coffee).

Chicory improves digestion

The bitter substances present in Chicory promote the secretion of gastric juice, which activates digestion. The more bitter the taste of Chicory, the more beneficial it affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Chicory is especially useful in chronic gastritis with reduced secretion of gastric juice and Achilles (inhibition of gastric secretion).

Chicory, actively stimulating the work of the stomach, prevents lethargy of digestion, helps the stomach quickly digest even indigestible food, and even saves from heartburn. By adding a decoction of Chicory to milk, you can not be afraid of such unpleasant consequences as bloating, rumbling, flatulence, weak stools, etc., as it contributes to the proper absorption of milk.

Chicory cleanses the liver

Chicory- just a salvation for the poor, tired liver of a modern city dweller: it significantly improves its function, removing toxins from the body and thereby giving it the opportunity to work calmly, without tension.

Chicory for skin

Daily use of herbs and chicory root relieves acne, skin rashes, irritation, boils. The skin becomes soft and beautiful again. Since the whole body is cleansed at the same time, the overall well-being improves. Breath becomes fresh - this is the first sign of health.

chicory for diabetes

By stimulating the body's metabolism, Chicory reduces high blood sugar and, along with other hypoglycemic plants, can be successfully used in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Chicory improves eyesight

Probably not everyone knows about the miraculous properties of Chicory and Dandelion in terms of restoring vision.

Chicory, by the way, is closely related to Dandelion. Them chemical compositions largely the same. They contain nutrients, which the optic nerve and lens muscles constantly need. So, if you drink a mixture of juices from chicory (or dandelion) and carrots, then quickly eliminate visual defects. You can also add parsley and celery to this cocktail.

Chicory during pregnancy

Chicory during pregnancy is prescribed as an effective tonic. Healthy drinks based on Chicory are able to gently remove toxins, excess fluid from the body, preventing swelling, heartburn and nausea.

However, when feeding from Chicory, it is advised to refuse, including because of the strong stimulating effect.

Application of Chicory

Chicory is best known as a coffee drink. Now, it is no longer difficult to find a package with ready-made powder in the store.

You can also make a drink from Chicory yourself - rinse the roots, fry, grind into powder and grind.

For ingestion, chicory grass, flowers, are also brewed as tea.

Heard it's fresh. chicory flowers, you can eat to improve vision. I tried to eat a few myself. Taste though bitter, but "noble".

Chicory - interesting facts

Chicory- an excellent and useful coffee substitute. Decaffeinated.

The bees are very fond of chicory flowers they have a lot of pollen. Therefore, chicory is considered a honey flower. If you have seen honeycombs, they also contain multi-colored cells with pollen (pure protein). Blue and blue cells are just Chicory pollen.

Chicory in folk beliefs. In almost all countries there was a belief that chicory root can make a person invisible.

Chicory is known as an instant coffee substitute or as a coffee supplement, and many have already heard that it has amazing health benefits and almost no contraindications. But trying to find good replacement caffeine, aren't we doing ourselves more harm than good? If you want to know more about what soluble chicory is, what is useful for the health of men and women after 40-50 years old, how much you can drink per day and much more, read on.

What is chicory?

Chicory is the root of the chicory (endive) plant, which is roasted and ground and is widely used as a cheap substitute or flavoring for instant coffee. It enhances its smell, gives a richer taste. Coffee with chicory has a more intense roasted aroma and slightly more bitterness.

Chicory is grown in many parts of the world, the largest producers are in France, South Africa, USA.

It is also used as a condiment in cooking and added to foods and drinks.

What does chicory look like - photo

general description

Common chicory (Cichorium intybus var. Sativum) is a hardy perennial plant from the genus Cichorium in the Asteraceae family, whose leaves are used in salads and whose root is used to make a drink.

Its scientific name is Cichorium intybus var. sativum. In another way, chicory is called Gorchanka, blue flower, roadside grass, Petrov batogs, Tatar color, king-root, shcherbak.

Life expectancy in nature is 2 years optimal conditions can grow up to 5 years.

The stem is rough, vertical, smooth or partially hairy, grows from 90 to 180 cm high. The whole is filled with bitter milky juice.

Flowers from 2 to 4 cm wide and usually bright, light blue, rarely white or pink. The petals are arranged in two rows: short on the outside and long on the outside. inside. Blooms from July to October and only on sunny days. Each flower lives only one day.

Chicory flower - photo

Chicory develops two types of leaves: large, lobed (like a dandelion) at the base of the plant and smaller, oblong or lanceolate at the top of the stem.

Edible parts: leaves and root. The flower is very bitter.

The root is about 5 cm in diameter and 15-20 cm long, tapers like other root crops, and weighs 50-100 g.

How and from what chicory is made

Chicory is not coffee, it is obtained not from grains, but from the roots of the plant. They are usually dug up in the fall, in the second year of life.

Then they are thoroughly cleaned and cut into small cubes. Next, they are placed on a rack and slowly dried by artificial means at a temperature of 40 to 50 ° C.

Roast them until they are firm and dark brown. The roasted roots are then ground like coffee beans.

What is the smell and taste of chicory

Roasted chicory root has a coffee-like flavor but is caffeine-free. It has a naturally sweet taste, so no sugar is needed to make the drink.

How to choose and where to buy chicory

Fresh root in supermarkets is most often not found, except in specialized stores. healthy eating. If you are engaged in a garden, chicory can be grown independently on your site.

In grocery stores, chicory root is sold only in processed form: crushed into powder, granules, flakes, extract, etc. Visually, the product should look dry, without extraneous additives and lumps.

Soluble liquid chicory is also on sale - a thick dark extract with a rich bitter taste. It is produced in banks. The extract is easier to store and prepare than the powdered product.

Drink fillers are added to some variants of chicory: sea buckthorn, lemongrass, ginseng, cinnamon, blueberries, stevia. Natural additives enrich the taste, affect both the properties and the price of the product.

How and how much to store chicory

Store fresh powder and other forms of chicory in airtight containers out of direct sunlight. Use it as early as possible to avoid loss of flavor and 'breathing out' the essential oils.

If moisture gets into the powder, it will become hard, unusable.

Chemical composition

Chicory root contains several health-promoting plant compounds, minerals and vitamins.

Nutritional value of 100 g of chicory root (Cichorium intybus var. Sativum)

Name	Quantity	Percentage of daily allowance, %
Energy value (calorie content)	72 kcal	3,5
Carbohydrates	17.51 ​​g	14
Protein	1.40 g	3
Dietary fiber (fiber)	1.5 g	4
folate	23 mcg	6
Niacin	0.400 mg	2,5
Pyridoxine	0.241 mg	18
Riboflavin	0.030 mg	2
Thiamine	0.040 mg	3
Vitamin C	5 mg	8
Sodium	50 mg	3
Potassium	290 mg	6
Calcium	36 mg	3,5
Iron	0.80 mg	10
Magnesium	22 mg	5,5
Manganese	0.233 mg	10
Phosphorus	61 mg	9
Selenium	0.7 mcg	1
Zinc	0.33 mg	3

Health Benefits of Chicory Root

The chicory plant has many medicinal properties and health benefits.

The health benefits and harms of soluble chicory after 40 - 50 years

Below are the benefits and side effects(harm) of a drink from chicory root, especially relevant for people from 40 to 50 years and older.

Chicory Root is a caffeine-free, healthy herbal drink that can be enjoyed by both children (over 1 year old) and adults. Manufacturers also use it as one of the ingredients in regular coffee powder.

Soluble chicory is popular among those trying to reduce their caffeine intake and gain health benefits, but it can also cause adverse side effects as it has contraindications.

The chicory plant and its parts can cause hypersensitivity reactions, manifested as itching, allergic contact dermatitis, redness in the eyes, etc. This occurs in some sensitive people, especially those allergic to ragweed, birch or chrysanthemum pollen, marigolds, daisies and other members of the plant family Asteraceae/Asteraceae.

If you experience any negative symptoms after drinking chicory coffee, stop use immediately and contact your doctor.

Too much chicory in the diet can lead to digestive problems due to its high inulin content.

Special precautions

Chicory is able to stimulate the uterus, which in turn leads to its contraction. It also contains a substance that promotes menstrual bleeding, which can lead to miscarriage if consumed in large quantities. During pregnancy, women are contraindicated in any form of chicory. Be sure to read the ingredients on the coffee label before drinking. Chicory has not been extensively studied in pregnant women, but there is a risk of abortion.

There is little research on the safety of chicory root for women who are breastfeeding. Check with your doctor if you can drink chicory while breastfeeding to avoid adverse symptoms.

Chicory can stimulate the production of bile. It may be harmful for people with gallstones. Do not use it without medical supervision if you have this problem.

Dosage of instant chicory - how much you can drink per day

Traditionally for consumption as a daily drink - 3-5 g per day.

Even healthy adults should not get carried away and remember the measure: 2-3 cups of chicory coffee are enough per day.

The use of chicory in cooking

Chicory greens are an excellent cooking herb. Juicy leaves are added to salads, and young shoots are used in the preparation of marinades.

Young roots can be cooked like parsnips and served with sauces or in soups.

The roasted roots are used to add a bitter, mild flavor to coffee and tea, or as a coffee substitute.

Powdered chicory is often added to baked goods.

How to make delicious homemade kvass from chicory - video

Chicory has been linked to several health benefits and can be a good coffee replacement if you want to cut down on caffeine and have no contraindications. However, no studies so far have shown that chicory is better than regular coffee. But, if you like the taste of this drink, nothing prevents you from adding it to your diet and enjoying it.

Our grandmothers, growing strawberries, or strawberries, as we used to call them, were not particularly worried about mulching. But today this agricultural practice has become fundamental in achieving High Quality berries and reduce crop losses. Some might say it's troublesome. But practice shows that labor costs in this case pay off handsomely. In this article, we invite you to get acquainted with the nine the best materials for mulching garden strawberries.

Succulents are very versatile. Despite the fact that “kids” have always been considered more fashionable, the assortment of succulents with which you can decorate modern interior, it is worth taking a closer look. After all, colors, sizes, patterns, degree of pricklyness, influence on the interior are just a few of the parameters by which you can choose them. In this article, we will talk about the five most fashionable succulents that surprisingly transform modern interiors.

Mint was used by the Egyptians as far back as 1.5 thousand years BC. It has a strong aroma due to the high content of various essential oils with high volatility. Today, mint is used in medicine, perfumery, cosmetology, winemaking, cooking, ornamental gardening, and the confectionery industry. In this article, we will consider the most interesting varieties of mint, and also talk about the features of growing this plant in open ground.

People began to grow crocuses 500 years before the advent of our era. Although the presence of these flowers in the garden is fleeting, we always look forward to the return of the heralds of spring next year. Crocuses - one of the earliest primroses, whose flowering begins as soon as the snow melts. However, the timing of flowering may vary depending on the species and varieties. This article focuses on the earliest varieties of crocuses that bloom in late March and early April.

Shchi from early young cabbage in beef broth is hearty, fragrant and easy to prepare. In this recipe, you will learn how to cook delicious beef broth and cook light cabbage soup with this broth. Early cabbage cooks quickly, so it is placed in the pan at the same time as the rest of the vegetables, unlike autumn cabbage, which takes a little longer to cook. Ready cabbage soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Real cabbage soup is tastier than freshly cooked.

Blueberries are a rare promising berry crop in gardens. Blueberries are a source of biologically active substances and vitamins, have antiscorbutic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, tonic properties. Berries contain vitamins C, E, A, flavonoids, anthocyanins, trace elements - zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, as well as plant hormones - phytoestrogens. The taste of blueberries resembles a mixture of grapes and blueberries.

Looking at the variety of varieties of tomatoes, it is difficult not to get confused - the choice is very wide today. He sometimes confuses even experienced gardeners! However, it is not so difficult to understand the basics of selecting varieties “for yourself”. The main thing is to understand the peculiarities of culture and start experimenting. One of the easiest tomato groups to grow are varieties and hybrids with limited growth. They have always been appreciated by those gardeners who do not have much time and energy to care for the beds.

Once very popular under the name of room nettle, and then forgotten by everyone, coleuses today are one of the brightest garden and indoor plants. They are not in vain considered stars of the first magnitude for those who are looking primarily for non-standard colors. Easy to grow, but not so undemanding as to suit everyone, coleus require constant supervision. But if you take care of them, bushes of velvety unique leaves will easily outshine any competitor.

Salmon backbone baked in Provence herbs is a “supplier” of delicious pieces of fish pulp for a light salad with fresh wild garlic leaves. Mushrooms are lightly fried in olive oil, and then poured with apple cider vinegar. Such mushrooms are tastier than ordinary pickled ones, and they are better suited for baked fish. Ramson and fresh dill coexist perfectly in one salad, emphasizing the flavor of each other. Garlic sharpness of wild garlic will saturate both the flesh of salmon and pieces of mushrooms.

Conifer tree or a shrub on the site is always great, and a lot of conifers is even better. Emerald needles of various shades decorate the garden at any time of the year, and phytoncides and essential oils, secreted by plants, not only flavor, but also make the air cleaner. Generally, most zoned adults coniferous plants, are considered very unpretentious trees and shrubs. But young seedlings are much more capricious and require competent care and attention.

Sakura is most often associated with Japan and its culture. Picnics in the shade flowering trees have long been an integral attribute of the meeting of spring in the Land of the Rising Sun. The financial and academic year here begins on April 1, when magnificent cherry blossoms bloom. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese pass under the sign of their flowering. But sakura also grows well in cooler regions - certain types can be successfully grown even in Siberia.

It is very interesting for me to analyze how people's tastes and preferences for certain foods have changed over the centuries. What was once considered tasty and traded lost its value over time and, conversely, new fruit crops conquered their markets. Quince has been cultivated for more than 4 thousand years! And even in the 1st century BC. e. about 6 varieties of quince were known and even then the methods of its reproduction and cultivation were described.

Make your family happy and make themed Easter egg-shaped cottage cheese cookies! Your children will be happy to take part in the process - they will sift the flour, combine all the necessary ingredients, knead the dough and cut out intricate figures. Then they will watch with admiration as the pieces of dough turn into real ones. Easter eggs, and then with the same enthusiasm they will eat them with milk or tea. How to make such original cookies for Easter, read in our step by step recipe!

There are not so many decorative and deciduous favorites among tuberous crops. And the caladium is a true star among the variegated inhabitants of the interiors. Not everyone can decide to start a Caladium. This plant is demanding, and first of all - to care. But still, the rumors about the unusual capriciousness of the Caladium never justify. Attention and care allow you to avoid any difficulties when growing caladiums. And a plant can almost always forgive small mistakes.

We have prepared a hearty, incredibly appetizing and simply elementary dish for you today. This gravy is one hundred percent universal, as it will suit every side dish: vegetables, pasta, and anything. Gravy with chicken and mushrooms will save you in moments when there is no time or you don’t want to think too much about what to cook. Grab your favorite side dish (you can make this ahead of time to keep it hot), add gravy and dinner is ready! A real lifesaver.