Various herbs have been used for centuries to overcome physical problems. Especially, they have an important role in Naturopathy. In this sequence, we are going to tell you about one such herb ‘Kasni’. It is believed that the simple-looking chicory plant can act as a preventive measure against various diseases. At the same time, it can help in recovering from illness and can increase the effect of medical treatment and medicine. In this article of Myhealthonly, let us know what is chicory and what can be the benefits of chicory. Apart from this, you will also be made aware of the side effects caused by it.
Let us start the article with the introduction of chicory.
What Is Chicory?
Chicory is a special type of herb, which has many medicinal properties. Its scientific name is Cichorium intybus and it belongs to the dandelion family. Its flower is white-blue in colour. Chicory plants are about one to two meters tall. Know below how this medicinal herb can be beneficial for the body.
Before that, know why chicory is good for health.
Why is chicory good for your health?
Chicory can be considered a boon for health, the reason being the various medicinal properties present in it. It is believed to have an effective effect on many physical problems, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, constipation, and liver-kidney problems. Apart from these, it can work to benefit the body in many ways, the details of which will be given below.
Next, we will learn about the benefits of chicory.
Ten Incredible Health Benefits Of Chicory –
Chicory can work to provide many benefits to your health, which we are telling below.
- Relief from stress and anxiety
Consuming chicory can prove beneficial in stress and anxiety. According to research published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), antioxidant properties can help relieve mental disorders, including anxiety, stress and depression. According to another research published in NCBI, a good amount of antioxidants are found in chicory. Therefore, it can be said that the benefits of chicory can work to relieve stress and anxiety.
- Beneficial in digestion
Chicory can play an important role in providing relief from digestive system problems. Chicory contains a good amount of inulin (dietary fiber), which can help combat a number of intestinal and digestive problems including acid reflux. Apart from this, it can also provide relief from indigestion and heartburn.
- For heart health
Chicory can also be considered useful for heart health. It is rich in antioxidant properties and the consumption of coffee made from it can work to improve the balance of blood and plasma in the body, which can reduce the risk of heart disease to a great extent. Apart from this, inulin is also found in it, which can work to reduce the level of harmful cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack. On the other hand, if someone has any heart-related disease, then he must get a checkup done by the doctor and take medicine along with this home remedy on the instructions of the doctor.
- For liver health
Chicory can also play a major role in keeping the liver healthy. According to research published on the NCBI website, chicory has hepatoprotective properties, which can work to protect the liver.
- For arthritis
Chicory powder can be used in the treatment of arthritis. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. Apart from this, chicory can also provide some relief from muscle pain and joint pain.
- Helpful in weight loss
The benefits of chicory can also be seen to reduce body weight. A good amount of fiber is found in chicory. Fiber can work to maintain energy in the body as well as control hunger for a long time. Also, the habit of eating extra can be stopped, as a result, it can help in keeping the weight under control.
- For cancer
Chicory can also act as a prevention against breast and colorectal cancer. Along with this, it can also show an effective effect on the symptoms of cancer. For this, the properties of polyphenols and photochemicals found in chicory can be helpful. Along with this, anti-cancer properties are also found in its root. If someone is suffering from cancer, then he should not rely only on home remedies. He should also get proper medical treatment done in time.
- Get rid of constipation
If someone is struggling with the problem of constipation, then chicory is nothing less than a miracle for them. An element called inulin is found in chicory, which acts like a fiber. Fiber can help improve digestion as well as stimulate the bowel system, thereby preventing constipation.
- Relief from kidney problem
Chicory root extract can be used as a diuretic. This can increase the amount of urine. Toxins present in the kidneys can be removed through urine, which can have a positive effect on kidney health. Therefore, it can be said that the benefits of chicory can extend to the kidneys as well.
- Eczema & Candida
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition and Candida is a fungal infection of the skin. The benefits of chicory can be seen in both these conditions, because chicory is rich in anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-fungal properties.
Further in the article, we are telling about the nutritional elements present in chicory.
Chicory Nutritional Value
Many nutrients are found in the chicory plant, which we will know through a chart.
The next part of the article describes how to eat chicory.
How to Eat Chicory
Chicory can be included in the diet in many ways. Some of these common methods are mentioned below –
How to eat :
Chicory can be used as tea or coffee, as it tastes similar to coffee. Although it is caffeine free.
Fresh leaves of chicory can be included in the diet like salad.
Chicory leaves can be eaten as a vegetable.
You can consume chicory powder by mixing it with water, milk or honey.
When to eat :
- The drink made from it can be taken at any time in the morning or evening.
- Vegetable or salad of its leaves can be taken with lunch or dinner.
How much to eat :
- At the moment, it is difficult to tell how much is sufficient per day, because there is no scientific evidence available in this regard. Therefore, you should consult a dietitian to know its proper quantity. He will tell about its daily dosage according to your health.
Further some side effects of chicory are being told.
Side Effects Of Chicory
There may be some side effects of chicory as well. Know below about the side effects caused by this.
- People who have more complaints of allergies, they may be allergic to the consumption of chicory.
- Consuming chicory in excess can cause obstruction in the digestive tract.
- During pregnancy and lactating women are advised not to consume it.
Now you must have understood what is chicory. Also how chicory can show effective effect on various physical problems. Apart from this, you have also been told about the side effects of chicory, so that awareness can be taken in advance. Let us tell you once again that chicory is not the cure for any problem, but it can definitely play a helpful role in reducing the problem. Also, do not ignore medical treatment for the treatment of any disease.
