This herbaceous plant is an alternative for coffee drinkers trying to kick caffeine.
But what is chicory, and why is it a buzzy health food?
Chicory is the root of a blue-flowering perennialplant in the dandelion family.
Credit: EKramar/Getty Images
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (think ibuprofen and acetaminophen) are common treatments to alleviate pain due to inflammation.
Chicory Aids Digestion
You’ve probably heard your doctor/grandma/parent tell you to “eat more fiber.”
And they’re right.
Credit: Courtesy of Francesco Angrisani / Pixabay
Fiber also plays a key role in helping prevent constipation and other gastrointestinal problems.
Soluble fiber is also particularly beneficial in lowering cholesterol and helping keep blood sugar levels regulated.
A mix of coffee grounds and chicory granules is a nice half-caffeinated option.
Zhu, Di et al.
“Cichoric Acid Reverses Insulin Resistance and Suppresses Inflammatory Responses in the Glucosamine-Induced HepG2 Cells.
“Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol.
51, 2015, pp.
10903-10913, doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.5b04533
Rizvi, Raseem et al.
“Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Roots of Cichorium Intybus Due to Its Inhibitory Effect on Various Cytokines and Antioxidant Activity.
“Ancient Science of Life, vol.
32, no.1, 2014, pp.
44-49, doi:10.4103/0257-7941.150780
Mohkam, Milad et al.
“Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications.
“Foods, vol.
3, 2019, pp.
