Chicory is a perennial herbaceous plant found growing in moderately drained and fertile soil which is normally bitter in taste. Roots, leaves are the edible parts of chicory and are extensively used worldwide. The root is used as coffee replacements and young leaves are consumed raw in the form of salads. Chicory is full of important nutrients and is advantageous if consumed regularly and inappropriate dosage.

 

Also known as blue daisy, blue dandelion, blue sailors, blue weed, bunk, coffee weed, cornflower, hendibeh, horseweed, ragged sailors, succory, wild bachelor’s buttons, and wild endive, Chicory is a somewhat woody, herbaceous plant that belongs to the sunflower and daisy family called Asteraceae, close cousins to lettuce and dandelions. Its scientific name is Cichorium intybus and is native to Europe, India, and Egypt, but it has now been established in the Americas and can be found extensively there. Daliva, Flash, Zoom, Rossa di Treviso, Rossa di Verona, Giulio Firebird are some popular varieties of Chicory which are grown worldwide for their leaves, buds, and roots.

Chicory – Cichorium intybus Facts

Chicory Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Cichorium intybus

Plant

Chicory is a slightly woody, perennial herbaceous plant sized 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall and is found growing in temperate climates. Normally it prefers moderately drained and fertile soil, warm, moist peat or sand. Chicory plants are easy to grow in the garden as a cool-season crop. Roots are single, long, thick, strong, well-developed spindle-shaped taproots. Stems are erect, hollow, round, nearly leafless, green to reddish-brown stems that produce a milky sap once cut. The lower part of the stems is hairy. Leaves are stalked, lanceolate, and unlobed. Flower heads are 2 to 4 cm (0.79 to 1.6 in) wide and usually bright blue, rarely white or pink. There are two rows of involucral bracts – the inner one is longer and erect and the outer is shorter and spreading. Each flower lasts only one day. It blooms in the morning and closes later in the day. It flowers from July until October. Fruits are about 0.13 in. (0.3 cm) long, dark brown, and wedge-shaped. The fruit consists of one seed. Each plant produces as many as 3000 seeds. Seeds are miniature, the obovate-shaped seed that is light brown colored.

Root

The root is one of the important parts of the Chicory plant and is used extensively throughout the world. Roots are long, single, thick, strong, well developed spindle-shaped taproots. Chicory root is commonly used as a coffee substitute or coffee additive. Roots are ground and used for baking and, most popularly, as a coffee substitute. Chicory root is a bit wood-like, being fibrous in nature. It’s considered that the coffee mixed with chicory mixture probably started in Holland, becoming more popular across parts of Europe during 1801. Chicory root has traditionally been used in tea or in medicinal remedies to cure liver enlargement, jaundice, rheumatism, and gout.

Leaf

Chicory plant is normally grown for its leaves, buds, and roots as it consists of certain valuable qualities. Leaves are used in a similar way as spinach in several cultures. The root is often crushed into a powder and used as a coffee substitute, that doesn’t contradict all of its health benefits. It has been used for hundreds of years as an herbal cure for several diseases and continues to prove its worth today. Two types of leaves can be found in Chicory Rosette leaves and Lance-shaped stem leaves. Rosette leaves are normally 2-6 in. (5.1-15 cm) long, oblong with rough hairs on upper and lower surfaces. Margins are shallowly toothed or deeply dissected. Lance-shaped stem leaves are usually small, sparse, alternate, and clasping with margins either smooth or slightly toothed. Chicory leaves are a mildly bitter flavor and bitter in taste. Leaf flavor is affected by light – the more light it has and the more color in the leaves then the stronger the flavor will be. However, in certain places chicory is developed in dark rooms to confirm a smooth, distinctive flavor without too much bitterness.

Witloof

Chicory witloof also called chicos, Belgian endive is used mainly in leafy salad vegetables. The edible portion of chicory is the young, enlarged, compact, and etiolated terminal bud which is composed of compact closely overlapping outer leaves having a mother-of-pearl luster or milky-white appearance and a light yellow tinge on leaf margins. It is lanceolate in shape, with the length ranging from 2 to 3 times the maximum width. Witloof is mostly for European consumption and of little interest elsewhere. In the United States, it is not well known or appreciated by the general public.

History

Chicory plant is indigenous to Europe, India, and Egypt. It was presented to the US during the 19th century. It usually grows as a weed in temperate climates and is extensively grown in northern Europe and is now common in North America, China, and Australia, where it has become widely established.

Nutritional Value

In terms of nutritive value, chicory is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron-folic acid, and potassium, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and C. These are the main causes behind all of the health benefits that come from chicory. Apart from that several amino acids like Tryptophan, Threonine, Isoleucine, Leucine, and Lysine are also found in Chicory which is extremely beneficial for our health.

Health benefits of Chicory

Chicory is a woody, herbaceous plant that has a wealth of health benefits. Since it is a good source of Vitamins, minerals, and important nutrients regular consumption is very advantageous for our health. Mildly bitter flavor chicory is beneficial for digestive issues, kidney health, heart disease, Constipation, and many more

1. Digestive Issues

Chicory is extremely beneficial to improve various functions of the digestive system. Inulin which is found considerably in Chicory is a powerful probiotic. Probiotics are in fact an organization of bacteria that in fact confer benefits on the host, rather than diseases, which is what bacteria is commonly associated with. Chicory helps to combat a number of digestive and intestinal problems like indigestion, heartburn, reflux disease because it vigorously decreases the acidity of the body’s systems.(1)

2. Kidney Health

Chicory root extract is frequently used as a diuretic that increases the amount of urination. Constant and healthy frequency of urination can help to remove harmful toxins that the body stores in the liver and kidneys and avoid the dangerous conditions that may occur when toxins are allowed to remain in the body. Also, regular urination can remove additional water weight, and even decrease fat, since 4% of urine is usually fat deposits that would otherwise be stored somewhere else in the body!(2)

3. Heart Disease

Inulin present in chicory not only benefits the digestive system, it has also been shown to decrease the levels of “bad” cholesterol within the body. This LDL cholesterol is one of the main reasons behind atherosclerosis as well as high blood pressure because it slightly blocks the flow of blood when it binds to arteries and veins. It may also result in the possibility of heart attacks and strokes. Remarkably enough, the chemical pathway that inulin functions in to reduce the presence of LDL cholesterol is rarely active unless a person consumes a high level of carbohydrates, so this benefit has s somewhat smaller range of effect. However, more research is presently being done on how chicory can help heart health in other ways.

Chicory is also packed with plant phenols, which have been extensively calculated as anti-thrombotic and anti-arrhythmic agents. They are considered antioxidants, and research has shown that chicory-based coffee rather than normal coffee can considerably improve the balance of blood and plasma in the body, which decreases the chances of cardiovascular disease.(3)

4. Reduce Arthritis Pain

Chicory is one of the traditionally used treatments for arthritis, and research has shown chicory has substantial anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it works to decrease the pain from conditions like osteoarthritis. In a research study, 70% of people who received the chicory treatment reported noticeable progress in the pain related to their osteoarthritic condition. Chicory can also be used as a general anti-inflammatory agent for muscle pains, aches, and joint soreness for this same reason.(4)

5. Constipation

Constipation is one of the main problems which are affecting more and more people throughout the world. Inulin found in chicory plays an important role, as it is a natural fiber that helps to overcome constipation. The fiber helps to bulk up bowel movements, encourage peristaltic motions, and the secretion of gastric juices. Mainly, that means that digestion as a whole is improved, and constipation is greatly reduced. By maintaining a smooth and regulated digestive process, people can decrease the chances of a number of gastrointestinal conditions and diseases, including stomach and colon cancer!(5)

6. Anxiety and Stress

Chicory has calming qualities that may decrease anxiety and calm the mind, thus relieving stress and the dangerous effects it can have on the body. Chicory root extract can be used as a sleep aid because of its sedative quality, and is much healthier than many of the sleeping pills on the conventional market. Relieving stress and anxiety can also help reduce your chances of cognitive decline, heart disease, insomnia, hormonal imbalance, and premature aging.(6)

7. Cancer Prevention

Chicory extract has been related to a decrease in tumor growth in various cancer studies although research is still ongoing in terms of the exact mechanism of prevention. Earlier research indicates that it is due to the fructans which is present within chicory, that have anti-tumor qualities and antioxidant properties. The polyphenols and phytochemicals within chicory have a positive effect on avoiding cancer of various types, like breast cancer and colorectal cancer.(7), (8)

8. Weight Loss

Chicory is a good source of oligofructose, and inulin itself is a form of natural dietary fiber and these help in the management of weight and attempts at weight loss. These both help in the regulation of ghrelin, which is an amino acid mainly related to feelings of hunger and food-seeking behavior. By decreasing the amount of the ghrelin hormone, chicory helps to reduce the chances of overeating and promote satiety, or the feeling of fullness. This can help in weight loss efforts!(9)

How to Eat

• Root chicory has been grown in Europe as a coffee substitute.
• Roots are baked, ground, and used as an additive, especially in the Mediterranean region.
• Beer brewers use roasted chicory to add flavor to stouts.
• As a coffee additive, it is also mixed in Indian filter coffee, and in parts of Southeast Asia, the southern United States, and South Africa.
• Inulin present in chicory root is frequently used in low-fat or dairy-free yogurt, ice cream, and a ready-to-drink protein shake.
• Ice cream, protein shakes, yogurt, high-fiber/low-carb bars, cereals, energy bars, bread, and granola products often consist of chicory root.
• Young raw chicory leaves can also be used as salads.

Other Traditional uses and benefits of Chicory

• Root chicory contains volatile effective at eradicating intestinal worms.
• Ingestion of chicory by farm animals results in a decrease of worm burdens.
• It is used as a tonic and as a treatment for gastroenteritis, gallstones, sinus problems, and cuts and bruises.
• Chicory contains inulin, which helps with weight loss, improving bowel function, constipation, and general health.
• It may increase calcium absorption and bone mineral density in rats.
• Chicory has proven anti-hepatotoxic potential in animal studies.
• Chicory is listed as one of the 38 plants that are used to make Bach flower remedies.
• Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks used it as a liver tonic, appetite stimulant and sedative.
• A decoction of 1 oz. of root to a pint of boiling water has been discovered to be effective against jaundice and liver enlargement.
• Bruised leaves are considered good poultice for swelling and inflamed eyes by ancient herbalists.
• A modern herbalist says chicory increases bile production, lowers cholesterol, moderates a rapid heart rate, and destroys bacteria.
• Korean research shows that that chicory reduces cholesterol levels and increases the ratio of HDL to LDL in the blood of tested animals.
• Syrup of Succory is an outstanding laxative for children, as it acts without irritation.
• An infusion of the herb is beneficial for skin eruptions associated with gout.
• Herbalists made a tonic from chicory root, supposed to defend the liver from effects caused by extreme coffee drinking.

Other Facts

• Due to their protein and fat content, Chicory roots are an “excellent substitute for oats” for horses.
• The plant is grown as a fodder or herbage crop for cattle.

Precautions

• Excessive chicory while pregnant might encourage menstruation and probably a miscarriage.
• Women should not eat excess chicory while breastfeeding.
• This plant is closely related to ragweed, marigolds, and daisies, so allergic reactions are not uncommon if you are also allergic to those species.
• If you have gallstones, too much chicory can worsen the problem.
• Chicory might react with birch pollen to help raise the possibility of allergic effects.
• Chicory might interact with medicines suggested for cardiac problems.

References

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