Chicory is a well-known product, but an infrequent guest on our table. Chicory is a plant with oblong leaves, which has a long, dense root that goes deep into the ground. On sale, most often we find crushed dry chicory root, which is brewed as a drink, as an analogue, or as an addition to it. To complete the taste of a chicory drink, the benefits and harms are fully taken into account, the root is roasted. The leaves are less sought after, but can also be found on store shelves in the greens section, and are used in salads.

Chicory can be called a dual product, because its use can affect the body both beneficially and with negative consequences. In this article we will talk about the benefits and harms of chicory, which beneficial features carries this product, which categories of people can include chicory in food, and consider the benefits and harms of soluble chicory - how to make a drink from chicory and how it is useful.

Useful properties of chicory, its composition and use in food.

1. Although chicory is considered a “weedy” plant, this is completely undeserved - it is simply a storehouse of nutrients and vitamins. So, chicory contains inulin polysaccharide (9-11%), which is used in the food industry as. For diabetics, a chicory drink is a real salvation. It is naturally sweetened and does not raise blood glucose levels. The benefits and harms of soluble chicory are immediately revealed - of course, chicory has much more advantages than contraindications, which we will discuss below.

2. Great content protein substances in chicory will give the body vigor and strength, a good boost of energy. A great addition to any sportsman's or traveler's snack.

3. Chicory contains the following vitamins:

• thiamine (ensures the normal functioning of the heart, digestive and nervous system);
• riboflavin or vitamin B2 (necessary for human reproductive function, maintains healthy nails, hair, skin, and even plays important role in the work of the thyroid gland);
• ascorbic acid (stimulating the body's immune system, strengthening blood vessels, maintaining normal muscle tone);
• carotene (a powerful antioxidant, prevents skin aging and a decrease in its elasticity, also has an immunomodulatory effect).

4. Chicory juice strengthens and nourishes the muscular system of the eyes. But since it is quite difficult to get chicory juice even in the amount of one glass, it is allowed to mix it with other fresh vegetable juices, for example, carrot juice. Remember that in juice, in which there are several components, for better absorption by the body, you need to add a couple of tablespoons of cream, or any vegetable oil (for example) in the amount of 1 tsp.

5. Chicory increases appetite well, so it is recommended for people with impaired stomach function, with a lack of weight, or simply with a weak appetite. It is enough to drink chicory coffee before meals, the benefits and harms of which are described in our article, or add chicory leaves or seeds to your favorite dish.

Speaking about chicory, the benefits and harms here are simply obvious: doctors often prescribe chicory to pregnant and lactating women to restore strength and vitality. Since coffee is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to caffeine, a drink made from chicory powder brightens up the daily diet and helps diversify the diet of young and expectant mothers.

Preparation of a drink from chicory.

Fortunately, ready-made soluble chicory powders are commercially available. You can buy chicory with numerous additives. The brewing principle is the same as for instant coffee. A couple of teaspoons of instant chicory pour 150-200 ml hot water, mix. You can add milk and cream to taste. Do not overdo it with sugar - the drink is sweetened by the chicory itself. By drinking coffee from chicory, the benefits and harms are compensated by the pleasure and the very note in the taste of the drink that you will love.

If you want to make a drink from chicory yourself, you will need several roots of this plant - 5-6 pieces. They need to be thoroughly washed and cleaned. Then the chicory roots must be dried. This can be done in an oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 4-6 hours with the door ajar. On a baking sheet before this, it is advisable to lay parchment or foil. If you have the opportunity to dry the roots outdoors in the sun, this the best option. It will take more time whole week but the result will please you. Dried roots must be cut into small plates. Fry them in a dry frying pan until brown. And then grind the resulting “raw materials” in a coffee grinder, using a blender, or with a hand mill, as you wish. Store in a tightly closed jar in a dark place. The shelf life of ground chicory prepared at home is no more than six months.

You can buy ready-made soluble chicory root powder in almost any supermarket in the tea / coffee department. It is also widely distributed in pharmacies and specialized phyto-oriented stores.

AT glass jar the product looks great. In cans, there is a danger of getting chicory ground into "dust" - in this case it is difficult to understand if the manufacturer has diluted the chicory powder with something cheaper.

Chicory powder must be absolutely uniform, dry. There should not be any lumps, balls - their presence indicates that the product was not stored correctly, most likely in conditions of high humidity.

It is very convenient to use chicory in small “sticks”, bags in which a portion has already been measured. In this form, chicory is convenient to take on trips, to work, anywhere - pour the contents of the stick into a mug, fill it with hot water and enjoy the excellent taste of the miraculous drink.

Contraindications to the use of a drink from chicory.

Unfortunately, not all chicory is equally useful. For some categories of people with chronic diseases or impaired body functions, it can do a disservice. Soluble drink from chicory should not be used for the following diseases:

Bronchitis;

Vascular diseases;

Phlebeurysm;

Violation of the work of the heart, heart muscle;

Violation of the gallbladder.

If you notice that after drinking chicory your heart rate has increased, you feel weak, dizzy or nauseous - consult a doctor and exclude this drink from your diet, perhaps you have contraindications to its use. Speaking about the benefits and harms of a chicory drink, it is impossible to draw an unambiguous conclusion. But I would like to note that cases of the negative effect of a drink from chicory on the human body are practically unknown. All arguments about the benefits and harms of chicory come down to one thing - chicory is useful to everyone. So drink to your health and have fun!

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Chicory can be recognized by its bright blue colors. For medicinal purposes, the roots of cultivated and wild chicory species are commonly used.

This plant grows throughout Europe, East Asia, North and South Africa, America, India, Australia and New Zealand. It is found mainly along roads, in ditches, in meadows, in weedy wastelands as a weed.

Chicory root contains from 10 to 20% fructose, carotene, up to 60% inulin, vitaminsc,b1,b2,B3, trace elements - iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, etc., tanning agents, proteins, organic acids, pectin, resins. The most useful item is inulin- a substance that contributes to the normalization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and improves metabolism.

AT folk medicine Chicory has been used since ancient times. Chicory root is mentioned in the works of Forekal, Theophrastus, Pliny. Analysis of ancient medicine indicates that chicory was contained in various medicines that were used for the treatment of diseases of the liver, digestive organs, various wounds.

In modern medicine, chicory is quite popular and finds its application due to its healing properties.

Chicory normalizes the work of the pancreas, enhances metabolic processes in the liver and blood flow, has a choleretic effect, improves the dissolution of gallstones, and also improves appetite. Inulin, which is part of chicory, develops beneficial intestinal microflora, which strengthens the body's immunity.

Chicory

It has a lot of useful properties: anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, diuretic, choleretic, sedative, antipyretic, astringent, antihelminthic. As wound healing funds are effective decoctions and infusions of this plant - in the treatment neurodermatitis, allergic dermatitis, diathesis, seborrhea, psoriasis, acne etc.

Due to its properties, chicory is widely used to treat various diseases - stomach ulcers, dysbacteriosis, diseases of the liver, gallbladder, gastritis etc. And because of the high content trace element iron, chicory is used in prevention and treatment of anemia.

Chicory root drink is a decaffeinated coffee substitute that has no contraindications and is very useful for people with insomnia, depression, migraine, hypertension, neurasthenia, tachycardia, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and other diseases of the cardiovascular system. Thanks to B vitamins, chicory has a calming effect on the nervous system of the body.

High value in chicorn root is inulin. He lowers blood sugar, improves digestion and metabolism. These properties of chicory effective in the fight against obesity and are actively used in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

It is believed that regular consumption of chicory helps the body get rid of toxins, slags, radioactive substances and heavy metals.

At present, chicory is very popular all over the world as a useful product diet food and gourmet seasonings. Coffee with chicory root has long been a favorite drink of Europeans. A drink based chicory root as a coffee substitute often included in the diet people for whom coffee is contraindicated.

Watch a short video about some of the beneficial properties of chicory, as well as a recipe for its preparation:

Watch a three-minute video on how to choose only high-quality chicory in the store, which will really be useful to the body:

Few people know that the often seen beautiful, small field flower Cichórium, sky-blue in color, hardly breaking through the dense soil of the roadsides, is related to the tasty and healthy drink chicory.

The history of this plant is interesting and overgrown with legends. "Cichórium" is an Egyptian word that has been adopted and used to define it in all European countries. Unraveled healing properties Compositae plant as early as 5000 years ago. The inhabitants of Egypt purposefully grew it for healing. AT ancient rome and Greece, chicory was added to the salad in the form of greens. The poets Publius Virgil, Quintus Horace, Publius Ovid, the encyclopedist Pliny, mentioned chicory in their writings. The Roman medical surgeon Claudius Galen defined him as "a friend of the liver."

Despite the bitter taste, the herb has found its application in all countries of the world. Previously, in Northern Europe, entire fields were sown for livestock feed, and the Belgians still use young shoots with pleasure for food.

The French tried the taste of a coffee substitute when they were under blockade in 1808. The lack of a familiar drink forced them to look for a replacement. After the situation improved, the habit of adding chicory to coffee was firmly entrenched. And Louisiana and New Orleans have made this drink traditional for themselves. Despite the variety of coffee varieties, this is their taste preference, fixed for centuries.

In Russia, the "golden root" began to gain popularity in the 19th century. It was grown for making a drink and as an additive to coffee. It was a profitable investment, as it was in demand all year round.

Collection and storage of chicory

The growth area is quite wide, since by its nature this plant is not whimsical and does not require fertile soils. His favorite habitats are rocky, sandy slopes and hills, steppe zones and gullies. Large areas can be found in the European part of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Caucasus, Crimea.

Harvesting of chicory falls on the autumn period. This is the time when the flowering has ended, the leaves and flowers have fallen off. The root is carefully dug up, thoroughly cleaned of unusable parts and small roots, washed and dried in a spread form under the sun's rays for 5 days. Roots dried in accordance with all the rules can be stored in paper bags for up to three years.

To understand the benefits and harms of chicory, the composition of the plant was carefully studied, which included:

1. Essential oil.
2. Thiamine - takes care of the nervous system and supports the work of the heart at the proper level.
3. Inulin is a polymer of fructose that takes part in metabolic processes in the body. Part of the unsplit substance takes with it and naturally removes cholesterol and toxins, and the part that has undergone transformation and penetrated into the bloodstream cleanses the body of toxins inside. It can be called useful fiber.
4. Carotene is a strong antioxidant. Takes care of the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin. An excellent immunomodulator.
5. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) - useful for the reproductive organs, is important for the functioning of the thyroid gland, and also supports the health of hair, skin, nails.
6. Glycoside intibin - widely used in pharmaceuticals. Able to dilate blood vessels, eliminates tachycardia, reduces the amount of bad cholesterol. Smoothes out cardiovascular disorders.
7. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) - supports the immune system, a good antioxidant, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, normalizes muscle tone.
8. Beauty vitamins of groups A, E, PP (nicotinic acid).
9. Tannins - help the digestive tract, remove radionuclides, toxins and salts of heavy metals from the body. Helps the absorption of nutrients into the intestinal wall.
10. Bitter and resinous substances.
11. Pectin - gives a feeling of satiety.
12. Choline is a unique natural medicine of nootropic action. Regulates brain metabolism. Improves cerebral (cerebral) blood flow.
13. Microelements. Potassium, iron, manganese, sodium, phosphorus.
14. Fats, proteins, salts.
15. Intibin is used in traditional medicine as a sedative that balances the nervous system. Fights tachycardia and is a vasodilator.

• It is characterized by astringent properties due to the presence of tannins and bitterness in the composition.
• Decreased blood sugar. Controls and normalizes its level.
• sedative action. It contains many components that are invaluable for the functioning of the nervous system.
• Immunomodulatory, due to the rich composition of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants.
• Wound healing.
• Choleretic. Excellent stimulant of liver function. Removes toxins from it.
• Diuretic.
• Gives a good boost to the digestive system.
• Good antiseptic. May relieve inflammation.
• Stimulates growth bone tissue.
• Promotes the absorption of calcium.
• With colds, it can serve as an antipyretic and diaphoretic.
• Intensively expels slags, radionuclides and salts of heavy metals from their body.
• Normalizes the work of the heart and heart rate.
• Improves the resistance of the bronchial tree, ureters.

The list of diseases that the forces of chicory:

• Hypertension - increase blood pressure.
• Neurosis.
• Insomnia
• hyperacid gastritis. Chronic inflammation of the stomach. Increased acidity.
• Kidney disease (nephritis).
• Anemia (anemia).
• Lack of vitamins leading to loosening of the gums (scurvy).
• Inflammation of the small intestine (enteritis).
• Violation of the microflora in the intestine (dysbacteriosis)
• Chronic constipation.
• Weakness, loss of strength.
• Increased sweating.
• Inflammatory process in the bladder (cystitis).
• Education in gallbladder and stone channels.
• Used in diseases of the spleen.
• Chronic liver disease of a destructive nature - cirrhosis.
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
• Inflammation of the joints (arthritis).
• Inflammatory process in the large intestine (colitis).
• Inflammation of the gallbladder wall (cholecystitis).

The above diseases can be treated using a variety of dosage forms (decoctions, drinks, tinctures).

It is also effective to apply chicory externally (lotions, rubbing, poultices, baths, dressings):

• Purulent wounds, ulcers.
• Itching, blisters (eczema).
• Painful purulent inflammation (boils).
• Food allergies in children (diathesis).
• Inflammation of the lymph nodes.

A wide spectrum of action will not disregard any system of the body. Support and strengthen the heart, liver, kidneys, blood.

A valuable factor is the ability to use this healing root for people suffering from diabetes. The polysaccharide fully, naturally replaces sugar.

For pregnant women, chicory is useful and necessary. It is rich in vitamins, microelements. Takes care of the safety of calcium in the body. Perfectly tones, removes excess fluid. Helps to cope with nausea and heartburn. Excellent antioxidant.

Beauty and health of hair and skin

Nerves, stress, a polluted atmosphere leave an imprint of fatigue on the skin and give a painful look to the hair. In cosmetology, the composition of shampoos, conditioners, masks often includes an extract from the roots. With increased hair loss, seborrhea, decoctions from the collection are used at home to rinse the hair and relieve inflammation from the skin.

Chicory juice can be added to face creams and masks - this will speed up the healing process of pustular rashes, acne.

Calorie content of chicory per 100 g - 21 kcal. To get rid of extra pounds, you must follow certain rules:

• Take on an empty stomach, no added milk or sugar.
• During the day, take 2-3 times.
• End the day with a cup of chicory.
• Reduce your intake of high calorie foods.

Inulin is a prebiotic. Its benefits have been tested and confirmed by microbiologists. Long-term use is completely safe. For people who want to reduce the size of their clothes by a couple of sizes, it is a good helper, as it creates a favorable environment for the intestinal microflora, and also regulates lipid metabolism. An important point it is considered the ability to regulate appetite, create a feeling of satiety. Regulates carbohydrate metabolism.

Despite many positive features, magic root there are also contraindications. There is a group of people for whom chicory is not suitable for any reason. Before critical condition this drug collection will not bring, but can significantly create discomfort.

• neuroses.
• Bronchitis.
• Gastritis.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Haemorrhoids.
• individual dislike.
• Children up to 3 years old.
• Vitamin C is an allergen. Allergy sufferers are at risk.
• Varicose veins.

Note to the hostess: recipes for all occasions

1. We make tea. The chicory root is washed and dried. Roast. They grind to dust. 1 teaspoon of powder is poured with a glass of boiling water and boiled for another 5 minutes. Let it brew a little and you can enjoy tea with the addition of milk and honey to taste.
2. Chicory juice. Squeezed from fresh plant leaves. Mixed with milk and consumed 15 ml three times a day for a month and a half.
3. Collection recommended for stones in the gallbladder and ducts. Dandelion and chicory roots are taken in equal proportions. They are combined with a mint leaf, repeshki, tripoli (all components 50 g each). From the total take 2 tbsp. collection spoons, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. They insist for several hours. Spread over two days.
4. Decoction external. Dilute 20 g of dry collection of grass and roots with 2 cups of boiled water. Insist 10 min. Use for instillation of eyes affected by conjunctivitis, and poultices - to remove pain in the joints.
5. Tincture for the treatment of wound surfaces. Pour 10 g of roots with alcohol (40 ml). Week insist in a dark place. Used to wipe the surface of the skin.
6. Anti-cellulite therapy. Chopped root 2 tbsp. spoons are mixed with 1 cup of boiling water. Brew for about an hour in a thermos. The contents are poured into the bath and immersed for 25 minutes. Repeat every other day for 21 days.
7. Decoction for the intensity of hair growth. Grass and roots are poured with boiling water. For 30 g, add 4 cups. Boil 30 min. Insist 6 hours. They filter through gauze. The finished medicine is rubbed into the hair roots. Allow to soak for 10 minutes and rinse under running water.

Video: the benefits and harms of chicory

30.07.2018

Chicory or, as it is also called: "blue dandelion" is undeservedly considered a weed, although it is not inferior to many cultivated plants in terms of the amount of vitamins and minerals. This plant can replace the products we are used to, and for the body it will only benefit. For example, from the roasted root you can make a drink that tastes like coffee, and from the leaves you can make delicious salads and second courses. Only young leaves are suitable for salads, old ones will not work. They taste slightly bitter, but this bitterness can be easily removed by thoroughly dousing the leaves with boiling water. After that, the leaves can be added to salads or fried with onions and other foods.

In Europe, lettuce chicory has long been considered a cultivated plant and is grown from seed. In Russia, you can also purchase these seeds and plant them on your site. The salad look resembles heads of Beijing or red cabbage. It is successfully used in various dishes of Dutch and Belgian cuisine, as well as in the cooking of some southern European countries. Especially popular are the varieties: "radicchio" (red shoots) and "witloof" ( white color). Their taste is specific: it is slightly sweet and lacks the pronounced bitterness of wild chicory.

Is chicory good for health

Regarding the influence of this plant on the human body, it cannot be said unequivocally that it is useful to everyone without exception. All people are different, and if one this product only benefits, then it can harm others.

After the studies, doctors concluded that chicory exhibits its beneficial properties in the following pathological conditions:

• violations of mineral metabolism;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• diseases of the pancreas;
• with gout;
• diabetes
• kidney diseases;
• joint diseases;
• atherosclerosis;
• osteochondrosis;
• to reduce appetite.

Benefit

1. The composition of chicory contains a whole natural complex of: proteins, vitamins, organic acids and other elements useful for the body, and the leaves of this “weed” contain a lot of protein, which can replace a full breakfast.
2. If you constantly use salad chicory, then from such food it will be difficult to gain excess weight, because the composition of this plant is the best suited for a comprehensive fight against obesity. The oligofructose and inulin contained in it reduce cravings for high-calorie sweets and control the hunger hormone ghrelin, which makes a person absorb food in large quantities.
3. Inulin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide. It helps the body absorb minerals more efficiently: copper, iron, phosphorus and calcium.
4. Chicory also contains two vital elements: potassium, which is necessary for the functioning of the heart, and magnesium, which is responsible for the state of the entire nervous system.
5. Antioxidants in the composition of chicory bind and remove free radicals from the body, which cause the development of oncological processes.
6. Many women like to drink coffee, but doctors forbid it during lactation and pregnancy. In this case, a chicory drink can be a good substitute for coffee lovers: it also invigorates, but unlike harmful coffee, it is absolutely safe.
7. The juice squeezed from chicory is useful for improving eyesight. For the preparation of juice, young shoots of the plant are used, cut at a distance of 10-15 cm from the top. They are harvested before the formation of flowers (at the time when they are budding). Due to the fact that it is difficult to obtain a large amount of liquid from chicory shoots, this juice is best mixed with other vegetable juices. For example: with cucumber, tomato, as well as parsley or celery juice. In order for the juice to be better absorbed by the body, you can add 1 teaspoon of sunflower or olive oil to it.
8. The drink helps well with intestinal dysfunctions and constipation, while providing a mild laxative effect.
9. Due to its diuretic properties, chicory provides a decongestant effect.
10. The root is rich in tannins and can serve as a good oral antiseptic.
11. Depending on the time of taking chicory, it has a completely different effect on the nervous system: in the morning it excites and invigorates, and in the evening it calms and helps to tune in to a sound sleep.
12. If you already have pathologies such as depression, arrhythmia, frequent stress and poor sleep, then a chicory drink will help you gradually get rid of these problems.

Chicory against diabetes

Chicory drink is almost a panacea for those suffering from type 2 diabetes. Its advantages over chemical medications are as follows:

• worth a penny;
• is of natural origin;
• reduces the content of glucose in the blood.

These qualities, combined with exercise and dietary nutrition, can help type 2 diabetics successfully fight the disease in its early stages.

The taste of chicory is just as good as instant coffee, and in addition, it does not require sweeteners. It turns out quite a pleasant drink that can be drunk without sugar. It is devoid of the bitterness of natural coffee, as it contains inulin, a natural sweetener. In the raw state, the root contains up to 12% inulin, and in the dried state, its amount reaches 70%.

Inulin, as a natural prebiotic, getting into the stomach, has a positive effect on its microflora. The number of beneficial bacteria begins to gradually increase, and as a result, the body's immune system is strengthened. In addition, inulin is not digested by gastric juice, which means that its beneficial effect persists for a long time. Doctors have proven that inulin reduces the concentration of "bad" cholesterol in the body. This is a reliable prevention of atherosclerosis and hypertension and prevents the development of arthritis and myositis. In addition, inulin has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect on muscles and joints.

vitamins

Chicory contains a whole complex of natural vitamins that have a direct impact on human health.

Vitamin name	Action
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid	Strengthens blood vessels, stimulates the immune system and maintains normal muscle tone
Vitamin B1	Stimulates attention, memory, thinking, increases learning ability, promotes muscle growth, slows down aging of the body and supports the functions of the heart muscle
Vitamin B2	Stimulates the thyroid gland, promotes reproductive function, and also provides nutrition to the skin and hairline, nails, etc.
Beta-carotene (turns into vitamin A when ingested)	Controls regeneration processes; contributes to the maintenance of skin turgor; maintains a healthy reproductive system, eyes, teeth, hair, bone structure ...

If you purchase the listed vitamins in the form of ready-made complexes, then their cost will result in a round sum, and chicory is free, and you can harvest it yourself.

Macronutrients

Macro element name	Significance for the body
Potassium	Activates the brain, strengthens muscles, stabilizes the heart and maintains fluid balance in the body.
Magnesium	Participates in the work of the nervous system, removes cholesterol and toxins, increases the body's resistance to stressful situations, controls blood sugar levels.
Phosphorus	Strengthens teeth and bones, helps the absorption of glucose, promotes energy metabolism and body growth; improves metabolism, participates in gene coding and storage of information, conducts nerve impulses.
Calcium	Regulates blood pressure, forms bones, teeth and cartilage, maintains normal blood clotting, enhances the body's resistance to infections.
Sodium	Regulates blood pressure and water balance. Controls the functioning of nerves and muscles, helps the transmission of nerve impulses, maintains the amount of fluid in the body and pH balance.

trace elements

The name of the microelement	Action
Zinc	Serves for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and is involved in the formation of genetic processes in cells.
Selenium	Participates in anti-oncological processes, promotes the activity of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, supports the function of the thyroid gland, strengthens the immune system, counteracts the aging process of the body.
Copper	Participates in the processes of blood formation, hemoglobin, strengthens the walls of capillaries and makes them elastic, protects nerve fibers from destruction, etc.
Manganese	Stimulates the functions of the genital organs and the thyroid gland, regulates the level of glucose in the blood, improves the structure of connective and bone tissue, is involved in metabolic processes.
Iron	It forms hemoglobin, promotes the delivery of oxygen to muscle tissues, helps the brain function, strengthens the immune system, etc.

Harm of chicory

There is an unfounded opinion that a chicory drink harms the body. This is not entirely true. It can really harm if you drink all day without measure and put 5-6 tablespoons of powder on a glass. But the same rule applies to any drug. Everyone knows that any medication in case of an overdose becomes a poison.

Also with chicory: it is harmful only for people with chronic diseases and some functional disorders of the body.

• chronic bronchitis;
• varicose veins;
• vascular problems;
• with pathologies of the heart;
• with allergies to ragweed and other plants;
• with asthma symptoms.

In different stages of gallstone disease, chicory can manifest itself in different ways: in some cases it is useful, and sometimes it can be harmful. Considering that drinks with chicory have a choleretic effect, their intake causes the movement of stones along the bile ducts.

At the beginning of the disease, small stones will pass freely, and in the later stages, large stones can block the bile ducts.

If you have the above problems, but you like this drink, then first consult your therapist about this.

Unwanted Symptoms

If after a cup of chicory drink you feel:

• weakness;
• mild nausea;
• dizziness;
• increased heartbeat.

Go to a therapist and tell him about your observations. Perhaps you have some contraindications, and this product is not suitable for you. But, in general, for many people, the drink does not cause discomfort and only benefits.

How to take chicory

This product can be consumed ready-made, or you can dry the roots and grind them into powder at home. If you don't feel like doing it yourself, get a ready-made drink in the store. Now available for sale big choice liquid and ground drinks from chicory. They are inexpensive and are available with various flavor enhancers: ginseng, ginger, lemon, blueberries, lingonberries, etc. True, a home-made drink has one undoubted advantage: it does not contain impurities. But the composition of factory products is a big question.

Chicory is brewed in the same way as instant coffee. 1-2 teaspoons of the powder is poured into a glass of boiling water and mixed. If you like coffee with cream, then add milk or cream to your drink. The taste will only get better. Add sugar sparingly - do not forget that chicory itself is quite sweet. It's also a good idea to put a slice of lemon in your coffee drink. This will add a characteristic sourness to the taste, and make it more refined.

How to make instant chicory powder

1. To make a drink at home, first dig out the number of roots you need. This is best done in spring or autumn after the rains: damp earth is easier to dig.
2. Choose an environmentally friendly place: away from factories, landfills, highways and power lines. Having picked up a suitable plant, step back a little from it and dig around the root. Then take it out and cut off the top of the plant.
3. Rinse the roots well, cut them into small pieces, then dry them in the oven (temperature should not exceed 40 ° C) until brittle. If your area has a hot climate, then the roots can be dried in the sun, after cutting them into small pieces. They will dry for about a week.
4. Toast the root pieces in a dry frying pan until they turn brown.
5. Then grind them in any kitchen technique: in a blender, coffee grinder or hand grinder.
6. Ground powder can be stored for no more than 6 months in a closed jar in a dark place.

What is useful chicory for women

Women must pay Special attention on chicory, as it is part of many cosmetics. After their application, vitamins and minerals enter the body, improving the condition of the skin and helping to restore the structure of the hair. The same processes occur with the regular use of lotions, creams and masks for the skin, as well as balms containing chicory.

It is not necessary to use factory-made cosmetics, since infusions from the harvested root and leaves can be made independently, and they will cost much less.

Chicory cosmetics

Lotion base

From chicory, you can make the basic basis for future compresses, tonics and masks. It has an antiseptic effect, and will help restore a healthy complexion.

For manufacturing you will need:

• 3-4 tablespoons of crushed root;
• 500 ml of water.

How to cook:

The powder is poured with boiling water, covered with a lid, and allowed to brew for 30 minutes. Then the infusion is filtered and stored frozen.

Chicory decoction

This decoction is used for skin rejuvenation: it strengthens facial vessels and smoothes age wrinkles.

The composition includes:

• A glass of boiled water.
• 1 tablespoon chicory.

Put a pot of water on the fire, bring to a boil, add the chicory and cook for 10 minutes. Then strain and refrigerate. The resulting liquid is useful to wash your face with numerous acne. It is better to freeze the broth in the form of ice cubes, and wipe your face with them in the morning.

Hair conditioner

Chicory drink is well suited as a rinse and hair balm. Its benefits are as follows: it strengthens the hair, accelerates their growth and improves the structure of the hairline.

Cooking:

Two or three teaspoons of chicory are poured into a saucepan containing 300-400 ml. boiling water and add a few drops of lemon juice. The resulting solution is rubbed with fingers into the scalp. Then leave it for 15-20 minutes, and thoroughly rinse your head with warm water.

Why chicory for men

Men devote most of their lives to work and careers. Such a tense regime often leads to inadequate rest, stress and nervous breakdowns. Not surprisingly, statistics indicate an increase in cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in men. The habit of drinking coffee often is an attempt to relieve stress and get a boost of energy. But the constant use of coffee leads the body to high blood pressure and chronic sleep deprivation. A gradual transition from unhealthy coffee to a coffee drink is an alternative to avoid many health problems.

What are the benefits of chicory for the digestive tract

A chicory drink replaces coffee, has a positive effect on internal organs, and charges the body with vigor and energy no worse than caffeine.

This root also solves problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In our time, many bachelors have forgotten the principles of healthy eating, and eat exclusively fast food: bagged soups, hot dogs, pizza and other “delicacy” of street cuisine are the cause of internal disorders. They affect: the pancreas, intestines, digestive system and liver.

As a result of malnutrition and physical inactivity, men suffer from: constipation, gastritis, stomach ulcers, dysbacteriosis, cirrhosis and hepatitis. But a coffee drink is useful here too:

• it stimulates the digestive organs;
• has an anti-inflammatory effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa;
• promotes the growth of beneficial microflora.

In addition, chicory is a good prevention of the above diseases.

How does the drink affect the heart

Due to the absence of caffeine, chicory does not have a harmful effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is useful for: migraines, depressive states, sleep disorders and hypertension.

Vitamin B contained in chicory has a positive effect on brain function, and is recommended for people engaged in mental activity.

For lovers of alcohol, this drink is also useful: it helps to remove toxins and toxins from the body. To do this, it is enough to consume only a few cups of the drink a day, and the functions of the body will gradually return to normal.

The invaluable effect of chicory is manifested in the fact that it dilates blood vessels - this leads to better blood circulation, and allows you to normalize the work of the heart. These processes are useful for men suffering from ischemia, tachycardia and atherosclerosis.

Chicory is a natural antiseptic and is beneficial in the treatment of serious skin conditions:

• eczema;
• psoriasis;
• dermatitis;
• seborrhea.

In the treatment of these diseases, alcohol tinctures are used.

According to statistics, more than 30% of young men suffer from diseases of the reproductive system. They also benefit from this root. It has a diuretic effect and has a positive effect on the urological sphere.

Is chicory good for children?

Parents are often interested in the question: is this drink good for children, and is it worth giving it at all? The answer of doctors to this question is unequivocal: a drink is useful for a child's body, and for the following reasons:

• absolutely natural product;
• relieves children of constipation and improves their appetite;
• promotes good digestion and helps to better absorb lactic acids;
• actively removes toxins from the body and strengthens the immune system;
• regulates metabolism and helps against dysbacteriosis.

AT last years doctors recommend giving children this drink with kindergarten. But at what age can you do it? This is where medical advice differs. Some believe that it can be given starting from 1.5 years, others - from 2-3 summer age. It is better to do this from the age of 3, and children should get used to the drink gradually. Half a spoonful of chicory in a glass of boiling water will be enough. If the child drinks the drink with pleasure, you can gradually bring the amount of powder to 1 teaspoon per glass.

Chicory drinks

To prepare drinks from this plant, take pieces of the prepared root, and fry them in the oven until evenly Brown and characteristic aroma. The root must be constantly stirred to prevent burning.

After that, the root should be ground into a fine powder. All types of manual, electric and mechanical mills are suitable for this.

Coffee "almost natural"

To prepare this drink you will need:

• 1 tablespoon of coffee;
• 1 tablespoon of chicory;
• 5 liters of water.

Chicory and coffee should be put in a teapot, mixed, pour boiling water and let it brew. Sugar and cream (you can soy milk) in the finished drink should be added to taste.

Chicory extract

Chicory can also be used as an additive to many dishes. It will give them a pleasant aroma and a golden hue. To do this, you need to prepare an extract of chicory powder.

You will need:

• 10 pieces of sugar;
• 150 g of chicory;
• glass of water.

Pour boiling water over the powder, put sugar and let it brew for half an hour. Then the infusion must be filtered through gauze folded in several layers. The resulting extract can be used as an additive for sauces and soups. It can also be added to aspic dishes for color and flavor.

Chicory with cocoa and milk (nut drink)

Chicory is an excellent addition to milk, enriching its flavor and helping the body digest it better. To prepare this nut-flavored drink, you will need the following ingredients:

• two st. spoons topped with chicory;
• 3 art. spoons of good cocoa powder;
• 5 tablespoons of vanilla sugar;
• cinnamon on the tip of a knife;
• honey or sugar to taste;
• liter of homemade high-fat milk.

Mix cocoa and chicory powders in a large bowl. Add sugar or honey to taste. Pour a little boiling water over and mix well with a spoon so that there are no lumps.

Put the milk on a slow fire and bring it to a boil. Then take the pan off the stove, add some milk to the chicory and cocoa mixture and mix well. After that, pour this mixture into milk and bring the drink to a boil. Then filter it well, add vanilla sugar and a little cinnamon. The drink acquires a nutty taste and pleasant aroma.

Dishes with chicory

Meringue crispy

Would need:

• 2 egg whites;
• 130 gr. powdered sugar;
• salt on the tip of a knife;
• 150 gr. flour;
• 1 st. a spoonful of chicory extract (see recipe above).

Beat the whites well until smooth, add: powdered sugar, flour, a little salt, and chicory extract. Spread the resulting mixture with a spoon on a baking sheet and bake in the oven over low heat.

fondant

The preparation of this delicious fudge will not take much time, and many lovers of sweets will like it.

• 1 egg white and 2 yolks;
• 200 gr. finely crushed oatmeal or chocolate cookies;
• 200 gr. ghee;
• 4 tbsp. spoons of chicory extract;
• 200 gr. powdered sugar.

All products should be mixed well into a homogeneous mass, rolled out and cut into small strips with a knife or a mold, then put the fudge in the refrigerator and wait until it hardens.

Salad with potatoes

For cooking you will need:

• lettuce variety chicory"witloof";
• potato;
• hard cheese (Russian or Dutch);
• boiled eggs;
• olive oil;
• Red pepper;
• olives;
• salt.

Take potatoes and heads of lettuce chicory in a 1: 1 ratio. Boil potatoes in salted water and cut into cubes when ready. Scald the heads of cabbage with boiling water, and also cut into small pieces. Depending on your desire, add finely chopped boiled eggs (1-2 pieces), sprinkle the salad with grated cheese. Add red pepper and salt to taste, season with olive oil and garnish the dish with olives. Serve black Borodino bread and ham with the salad.

Ham salad with sour cream sauce

Prepare the following ingredients:

• 350 gr. lettuce chicory "witloof";
• 350 gr. boiled potatoes;
• 200 gr. good ham;
• 2 sweet and sour apples;
• black pepper;
• salt to taste.

Take pre-cooked and cooled potatoes "in their skins", peel them, and also wash the rest of the products and peel the apples. Cut vegetables and ham into small pieces and mix.

Separately, prepare the horseradish and sour cream sauce. This will require 100 gr. sour cream and 400 gr. grated horseradish. Mix the sauce well and add pepper, sugar, vinegar and salt to taste. The sauce is served separately.

Video: the benefits and harms of chicory for human health