Chicory

Chicory belongs to the genus of herbal plants from the Astrovy family. Currently, on an industrial scale and for the purpose of further processing of plants, only two types of chicory are cultivated, the rest of the varieties are weed and are not used in medicine or cooking. The following types of chicory can be distinguished, which are eaten - common chicory and endive or salad chicory. The homeland of chicory is considered the Mediterranean region.

In addition, chicory is found in temperate and tropical climates in territories such as New Zealand, Eurasia, Africa, Australia and South America. In the natural habitat, chicory chooses forest edges, meadows, wastelands and roadsides of country roads for growth. In addition to the scientific name, there are a number of folk names chicory. For example, roadside grass, batoga petrows or whip, blue flower, wild chicory or shcherbak. The beneficial and healing properties of chicory have been known to humans since time immemorial.

Therefore, in our time, thousands of hectares of agricultural land in the countries producing and harvesting the plant have been given for the cultivation of chicory. Salad leaves and chicory root are used in cooking. The distinctive taste and beneficial properties of chicory originate in the chemical composition of the product. The rhizome and leaves of the plant contain a sufficient number of biologically active natural compounds that provide tangible benefits to human health.

Chicory composition

The chemical composition of chicory includes protein and tannins, as well as inulin, intibine and glycoside. The content of these substances in the chicory composition causes bitterness in the taste of the plant. Young chicory leaves contain natural carotene and ascorbic acid, as well as potassium salts. The calorie content of chicory allows you to classify the product as dietary. Only 21 Kcal are contained in 100 grams of the plant. Such a uniquely low calorie level of chicory, as well as the vitamin-mineral composition of the plant, allows you to eat the product without fear for the harmony of the figure.

Chicory benefits

The benefits of chicory are primarily due to the chemical composition of the product, which is enriched with inulin. When dried, chicory is used as an excellent alternative to coffee. In addition, real connoisseurs of the coffee drink add dried chicory root to natural coffee to enhance taste and aroma. Not only the root is eaten, but also the green leaves of chicory. Breeders are constantly working on new varieties of endive or salad chicory.

The benefits of chicory lie in the antimicrobial properties that the milky juice of the plant possesses. Chicory helps to improve digestion, as well as favorably affects the nervous system and the work of the heart. The uniqueness of chicory lies in the fact that this plant is considered a mandatory ingredient in therapeutic nutrition for people who have diabetes. Green leaves of salad chicory are used as a dietary and healthy food product.

The harms of chicory

However, in addition to the obvious benefit, there is also harm from chicory, which can result in persistent allergic reactions for people who suffer from individual intolerance to the product. In addition, it is worth refraining from using chicory for people suffering from gastritis and varicose veins. In addition, the harm of chicory can be expressed in increased excitability and insomnia. Doctors advise to undergo a mandatory medical examination before using drugs based on chicory. You should not self-medicate and take medications for no apparent reason.