Instant chicory: composition, how much you can drink and what is useful. Liquid chicory: composition and recommendations for use

In addition to coffee or tea, I like to diversify my menu with chicory. Drinking the same thing is uninteresting and boring, so I decided to try liquid (paste) chicory.

If my memory serves me right, I bought it at Auchan. I don’t remember the price, but it’s inexpensive, around 100 rubles.

Trademark - HEALTH.

​Manufacturer - CJSC "COFFEE-CYCOR PLANT "ARONAP", Russia, Rostov.

Volume - 200 g.

The jar is small, glass, with a metal screw cap, which is hermetically sealed and can be opened with a slight movement of the hand.

Liquid paste chicory "Health"

Chicory "Health" natural, NOT

contains GMOs and caffeine

Therefore, from this we conclude that it can be drunk by both children and those with high blood pressure.

Moreover, liquid chicory retains more useful substances.

Liquid extract chicory-y of this product the most high content useful substances. Another advantage is that liquid chicory is easier to store and the most difficult to adulterate.

Liquid paste chicory "Health"

Chicory is an unusual type, we are used to the powdered form and even drank it sublimated, and this one is made in the form of a PASTE.

Liquid paste chicory "Health"

COLOR - dark chestnut, in the photo in a jar or cup it seems much darker.

SMELL - I didn’t like it, the chicory was either overcooked, or that’s what liquid chicory should smell like. The smell is burnt.

TASTE - I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t taste the pasta, it’s sour.

And having prepared the chicory, I was also not impressed with its taste. The chicory turned out to be tasteless and sour.

Although, by adding sugar or milk, it can become much softer, but I don’t like either one or the other in such drinks.

Cooking method:

Pour 1/5 teaspoon of instant chicory into a glass hot water. Add sugar or sweetener (sweetener), milk, cream to taste.

The drink is consumed extremely sparingly: firstly, for one serving you need minimal amount paste, only 1/5 teaspoon, secondly, no one in our family liked it, I mostly drink it, I hope someday I will “finish off” this jar and never buy it again. No, I’ll buy it, of course, but not this liquid chicory from the Zdorovye brand.

Instant chicory is made from the root of the plant of the same name, which has gained popularity as a substitute for natural coffee. The drink made from it not only looks and tastes like coffee, but also contains a lot useful components, missing from coffee. It is recommended for people for whom caffeine is contraindicated. The plant is also used in folk medicine and cuisine of different nations.

How to choose instant chicory?

The root of common chicory is very powerful: it grows up to 15 meters long. Soluble chicory is produced industrially by grinding dried and roasted rhizomes - separately or together with coffee beans.

The powder is diluted with boiling water and an aromatic drink similar to coffee is obtained. Its advantages are that chicory does not contain caffeine, and that it has a natural sweetish taste, and therefore does not require sugar. Powdered chicory is often added to dishes and baked goods.

Manufacturers offer different kinds product. How to choose instant chicory from this variety?

Experts pay Special attention amount of inulin. This substance is broken down into fructose and other compounds that enter the blood. The rest is excreted, removing heavy metals, cholesterol, and toxic components from the body. Quality product contains a lot of inulin. Experts call the high-quality drinks “Galka Ranok”, “Khutorok”, “Golden Root”, “Zdorovye”, “Tsikorinka” (with stevia).

• Visually, the product looks like a dry powder, without foreign additives, lumps or sticky layers.
• Sold in airtight containers, it also requires airtight containers for storage.
• You need to scoop up chicory with a dry spoon, like other hygroscopic substances.
• When exposed to moisture, the powder turns into a solid substance that is unsuitable for consumption.

Liquid chicory is also soluble - a thick dark extract with a rich, bitter taste. It is released in cans. Diluted either with boiling water or not hot water– who likes it how. When sweetened, the bitterness begins to resemble the taste of chocolate. The extract is easier to store and prepare than the powder product.

Fillers are added to some varieties of the drink: sea buckthorn, lemongrass, ginseng, rose hips, cinnamon, blueberries, stevia. Natural additives enrich the taste and affect both the properties and the price of the product.

Soluble chicory powder

Soluble powdered chicory- one of best substitutes natural coffee. This natural product without preservatives, dyes and other additives; it is obtained using a special technology, when the root is crushed and dried. In this regard, its properties are somewhat different from common root, but most useful qualities is saved.

Instant chicory appeared on the market relatively recently, but has already found its admirers. And not only for taste qualities, but also for treatment and prophylaxis. The drink causes the following positive changes:

• strengthens sleep, protects against stress, nervous and emotional overload;
• normalizes cardiac activity;
• regulates digestion, eliminates toxins from the intestines;
• reduces blood sugar;
• speeds up metabolism, promotes weight loss.

Since chicory has medicinal properties, then you need to know about contraindications and undesirable consequences when using it.

Information about this is contradictory. Some sources write that the product is useful to almost everyone. Others, on the contrary, name entire lists of contraindications. Here is information about who should be careful when starting to take chicory drink regularly.

• For ulcers and gastritis, the drink can worsen the situation.
• With hemorrhoids, it can cause bleeding.
• At unstable psyche may cause increased excitability.
• If you are prone to skin allergies, rashes, swelling, and itching are possible.

When purchasing a product, you should examine the packaging; a quality one should contain natural chicory, not its extract.

Properties of soluble chicory

Soluble chicory contains low-calorie inulin, which gives the drink sweetness (this substance is not found in coffee and tea). Therefore, less sugar is needed, just to soften the bitterness, and many people refuse it altogether.

Thanks to unique composition The drink invigorates you in the morning and helps you fall asleep in the evening. Added to coffee, chicory improves its properties and reduces the price.

Other properties of soluble chicory:

• relieves stress, calms nerves;
• dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure;
• normalizes the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
• removes toxins, has a beneficial effect on the liver;
• increases the body's immune strength.

A drink made from chicory stimulates appetite and normalizes elevated temperature. Medicines containing chicory are used as choleretic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

When applied externally, chicory has a healing effect; As an anti-cellulite procedure, salons use chicory wraps.

But these properties can also be harmful. Thus, the ability of chicory to dilate blood vessels can harm people suffering from hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The invigorating effect is undesirable for people with unbalanced psyche. The root has an adverse effect on inflamed digestive organs and on the skin of people prone to allergies. When you have a cold, drinking chicory can strengthen your cough reflex.

Can pregnant women use instant chicory?

Is it possible for pregnant women instant chicory? Definitely yes. This is one of the healthiest drinks during pregnancy. And, importantly, it can successfully replace coffee lovers’ usual morning drink.

Unlike coffee, instant chicory has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems, calms the nerves and emotional condition, eliminates constipation, heartburn and nausea. The drink supports the spleen, liver and removes poisons from the body; promotes the absorption of milk, so necessary for a woman expecting a child. With the help of chicory it is easy to prevent anemia in pregnant women. This is the source extra vitamins, organic acids, inulin. Chicory eliminates stagnation of bile and urine, stimulates metabolism.

• However, there are also contraindications. Chicory increases appetite and can lead to excess weight. To avoid this, a pregnant woman should control herself by eating little and often.

The plant also stimulates and worsens cough. Therefore, when you have a cold, you should drink other drinks.

You should not drink instant chicory if you have gastritis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. If an allergy to chicory and similar plants is detected, then an undesirable reaction to a drink from the root is also possible.

Instant chicory for children

Soluble chicory benefits not only adults, but also children. Instant chicory has been recommended for children since they are one year old, which is why it is included in the menu of kindergartens and nurseries.

The benefits of chicory are evidenced by the fact that it treats diathesis in newborns. But for therapeutic effect A decoction of the rhizome is used: it is added to the baby bath or compresses are made.

Introduce into the diet small child Instant chicory, like any other product, must be handled with caution. To begin with, add a little powder to warm milk. It is important to monitor his reaction in order to prevent allergies at the very beginning. If unwanted effects is not observed, the dose can be gradually increased to two servings per day.

After 3–4 years, the dose of powder is increased to a teaspoon per day. If the child tolerates chicory normally, you can offer him cold drink, with the addition of honey, lemon and other juice.

You cannot give the product:

• children under one year old;
• with individual intolerance;
• with a tendency to overweight;
• for pulmonary diseases.

A drink made from chicory improves appetite, enriches the body with vitamins, increases defenses, and calms the child. Has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, lowering high temperature properties.

It is useful to add milk to your drink. In this form, lactic acids are well absorbed.

How to brew instant chicory?

The trade offers ready-made powders and liquid soluble chicory, including those with natural flavoring additives.

If you wish, you can prepare the rhizome yourself, dry it, fry it, crush it and store it in proper conditions. The technology of the process is described in many Internet sources devoted to medicinal plants and balanced nutrition. The taste of this drink is different, and the quality is guaranteed, but the process of producing raw materials is very labor-intensive.

There are a lot of tips and ways to brew instant chicory. The variety concerns additional ingredients: there are much more of them than for coffee. The classic of the genre is to simply pour boiling water over the powder and leave until it reaches a warm temperature. Since soluble chicory does not dissolve completely, the finished drink can be strained.

Some people like the drink with milk, cream, honey, sugar. There are chicory drinks with natural ingredients (berries and other healthy fruits) on sale.

Instant chicory recipes

Instant chicory recipes:

• 1. Take 1/5 tsp per serving of boiling water. instant chicory; add milk, sugar or honey if desired.
• 2. Take ¼ tsp per serving of boiling milk. powder and honey to taste.
• 3. Take a spoonful of chicory and cocoa powder per serving of drink; sugar to taste.
• 4. For a portion of instant chicory, take boiling water and half milk. Sweeten with sugar or honey.

Instant chicory with milk

Soluble chicory with milk is useful because it improves the absorption of milk several times. Many children readily drink a drink with milk or cream. It is prepared quickly and simply:

• 100 ml of boiling water and 50 ml of milk are mixed with 5 g of soluble chicory. Drink warm.

You can buy instant chicory in any supermarket, herbal stores, and some pharmacies. The product is packaged like classic coffee - in sealed bags or jars.

They also produce portioned bags for use in offices, camping trips or trips; The contents of the bags are filled with hot water or milk.

Instant chicory with rose hips

Soluble chicory contains inulin, fructose, intibin, vitamins, pectin, tannins and minerals, carotene, and organic acids.

Rosehip is rich in carotene, vitamins C, B and E, and minerals. The fruits of the plant increase immunity, cleanse the blood and vessel walls of cholesterol, tone and promote body growth.

• Soluble chicory and rosehip go well together; moreover, their combination therapeutic effect intensifies. Therefore, the product is used for so many health problems, and the finished drink in a can or ZIP package is now sold in many places. This packaging helps keep the powder dry and protects from third-party odors.

“Tsikorinka”, “Verkhovyna”, “Fitodar”, “Tsikorich”, “Tonus”, “Galka” are just some of the product brands. But before using the drink regularly for medicinal purposes, you need to consult a specialist.

The method for preparing the herbal drink is the same as for other coffee analogues: pour one or two tablespoons of powder per serving with hot water. You can sweeten, add milk or cream according to your preference. A portion drunk in the morning gives pleasure, gives vigor and energy.

Instant chicory with blueberries

About the benefits instant coffee a lot has been said above. Let us recall the properties of another popular plant - blueberries, the berries of which contain a whole bunch of vitamins and organic acids.

Blueberries perfectly regulate functions digestive organs– thanks to anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

• Ophthalmologists strongly recommend black berries to improve visual acuity and relieve eye fatigue after hard work, including on the computer. The biogenic components of blueberry fruits stimulate the renewal of the retina.

Blueberries are beneficial for diabetics because they can lower sugar levels.

The healing qualities of blueberries relieve anemia, help with kidney diseases, in particular, in the presence of stones, rheumatism and skin problems.

Instant chicory with blueberries is produced by several companies producing herbal drinks. They should be prepared as standard, dissolving the powder or extract with hot water (1 - 2 spoons per cup of liquid). If desired, the natural bitterness can be softened with milk and honey. But many prefer natural taste drink - as the most reminiscent of natural coffee.

Instant chicory with ginseng

Manufacturers of instant chicory enrich the taste and properties of the drink with natural ingredients, including the famous ginseng.

Ginseng root is an excellent adaptogen. Valuable for its immunostimulating, strengthening, tonic effects. Ginseng inhibits tumor growth, slows down the aging of brain cells, and supports memory and attention.

The healing root also reduces cholesterol, preventing the development of atherosclerosis, and reduces blood sugar levels, which is important for insulin-dependent diabetes.

The components that make up ginseng have antiviral properties, therefore they are effective against herpes viruses, including the causative agents of AIDS.

• Preparations based on the plant are recommended for loss of performance, impotence, outbursts of irritability; The medicine also helps in restoring the body after serious illnesses, extensive injuries and operations.

Soluble chicory with ginseng is used as a drink, without strict dosage. Usually 2-3 servings a day are enough, prepared to taste - with milk, honey, sugar.

Brewed malt bread with instant chicory

Bread is the head of everything, and this is not just a poetic image. A person needs it every day, never gets bored and contains almost everything necessary for the body substances.

The introduction of additional ingredients into the bread recipe increases the taste and nutritional value of the product. Thus, soluble chicory enriches dietary bread with proteins, vitamins, organic acids, inulin, and microelements.

Custard malt bread with instant chicory can be baked at home - in the oven or bread maker.

• First, prepare the dough: measure out 3 g of yeast (fresh), 50 g of kefir, 1 tsp. molasses, a little flour taken from the total portion.
• The brewing is done like this: a teaspoon of malt is brewed with 50 g of boiling water.

Flour (70 g rye and 330 g wheat), 200 g wheat sourdough, 4 g coriander, 3 g chicory powder, 30 g water, 60 g kefir are poured into the bread machine.

After 45 minutes, mix all parts, add salt (2 tsp) and 5 g mustard oil. Bake for 55 minutes. at 180 degrees. The result is a fluffy and tasty loaf.

How to drink instant chicory correctly?

Prepare and drink chicory powder in the same way as an instant coffee drink: pour boiling water over it, add (or not) milk and sugar. Many people immediately perceive this drink positively and get two in one: benefits and pleasure.

• It is more difficult for those who are trying to replace natural coffee with chicory. When asked how to drink instant chicory correctly, experienced people advise getting used to it gradually. To begin, prepare your morning drink by adding up to 3 parts of coffee and one – chicory. Depending on the strength of the chicory, you can take different amounts, but no more than two teaspoons per serving. Next, you should equalize the proportion, and then bring it to 3:1 in favor of chicory.

After getting used to it, you can skip adding coffee and switch to pure instant chicory in such a painless way for the body. This applies to cases where there are no contraindications. But even healthy people Don’t get carried away and remember moderation: 2 – 3 cups per day is enough. It is better to drink them in the first half of the day.

Harm of soluble chicory

For preventive purposes, nutritionists advise drinking two cups of instant chicory per day. An excess of chicory is fraught with diarrhea, flatulence, and digestive disorders.

However, no cases of harm from soluble chicory have been described. Individual contraindications and hypersensitivity are possible, especially if manufacturers add dyes or flavors to the product that are not natural origin. Therefore, you need to start drinking a new drink with a small portion.

• If you find that a serving of instant chicory causes palpitations, nausea, dizziness or weakness, eliminate the drink from your diet and, if necessary, visit a doctor. There may be contraindications that you were not aware of.

Some properties of chicory can be harmful. Thus, the drink is not recommended for patients with bronchitis, asthma, hemorrhoids, or acute gastrointestinal pathologies; they should not be used for severe cough and recovery after operations in body cavities. Overdose ascorbic acid dangerous due to allergies, hypervitaminosis, especially in pregnant women.

Chicory is known to many as an analogue or alternative to coffee, while its beneficial properties used in folk medicine are undeservedly forgotten. Today, instant chicory is getting a second wind and is becoming very popular among people who profess a healthy diet. If there are no contraindications, anyone can join the community of drink lovers. Drink and enjoy!

Useful properties of soluble chicory

The benefit of chicory is that it helps those for whom caffeine is harmful to their health to give up coffee. Not all the beneficial properties of soluble chicory have been studied, but what has already been studied is more than enough. Thus, the substance has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, tonic, diuretic and choleretic, metabolism-stimulating qualities.

Soluble chicory has a beneficial effect on the entire body:

• eliminates colds with sore throat and others throat diseases,
• protects gums from pathogenic microorganisms,
• normalizes work digestive tract.

Chicory prevents rotting and fermentation of food, eliminates stagnation of bile and constipation, gently removes excess water, thereby helping to lower blood pressure.

The beneficial ingredients of chicory support the tone and energy of the body - without harmful consequences for blood vessels and heart. These include ascorbic acid, B vitamins, microelements, inulin polysaccharide, intibin glycoside.

Inulin in the fresh root is up to 60%, in dry raw materials - 75%, while in coffee and teas it is completely absent. This allows diabetics and overweight people to drink chicory without sugar.

Soluble chicory for weight loss

Soluble chicory has been successfully used to combat overweight. What is the power of chicory rhizome?

The secret lies in the composition. Inulin, pectin, intibin are the main components that promote weight loss.

• Inulin controls the formation of insulin, which in turn controls blood sugar levels. In the body, inulin is converted into fructose, which is responsible for energy production but does not cause weight gain. The same substance has a positive effect on the microflora of the digestive tract.
• Pectin stimulates motility and cleanses the intestines of poisons.
• Intibin activates metabolism and eliminates constipation, which is very important for normalizing weight.

In addition, chicory activates digestive and metabolic processes and removes excess fluid. Therefore, its use is recommended every time before meals, about half an hour.

Instant chicory for weight loss is drunk warm, preferably without sugar and honey. If an unsweetened drink seems too bitter, you can sweeten it: this will not reduce the benefits.

There are many effective drinks made from chicory for weight loss. It's easiest to take instant product, pouring a teaspoon or two per serving of boiling water or milk. There are no officially established standards, but you still shouldn’t drink liters of chicory.

In truth, it should be noted that ground chicory or from pieces of root, as well as liquid extract, are more effective for weight loss. But no drink will perform a miracle if, in parallel with its use, you do not take care rational nutrition and active lifestyle.

Soluble chicory for pancreatitis

Soluble chicory is used to prevent pancreatitis and treat diseased pancreas. The fact is that the beneficial substances of the drink are dissolved and removed gallstones, blocking the outflow of enzymes from the gland. As a result, blood circulation is restored and the body is cleansed.

There is also the opposite opinion: the choleretic properties of the drink can provoke the passage of stones and blockage with them bile ducts, and this is very painful and dangerous to health. Therefore, the issue of using soluble chicory for pancreatitis should be decided by the attending physician.

In most cases, chicory is used as an addition to basic medications and diet during remission. chronic process. The chicory drink is introduced into the patient’s diet gradually, prepared in a concentration of a teaspoon of powder per serving of water. You can improve the unusual taste with milk. The benefit is that the root stimulates the secretion of bile and the digestion process, prepares the body for processing nutrients, removes toxins and undigested substances.

If you want to regular use instant drink, then dissolve 25 drops of chicory tincture and a few grams of honey in a glass of water. Drink a tablespoon daily, 20 minutes before meals.

This dosage improves metabolism, reduces sugar, eliminates bloating and pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Inulin, in particular, stabilizes the activity of the pancreas, which fails due to the inflammatory process.

Soluble chicory for hypertension

Soluble chicory is useful for hypertension for several reasons.

• Firstly, it replaces coffee for people for whom caffeine is contraindicated.
• Secondly, it does not increase blood pressure.
• Thirdly, it reduces blood pressure very gently. In this regard, chicory is also suitable for hypotensive patients.

Hypertensive patients feel the result after a few days - if they use instant chicory regularly, monitor their blood pressure and well-being.

Blood pressure may increase with insomnia, stressful situations. The aromatic drink has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, prevents nervous and emotional overload, normalizes sleep, and increases resistance to stress.

The sweetish drink reduces sugar consumption, which is important for diabetics who are also susceptible to hypertension.

Ascorbic acid, which chicory is rich in, strengthens blood vessels, and potassium is needed for the heart muscle. Thanks to the drink, you can normalize your weight, because its excess is also dangerous for the development of hypertension. Inulin supports beneficial intestinal microflora, promoting digestion. In addition, chicory is useful for the normal functioning of the kidneys; Dysfunction may result in swelling and increased blood pressure.

The drink is prepared in the same way as tea or coffee: brewed in a Turk or thermos. Add honey soy milk, other ingredients.

Soluble chicory for liver diseases

IN for preventive purposes Soluble chicory is used to improve the functioning of many organs and systems, including digestion.

Soluble chicory should be used with extreme caution for liver diseases. Too large doses are harmful to the liver.

It is appropriate in the treatment of certain liver diseases: it accelerates metabolic processes, promotes the dissolution of gallstones, normalizes the activity of this and other organs: kidneys, spleen, gall bladder. Chicory is useful during the period of recovery from viral hepatitis.

Soluble chicory for type 2 diabetes

Chicory rhizome is rich in inulin, and in this context the plant is very interesting for diabetics. Inulin preparations made from chicory roots for type 2 diabetes:

• have a pronounced hypoglycemic result;
• reduce daily fluctuations in glucose in the patient’s blood.

Thanks to this, soluble chicory can be used for treatment as an additional treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Inulin also prevents the development of the disease, treats light form, and in moderate and severe forms it helps to reduce the dose of basic medications and prevent complications typical of diabetes.

The substance gives a satiating effect, which is important for diabetes and the excess weight that often accompanies this disease.

Soluble chicory for anemia

• For iron deficiency anemia, the following remedy is recommended: a dessert spoon of chicory, diluted in 200 ml warm milk. Drink three times a day for 2 months.

Use it with caution when treating stress, depression, and insomnia.

People who react to ragweed may also be allergic to chicory root.

Scientists discovered the glycoside chicorine in the flowers of the plant, and lactucin and chicoric acid in the milky juice.

It is also necessary to note the high content of active compounds in the plant: vitamins, organic acids, proteins, pectins, tannins and bitter resins.

Useful properties of chicory

Soluble chicory is nothing more than the dried and crushed roots of a plant.

Accordingly, all the beneficial properties inherent in the roots of this plant are also observed in soluble chicory.

Inulin, which is rich in the root system of the herb, is indispensable for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, as it is an excellent alternative to sugar.

Under the influence of inulin, work is normalized digestive system.

In addition, soluble chicory, along with the root of the plant, has a beneficial effect on the activity of the nervous system, relieves all symptoms of tachycardia and dilates blood vessels.

In folk medicine, decoction and tincture of chicory root are widely used to improve appetite, fight gallstones and activate blood flow in the liver.

In addition, both decoction and tincture of chicory are widely used to treat wounds, skin diseases and elimination of skin inflammatory processes.

Cosmetologists have also appreciated the beneficial properties of this plant and use it as an integral part of herbal shampoos.

Salad chicory is a small head of cabbage with crispy leaves that benefits the body.

Eating these slightly bitter leaves improves the functioning of the digestive system, liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart muscle and nervous system.

Must be eaten chicory salad people suffering from diabetes.

Powdered chicory or chicory coffee.

An indispensable product for those for whom coffee is contraindicated.

As a rule, doctors advise women to avoid invigorating drink and drink chicory coffee due to the beneficial properties of the plant.

At the same time, a drink from the plant will help cope with such unpleasant sensations during pregnancy, such as heartburn and constipation.

Coffee from it removes toxic substances from the body, which is also necessary for the successful and safe bearing of a baby.

Thus, a coffee drink made from chicory is not only great alternative drink containing unsafe caffeine, but also the opportunity to strengthen the body with useful substances, minerals and vitamins.

Liquid chicory extract is also very beneficial for the body.

It contains flavonoids, lactulose, inulin, and oxycoumarins.

These substances are necessary to eliminate the symptoms of dysbiosis, as they effectively fight pathogenic flora.

In addition, the extract of this plant helps normalize digestion and stabilize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Regular use of liquid chicory extract helps strengthen the body's immune system, nervous system and eliminates weakness.

Be sure to take liquid chicory extract if you need to prevent the following diseases:

• diabetes;

Chicory

For most modern people The introduction to chicory comes from the colorful packaging in the health food department or the department where teas and teas are sold. coffee drinks. IN Lately The range of this drink is amazing; manufacturers produce powdered, granulated, liquid, and even fried ground chicory.

Composition of the product

The product usually contains the phrase “chicory extract”. This implies that the drink is a concentrated extract from the raw material plant origin in the form of dry or liquid mass. The raw material for the production of soluble and liquid chicory is the medicinal plant of the same name.

The chicory plant is widespread in the central part of Russia, as well as Western Siberia. Abroad, it is cultivated in the USA, Western Europe, India and Indonesia. The root of the plant is used to make the drink. It is its composition that provides the beneficial properties of the drink.

Chicory root contains more than 50% of the substance inulin, which ensures the normalization of metabolism and digestion; up to 15-20% fructose - sugar of natural origin. It also contains vitamins B, C, minerals and organic acids.

Currently, manufacturers add to the drink various substances, which complement the properties of the main substance. Among the common additives you can find Jerusalem artichoke (earthen pear), sea buckthorn, hawthorn, mint, rose hips and other plants.

Benefits of chicory

For the cardiovascular system

For digestion

Consumption of chicory stabilizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. The drink is recommended for the treatment of intestinal disorders, dysbiosis and inflammation in the intestines.

For metabolism

Chicory normalizes metabolic processes in the liver and promotes the removal of stones from the gall bladder. Among the beneficial properties of chicory, its effect on normalizing body weight and lowering blood sugar levels has been identified.

For the nervous system

B vitamins contained in the plant have a calming effect, without reducing a person’s activity and energy. An increase in mood and vitality is also noted.

For vision

Chicory juice combined with carrot and parsley juice is good for vision. He nourishes muscular system eyes, thereby helping to improve vision.

For other body systems

The chicory plant has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Previously, its leaves and decoctions were used to heal wounds. Now, based on chicory, alcohol tinctures are made for external use in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and others. Medications based on chicory can have a choleretic and anthelmintic effect. They also help cope with high temperatures.

For pregnant women and children

It is especially noted that the use of chicory is allowed and recommended for pregnant women and children in in moderation. The drink helps to quickly eliminate toxins and normalize intestinal function, which often malfunctions during pregnancy.

In cosmetics

Chicory extract is used in the cosmetics industry in the production of hair care products.

Chicory

Harm of chicory

However, not all people can consume chicory without caution. First of all, it is contraindicated for people who have severe symptoms vascular diseases, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis and so on.

Chicory poses a health hazard to people suffering from asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough. People who are prone to allergies should treat chicory with caution. Vitamin C contained in the product can trigger an allergy attack.

You should also limit the use of chicory while taking antibiotics; it has been found that it can affect their absorption in the body, and, accordingly, their effectiveness.

The harm of chicory can also be hidden in a poorly produced product. Often, in pursuit of maximum profits, manufacturers artificially enrich the drink with vitamins, add apple pectin instead of inulin, and so on.

Another danger of industrially produced chicory is that the drink may contain components of a genetically modified plant. This is especially true for foreign producers, although in Russia the ban on growing genetically modified plants has now been lifted. Therefore the most healthy chicory, this is the one that is grown and dried in your own garden, or released under the brand of a bona fide manufacturer.

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   Today there is only one high-quality soluble chicory - “Health”. This drink contains 30% inulin and no GMOs.

Chicory - benefits and harm

On the wave of growing popularity healthy eating, drinks based on chicory, as a coffee substitute, are becoming more and more popular every day. This drink is aromatic in its own way, but at the same time very healthy and caffeine-free, to the taste of many. If earlier it was considered a drink for diabetics, now many people drink chicory with pleasure and the number of its fans is growing all the time.

Chicory, these are plants of the genus of perennial and biennial families Asteraceae or Asteraceae. It comes in two types . Common chicory(from the root of which an instant, coffee-like drink is made) and chicory or endive. Endive salad is no less healthy, but we will write about it in the following materials.

Today we're talking about about the benefits and harms of soluble chicory, obtained from the roots of common chicory.

Chicory - beneficial properties

IN medical purposes, chicory has been used since ancient times, it stimulates digestion, helps in the functioning of the liver and spleen, and removes toxins from the body.

Chicory root contains many vitamins, micro- and macro-elements, such as vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, as well as pectin, carotene and a large amount of inulin. It should be noted that many people include chicory-based drinks in their diet precisely because of the high inulin content. The amount of inulin in chicory reaches 60-70%.

Inulin or fructosan is an organic substance natural prebiotic which is indispensable in regulating the functioning of the digestive system. Inulin helps maintain balance in the intestinal microflora, thanks to which chicory is so effective for constipation, it also improves the absorption of calcium, which is important, because a significant part of the calcium we receive from food is not absorbed due to the lack of favorable conditions.

It is believed that chicory lowers cholesterol levels and glucose in the blood, therefore, of course, it is useful for people predisposed and with diabetes, but it cannot be said that it cures. Treatment of diabetes involves more A complex approach, and chicory rather plays the role of a good and useful assistant.

Inulin is also found in bananas, onions, garlic, barley, rye, and Jerusalem artichoke.

Many people choose chicory for a very simple reason - giving up coffee due to caffeine. Since instant chicory is very similar in color and taste to coffee, but does not contain an ounce of caffeine, it is an excellent choice for those whose diet prohibits them from consuming caffeine in any form. Caffeine is contraindicated for people at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, with heart disease, and for those who have sleep disturbances.

Common chicory flowers

To improve liver function: accept according to? teaspoon of chicory powder 3 times a day. Also, chicory powder is an excellent source of iron, which has a positive effect on blood quality.

To combat acne, furunculosis, seborrhea: Chicory powder is added to masks for the face and scalp as a complex treatment for acne and dandruff. It also helps get rid of surgical scars and acne marks on the face and body.

Briefly about the benefits of chicory:

• improves digestion, chicory drinks can relieve constipation;

• you can drink instant chicory as much as you like, whenever you want, there will be no problems with sleep since it does not contain caffeine;

• protects the liver and gallbladder. Latest Research have shown that chicory even helps the liver restore its cells;

• improves well-being and attention;

• promotes the removal of toxins from the body;

• recommended for those who want to reset excess weight

Chicory - application

Coffee replacement drinks– those for whom coffee is contraindicated replace it with a drink made from roasted ground chicory root.

Chicory tea– tea made from chicory flowers is no less beneficial for health. It is believed that it is also good as a compress for open wounds.

Healthy drinks for children- since chicory is very useful product It also improves the absorption of calcium; it is very useful to drink it with milk.

Bakery– many housewives and cooks who follow a healthy lifestyle add chicory extract to sweet pastries. Chicory will add a pleasant nutty flavor to muffins and scones.

Of course, it's best when there is an opportunity make your own ground chicory. Considering the fact that it grows everywhere like a weed, you just need to want and find the time to dig up the roots, wash them, dry them, roast them in the oven and grind them in a coffee grinder.

Chicory - contraindications and harm

Despite all its beneficial properties, chicory also has some contraindications.

First of all, there is a risk of allergic reactions. Chicory contains enough strong allergen. Typically, people who are allergic to products containing chicory have the same reaction to another type of chicory, endive.

Chicory for weight loss

If we take a closer look at the effect of chicory during weight loss, it is worth noting that inulin, which is part of it, slows down the process of carbohydrate absorption. Thanks to this, adipose tissue is deposited less intensively and weight is reduced. But this does not mean that you can eat any food in large quantities. In order for weight loss to take place more intensively, it is recommended to review your diet.

For more details on how you can use chicory for weight loss, read the article: How to lose weight with chicory

How to choose chicory?

To choose the right chicory, you must first determine what chicory-based products are commercially available.

Chicory powder- This is unroasted ground chicory root. It has a higher content of nutrients and vitamins. The downside is that it doesn’t have that pleasant coffee aroma that comes out after roasting.

Instant chicory– This drink is made from roasted chicory root, and mainly serves as a coffee substitute. It must be stored in vacuum packaging. When choosing, pay attention to its consistency - it should not have lumps.

Liquid chicory extract– This product has the highest content of nutrients. Another advantage is that liquid chicory is easier to store and the most difficult to adulterate.

Chicory can be light or dark depending on the degree of roasting. Light foods naturally contain more vitamins and nutrients than dark foods. But the dark one is more aromatic because the degree of roasting is deeper.

What to look for when purchasing:

• Always read the ingredients of the products you buy. Many manufacturers add fruit and berry extracts to chicory drinks to diversify the taste. However, always check what is written in the composition; you don’t need artificial flavors and dyes, do you?

• buy chicory either in vacuum packaging or in a jar with an airtight lid;

• the color of the product must be uniform, dry, without lumps;

• evaluate the taste, chicory should be bitter, if it is bland, the quality of the product leaves much to be desired. Next time, don't buy chicory from another manufacturer.

How to store chicory?

The powder, as well as ground chicory, must be stored in an airtight container, and always in a dry place, since lumps form due to humidity and it loses its beneficial properties.

Liquid chicory extract is the easiest to store and does not require special care.

“Alternative coffee”: what are the benefits of chicory?

A hot drink from chicory has been prepared for a couple of hundred years. But in our country he for a long time was considered “coffee for the poor”, and even today many people pass by the shelves in stores where it is presented in the most various types. True, recently this drink, which really tastes like coffee, is beginning to be in increasing demand. And deservedly so - because it is very good for health.

What are the benefits of chicory?

But is it really worth giving up your usual aromatic coffee in favor of a somewhat specific drink? What are the benefits of chicory?

It should be noted that chicory is considered medicinal plant and is used not only in Food Industry, but also in medicine. But if we consider it (more precisely, chicory root, from which the drink is prepared) exclusively as a food product, then its beneficial properties lie in the fact that it

• contains vitamins (C, B1, E), microelements and mineral salts, as well as inulin, chicorine, pectin, tannins, which enter your body along with the drink;
• has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect, increases appetite and improves digestion;
• unlike coffee, it calms the nervous system and, when added to coffee, neutralizes its harmful effects;
• promotes the removal of radioactive substances and toxins from the body;
• speeds up metabolism and reduces blood sugar levels.

What types of chicory are there?

Chicory is sold in three types:

• ground,
• soluble.

The beneficial properties of chicory depend little on the form in which it is presented, although the most popular is ground chicory. This is a natural roasted and crushed root that retains all the main beneficial substances. A drink made from it will be the best substitute for coffee.

Should I use other types? What is the taste of liquid chicory and how is soluble chicory beneficial for the body? In fact, both of these types largely retain the taste, aroma and benefits of the natural root, only slightly inferior to ground chicory. At the same time, they have one advantage - they are much more convenient to prepare a drink; preparation takes literally a matter of seconds.

Drinks made from chicory

You can prepare chicory in different ways, for example:

• Make “coffee” from it. This is the most common way to prepare a drink from ground chicory root.
• Prepare “cocoa”, that is, cook chicory with milk and sugar. This drink is usually offered to children, because what is the benefit of chicory with milk? It not only helps absorb calcium, but also improves immunity.
• Make a drink from instant chicory and add apple or Orange juice and honey

There are many recipes, so everyone can prepare a drink that will not only be healthy, but also very tasty.

What are the benefits of almonds, why should they be included in the diet of adults and children. What are the benefits of kefir, why do they drink it at night and will it help you lose weight? Find out here.

Who can drink chicory?

Unlike many drinks, chicory has almost no contraindications, so it can be consumed by anyone, from small children to the elderly. In this case, a number of specific qualities can be identified:

1. How is chicory beneficial for a child? Promotes the absorption of milk, improves appetite, and has a general strengthening effect.
2. What are the benefits of chicory for women? Improves metabolism and, accordingly, helps to lose excess weight, calms the nervous system and restores energy.
3. How is chicory useful for a pregnant or lactating woman? Unlike coffee, it does not have negative impact on the body and during this period it perfectly replaces the drink beloved by many.
4. What are the benefits of chicory for men? Thanks to its ability to remove toxins, it helps cope with the consequences of alcohol abuse and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
5. How is chicory beneficial for older people? Does not contain caffeine, reduces blood sugar levels, normalizes blood pressure.

Contraindications

The beneficial properties of chicory are beyond doubt, but, nevertheless, you should not abuse this drink, although there are practically no contraindications to its use. In rare cases, it can cause allergies; it is not recommended to drink chicory if varicose veins veins, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, chronic bronchitis and asthma.

If you suffer from any chronic disease(especially of cardio-vascular system or gastrointestinal tract), consult your doctor before consuming chicory.4787

The current generation strives for healthy image life, which cannot be maintained without proper nutrition. Therefore, do not forget to pay attention not only to the foods in your diet, but also to the drinks. It has long been known that the benefits of instant coffee are not so high, so people have resorted to using its substitute. Liquid chicory is considered a very healthy, valuable drink with excellent taste and unusual aroma. A complete absence caffeine will only benefit the human body.

Benefit

To get the benefits, you need to know how to drink this drink correctly. Pour 1-2 teaspoons of soluble powder into hot boiled water. Let it brew. You don’t have to add sugar, since the coffee substitute already has a sweet taste.

The variety of beneficial properties of soluble chicory is great. He is capable of:

• normalize the processes of the digestive system;
• improve the functioning of the liver and spleen;
• cleanse the body of harmful substances and remove salts, waste and toxins.

100 g of chicory contains 21 kcal, of which 1.7 g protein, 0.2 g fat and 4.1 g carbohydrates, which makes it dietary product. Chicory root has a rich vitamin composition, including micro- and macroelements, namely:

• vitamin A;
• vitamin E;
• vitamin C;
• vitamin K;
• B vitamins - B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, PP;
• magnesium;
• selenium;
• manganese;
• potassium;
• copper;
• calcium;
• zinc;
• iron;
• sodium;
• phosphorus;
• alimentary fiber;
• ash;
• omega-3;
• omega-6;
• arginine;
• threonine;
• tryptophan;
• oleic and linoleic acids.

Thanks to the use of chicory, your the immune system always under protection, since drinking the drink is a good prevention of colds and viral diseases. Great content substances such as iron, potassium, useful for anemia and anemia. They, in turn, are able to dilate blood vessels and restore the rhythmic functioning of the heart muscles. Sufficient dose healthy drink is responsible for normalizing cholesterol, which directly affects arterial pressure. Particularly important is responsible for the functioning of the nervous system. vitamin group B.

The liquid extract contains flavonoids, oxycoumarin, lactulose, and inulin. The listed elements are necessary in the body’s fight against dysbiosis. While fighting with overweight Chicory is absolutely necessary because it has low calorie content, and also has the ability to burn fat and satisfy hunger well.

The powerful functioning of the digestive tract organs is restored, the effect of microorganisms leading to inflammatory processes, beneficial microflora in the intestines is stimulated. Chicory is an excellent helper for dissolving gallstones, easing heartburn attacks, and also starting the activation of metabolic processes in the liver.

A decoction of the plant product exhibits its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial qualities and affects the healing of skin lesions. The drink significantly reduces general indicator blood sugar, is responsible for controlling cravings for sweet foods. Because of this, chicory is so loved among people with diabetes and those struggling with obesity. Contents of catalysts metabolic process launches work to combat excess weight. Antihelminthic, choleretic and antipyretic effects are noticeable.

The drink also improves general state skin: maintains tone, restores collagen levels in cells. The vitamins and minerals contained in the plant are responsible for the healthy appearance of hair and nails.

Harm

If you do not know how to consume this drink, you can easily harm your health. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor.

Contraindications:

• vascular, varicose veins, as well as hemorrhoids;
• gastritis and ulcers;
• individual intolerance to ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
• diseases of the liver, kidneys, gall bladder (a large amount of chicory puts a lot of stress on the organs);
• asthma, bronchitis and cough (the symptoms will begin to worsen from the drink);
• low blood pressure;
• Pregnant women and also during lactation should abstain.

Comparison with dry powder

On store shelves you can come across two types of chicory drink: ground (the plant is subjected to heat treatment - roasting) and liquid (based on a natural 100% concentrated extract). When buying instant chicory, make sure that there are no lumps in the pack.

The packaging must be hermetically sealed, and the powder must have a bitter taste. Choose a product without flavorings, as they destroy half of the nutrients in the drink. The exceptions are natural supplements- ginger and rosehip. Lemon and honey can complement the taste of the drink. But this, however, will increase calorie content.

Highest level concentrations of useful substances are preserved in liquid chicory. It is quite difficult to make a fake based on it, but storing it is even easier. It is enough to dilute it with water, and it will help with insomnia, stress and excessive excitability. You may notice that chicory liquid is used in the preparation of confectionery products.

If you want, you can prepare this powder at home. The main thing is to purchase chicory root. Next, dry it, fry it, grind it until powdery substance, you send it to be stored under certain conditions. You will have to try, but as a result you will get a completely different taste and quality of the drink.

In fact, instant and liquid chicory are no different from each other. Both types retain the entire spectrum of beneficial substances, as well as taste and aroma. It is absolutely impossible to say that liquid is better than soluble. It all depends on the personal choice of the buyer. Therefore, if you are going to give up tea and coffee for some reason, but cannot imagine your life without a cup of something hot and aromatic, pay attention to liquid chicory. The simplicity of its preparation is attractive, and the lack of caffeine provides invaluable health benefits.

ABOUT beneficial properties chicory, see the next episode of the program “Live Healthy!”

Results of an independent examination.

Chicory is a very healthy drink.

• Reduces blood sugar levels;
• Normalizes pancreatic function;
• Improves cardiac activity, it is prescribed to patients with hypertension;
• Calms the nervous system - chicory is 100% worth trying if you are often nervous or suffer from insomnia;
• Removes toxins from the liver;
• An ideal replacement for coffee - it contains no caffeine;
• A godsend for diabetics and those losing weight, because... rich in inulin (substitute
• starch and sugar), helps normalize metabolism and suppresses
• hunger.

Today you can buy chicory in any large supermarket. It’s inexpensive, and there are tons of manufacturers.

And here we come to the most interesting part. It turns out that not all chicory from the store is equally healthy!

Specialists from the independent consumer organization Roskontrol conducted laboratory test nine samples of chicory from the most different manufacturers: “Health”, Dr.Dias, “Tselebnik”, “Big Cup”, “Zdravnik”, “Cicorich”, Elite Health Line, Russian Chicory, Great life.

The results were unpleasantly surprising. Of the nine samples, only two - from the brands “Health” and “Russian Chicory” - comply with GOST and contain a sufficient amount of inulin, i.e. are good for health.

Excerpt from testing “good” chicory samples:

And here is what they write about “bad” chicory:

Impressive, right? “The inulin in the sample is 56.7% less than it should be,” “experts noted a sour taste,” “Based on the inulin content, the sample cannot be characterized as chicory.”

What are we drinking...

Experts say that good chicory 30% consists of inulin- a polysaccharide, which lowers blood sugar levels and also improves metabolism. (GOST R 55512-2013 “Natural soluble chicory. Technical conditions”). A person needs 2.5 g of inulin per day, on average this is two cups of chicory.

But what about this in our samples? “Zdorovya” has even more inulin than needed - 54.5 g of inulin per 100 g. “Russian Chicory” has exactly 30%. Roskontrol blacklisted all other samples - they contained too little inulin.

But beautiful phrase Almost all manufacturers write “Made according to GOST” on the packaging...

This is what the “correct” packages of chicory look like:

Roskontrol positions itself as “the first large-scale non-governmental project in the field of quality control and safety of goods and services.” Raising money for research comes from contributions and donations from individuals and organizations, manufacturers and retail chains not among them. Products tested - food, cosmetics, household chemicals, children's products, household appliances, electronics - purchased in the most ordinary stores and transferred to reputable laboratories and renowned experts. Roskontrol's partners are the All-Russian Research Institute of the Dairy Industry, the All-Russian Research Institute of the Meat Industry named after V.M. Gorbatova, Regional Certification and Testing Body (ROSEST), Research Institute baby food and other organizations.