Recently I not only learned about the benefits of chicory root, but also started utilizing chicory root in my daily life. I wasn’t very familiar with it prior to doing some research, however, in the time I've been utilizing it as part of my morning routine I have already noticed a difference with my health overall.
I was surprised to learn that chicory root is a member of the dandelion family, coming from a plant with stunning bright blue flowers. It has been used for centuries in both cooking and traditional medicine, and I also learned that it can be used as a coffee alternative, supposedly having a similar taste and color, though I have not tried it.
There is a substantial amount of fiber within the root which is said to have numerous health benefits, which leads it to be used as a food additive or supplement. Specifically it contains fructan, a specific type of fiber that is a carbohydrate that our bodies don’t digest. The root acts as a prebiotic, which means it helps feed the good, or beneficial bacteria in your gut. It can help with improving mineral absorption, fighting off that bad bacteria, and may even play a role in reducing inflammation.
It can assist in bowel movements, helping you go regularly. If you struggle with constipation it is a natural resource that can help soften stool, and decrease constipation, again, assisting with a healthy gut. It can assist overall in one’s digestive system, including conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. Avoiding constipation also improves the chances of avoiding gastrointestinal diseases, including colon cancer. It may also aid in supporting weight loss or maintaining weight, as it helps decrease levels of ghrelin, which is a hormone that stimulates our feelings of hunger. It is easy to add to your diet, and might already be in some items which you are already consuming as sometimes it’s used as a natural sweetener in packaged foods.
It is also possible that it reduces things such as heart disease, may be a cancer preventative, and can reduce arthritis pain. It may also aid in treating kidney disorders, as it increases a person's frequency of urination, helping rid the body of toxins which are normally stored both in the kidneys and liver. Chicory root also boosts the immune system, helping to fight against some threatening strains of bacteria. It also rids the system of free radicals and harmful toxins. Due to chicory root also being natural sedative, it can assist in reducing anxiety and relieve stress, which we know, both stress and anxiety take a toll on our overall well being.
I first started doing more research to help with my gut health, as I wasn’t finding any other fiber supplements, pre or probiotics that were truly impacting my body in a positive way. Again, this is not medical advice, it’s simply what I have learned about chicory root, and have first hand experience that it truly has a lot of positive effects impacting my own overall wellbeing, which I wanted to share with you.