Top 7 Health Benefits of Chicory Root

You may already be familiar with the leaves of the chicory plant, which offer a distinctive bitter flavour to salads. But what about the roots? This article focuses specifically on the root, delving into the popular and less known applications, and proposed health benefits of consuming chicory.

What is chicory root?

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) belongs to the dandelion family and is also related to radicchio, Belgian endive, and escarole. Native to Europe and Asia, this herbaceous plant with bright blue flowers, is thought to contain some health properties, which we’ll explore in this guide.

Chicory root benefits:

Traditionally in Europe, chicory was drunk as a medicine, but what were the believed health properties? There are so many proposed benefits of chicory root that it’s difficult to know where to begin. Below, we’ve picked the seven most notable benefits. However, there is still more scientific evidence required to back up some of these claims.

Perhaps the benefits of chicory root stem from its rich nutritional content, including calcium, potassium, folate, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin A, to name a few. Or, maybe it’s something else—a compound by the name of inulin that makes up 68% of chicory—a fair amount!

Let’s explore…

1. Improves digestive health

Chicory root is high in the compound inulin, a type of fibre like a prebiotic, which is believed to support the growth of gut bacteria—the good kind.

2. Helps manage blood sugar levels

Apparently, chicory root has the power to slow glucose absorption. Perhaps this is due to the root’s contents of fructose inulin, glycosides, choline, reducing sugars, and potassium salts. In fact, the compound inulin is often used to apply a sugar-free sweet flavour, supporting people looking to reduce sugar in their diet.

3. Supports cardio health

Chicory root can help lower cholesterol levels, which could contribute to a healthier heart.

4. Could aid weight loss

Not only is chicory root low in calories and contains virtually no fat, it’s also believed to make people feel full for longer periods, helping curb consumption of unhealthy snacks.

5. Reduces inflammation

Chicory root contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation. Prolonged inflammation can result in damage to body cells, weaken the immune system and can increase risk of a number of health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers. However, that’s enough doom and gloom—some studies suggest that an antioxidant-rich diet could help keep inflammation (and its related problems) at bay.

6. Improves liver function

Some studies suggest chicory root has benefits on the behaviour of liver enzymes.

7. Provides a natural caffeine-free energy boost

When used as a coffee alternative, it can offer an energy boost from its nutrients without the caffeine crash. Some companies are also crafting mixed blends of coffee and chicory to provide the best of both worlds and help people reduce their caffeine intake without compromising on the rich, intense flavour.

All your questions about chicory root answered…

Has this got you thinking about incorporating chicory into your products? Below, we answer all the common questions our customers have about this intriguing root. After all, you want to make sure this ingredient is a suitable choice for your end consumer.

What does chicory root taste like?

If you’re considering swapping out caffeinated coffee grounds with chicory root, you’ll want to know that it lives up to the tastes of coffee connoisseurs. Well, it’s not a leading coffee substitute without reason! Chicory indeed embodies the rich, earthy, slightly bitter taste of coffee while being less acidic, which arguably makes for a smoother drinking experience. It adds a natural touch of sweetness too. This coffee substitute is available in the UK, but has yet to take off to the same extent as it has in France, Japan and the USA.

How do you eat chicory root?

What about the raw taste before straining into coffee? Can you even eat it raw? While you can eat the leaves raw, the roots need to be baked and ground to reduce the bitterness and make them more palatable. This applies even if you’re feeding chicory to livestock.

Aside from brewing into a caffeine-free coffee, chicory roots can also be used to make and flavour alcoholic beverages. In North America, there’s a growing trend for bars to leverage chicory’s naturally bitter profile to make cocktails, balancing well with fruity and floral notes. Mixologists and bartenders are placing chicory-infused vermouth, iced coffee, and bourbon on the menu.

As for food recipes, chicory root is suitable for adding a rich flavour to soups, stews and salads.

How do you cook chicory root?

There are many ways to prepare chicory root for consumption, including boiling, baking and roasting. They can then be ground into a powder or small chunks ready to apply to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as a food additive in protein bars, or as a coffee substitute.

Is it a diuretic?

It’s believed that chicory may be a mild diuretic, which may cause more frequent urination. That’s why it’s recommended that you gradually introduce this ingredient into your diet and drink plenty of water.

Is it gluten-free?

Whether you’re catering for coeliacs or people with a gluten intolerance, being clear whether the root contains any gluten is imperative. Chicory root is gluten-free, making it an ideal food additive or coffee substitute for people with this dietary requirement.

Who should avoid chicory root?

Chicory root is fine for most people. As a general rule, it should be avoided by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those with IBS. The latter is due to the high fibre content that could trigger or exacerbate symptoms.

Where can you buy chicory root?

Buy chicory root cut in bulk online at Mimea. We’re a trusted supplier that offers fast delivery and reliable quality. By purchasing dried cut roots, you can easily ground them into a powder.

Disclaimer: Natural products can cause side effects. As with any food product or herbal supplement, seek professional advice before incorporating into your diet or into a new product, especially for individuals susceptible to allergies, have other dietary issues, weakened immune systems or other health complications.