Chicory, known as Cichorium intybus, is more than an average root. It’s something of a wonderfood in both tradition and science, offering a wealth of nutrients.
Chicory root is packed with inulin, a dietary fiber that acts as a prebiotic to boost good bacteria in the gut. Besides, chicory boasts of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, ensuring it’s a powerhouse in a nourishing diet.
Natural products are gaining more interest recently, much of which focuses on those derived from medicinal plants. The common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), of the Astraceae family, is a prime example of this trend. It has been proven to be a feasible source of biologically relevant elements (K, Fe, Ca), vitamins (A, B1, B2, C) as well as bioactive compounds (inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarin derivatives, cichoric acid, phenolic acids), which exert potent pro-health effects on the human organism. It displays choleretic and digestion-promoting, as well as appetite-increasing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, all owing to its varied phytochemical composition. Hence, chicory is used most often to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Chicory was among the plants with potential against SARS-CoV-2, too. To this and other ends, roots, herb, flowers and leaves are used. Apart from its phytochemical applications, chicory is also used in gastronomy as a coffee substitute, food or drink additive. (Janda 2021)
When you include chicory in your meals, the benefits are vast. It aids in digestion, bolsters the immune system, and might help keep weight in check. With its high fiber and prebiotic content, it’s a stellar pick for gut health. What’s more, chicory’s antioxidants fight off oxidative stress, playing a role in your overall health.
Prebiotic Power of Chicory
Chicory is a plant with many health benefits, especially due to its prebiotic properties. It contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that helps good gut bacteria grow. Research shows how inulin positively affects our health.
Inulin: The Prebiotic Fiber in Chicory
Inulin, found in chicory, is vital for digestive health. It supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to a healthier microbiome. This helps with nutrient absorption, digestion, and can even assist in managing weight.
Chicory is a great addition to any diet, promoting digestive health. It can be used in various ways – in food, as a supplement, or in drinks. This makes it easy to incorporate prebiotics for a healthier gut.
The prebiotic fiber inulin present in chicory may also aid in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness, regulating blood sugar levels, and improving insulin sensitivity.
Other Nutritional Benefits of Chicory
Besides prebiotic fiber, chicory is a superfood packed with valuable nutrients. Its root contains antioxidants such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Chicory is also a rich source of essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This makes it an excellent choice for enhancing your diet. The leaves of the chicory plant are edible too and filled with vitamins and antioxidants.
| CHICORY Plant Part |
Chemical Compounds (adapted from Janda 2021) |
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| Leaves |
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| Roots |
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| Seeds |
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| Flowers |
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| Aerial parts |
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Adding chicory to your meals brings a variety of health benefits. From its chicory superfood properties as antioxidants to its remarkable chicory mineral composition, it’s truly a powerhouse of nutrients. Consuming chicory in any form boosts your nutrient and antioxidant intake.
The surprisingly high amount of chicory antioxidant content makes it a perfect fit for a wholesome diet. It naturally supports overall health and wellness. Enjoying chicory root or leaves is a smart choice for a healthy lifestyle.
Additional Health Benefits of Chicory
The health benefits of chicory extracts include a wide range of therapeutic actions across various disorders. Some key benefits are:
Hepatoprotective: Certain extracts show hepatoprotective effects, which can help protect the liver from damage or promote liver health. (Atef 2020) (Mohammadifar 2020)
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Several extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and combat oxidative stress. (Chandra 2020)
Antidiabetic Effects: Chicory extracts display antidiabetic properties, aiding in the management of blood sugar levels. (Pushparaj 2007)
Cardioprotective: Some extracts have shown to be beneficial for heart health (Sharma 2019) .
Anti-cancer Potential: Chicory extracts demonstrate anticancer properties in different cancer cell lines. (Atef 2020)
Skin Benefits: Certain extracts improve skin barrier function. (Campos 2017)
Neuroprotective Effects: Chicory extracts show neuroprotective properties, potentially benefiting the nervous system. (Hasannejad 2019)
Gastrointestinal Health: Some extracts have prebiotic effects and can help with gastrointestinal health. (Gurbuz 2002)
Reproductive Health: Specific extracts improve reproductive parameters in male subjects. (Dorostghoal 2019)
These benefits highlight the diverse therapeutic potential of chicory across various health conditions.
Cichorium intybus L. is a common plant with great potential. It certainly does deserve a wider use in medical prophylaxis and phytotherapy. Individual parts, e.g., leaves or flowers, both in fresh and dried form, can be a valuable addition to daily diet. The multipurpose effects of C. intybus extracts may be a promising alternative source for the pharmaceutical industry. It is interesting to note that chicory was among the plants with potential against SARS-CoV-2. However, further studies, including in vitro and in vivo studies, are needed to confirm this antiviral property of chicory. (Janda 2021)
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