Surely you have seen bright blue flowers that grow in the form of a weed in the fields, roadsides, wastelands and meadows. This is chicory, which has been successfully cultivated for use in the confectionery and coffee industries. Chicory is the only coffee analog that has beneficial properties.
Useful properties of chicory
The chicory root contains: 10-20% fructose, up to 60% inulin, the glycoside intibin (which has found application in pharmaceuticals), carotene and vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, micro- and macroelements (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and many others), tannins, organic acids, proteins, pectin and resins. The most valuable component of chicory root is inulin, which is a substance that helps to normalize the digestive system and improve metabolism.
Chicory root has gained popularity in folk medicine for a long time, it is a medicinal plant. In modern medicine, this unique product also finds a variety of uses and all thanks to the mass of useful properties (soothing, astringent, diuretic, antipyretic, sugar reducing, choleretic, anti-inflammatory and antihelminthic).
A decoction of chicory root is considered an excellent way to improve appetite, normalize the work of the pancreas. This plant has a choleretic effect and helps dissolve gallstones, enhances metabolic processes and blood flow in the liver. Inulin, contained in chicory, promotes the development of beneficial intestinal microflora and strengthens the immune system. The root of the plant is widely used in the treatment and prevention of the duodenum, stomach, as well as gastritis, constipation, dysbiosis, diseases of the gallbladder and liver.
Chicory is no less useful for the cardiovascular and nervous system. A drink made from the root of this plant is useful for people with hypertension, depression, migraine, neurasthenia, or insomnia. Chicory has a calming effect on the nervous system thanks to its B vitamins. Potassium, which is contained in the root, helps to remove cholesterol from the blood, dilate blood vessels, and normalize the rhythm of heart contractions. Chicory will benefit people suffering from coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, tachycardia and other diseases of the cardiovascular system. The high iron content makes it possible to successfully use chicory for the prevention and treatment of anemia.
Regular consumption of chicory root will help a person rid his body of toxins and toxins, heavy metals and radioactive substances. Due to its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, chicory is successfully used as a wound healing agent. Decoctions and infusions from this root are effective for the treatment of seborrhea, neurodermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, allergic dermatitis, diathesis, chickenpox, furunculosis and vitiligo.
Contraindications
It is impossible not to mention the contraindications that this product has, there are very few of them. It is not recommended to combine the intake of chicory with antibiotics, it can disrupt the absorption of the medicine. You should stop using chicory for people with vein problems. Since chicory is rich in vitamin C, and some people are allergic to ascorbic acid, you should be careful when drinking the drink from the root of the plant. It is necessary to give up chicory with spasms of the respiratory system.
