The chicory plant is common and abundant throughout North America, Europe and Asia, and it is also one of the most-beneficial to humans. While all parts of the plant have been used medicinally or as a food item for centuries, the root contains the highest-concentrations of nutrients. Let’s take a closer look at the chicory and how you can benefit from this plant now as well as during a survival situation.
Caffeine Alternative
Chicory can stimulate us in ways that are similar to caffeine without the side-effects. Caffeine raises blood pressure, makes us nervous and jittery, and it is also closely-linked with causing anxiety and depression. It is also gentler and doesn’t produce the same kind of crash after the effects of caffeine wears off.
Anti-Inflammatory
We often think of inflammation as something that happens after straining muscles or experiencing an injury. However, inflammation is actually the leading cause of disease as it interferes with blood flow, nutrient transport between cells and the functioning of our organs. Chicory is beneficial because it not only helps to soothe pain and discomfort associated with strains and injuries, but it also helps to keep inflammation inside our bodies in check as well.
Digestive Aid
Aside from having a lot of fiber that aid in regularity, chicory contains compounds that create prebiotics. Prebiotics are converted into probiotics which are essential for healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. This is particularly true when it comes to calcium, which we all need to maintain good bone and oral health. Consequently, chicory can help us to ration food more-effectively as we get more nutrients out of smaller amounts.
Slows Diabetes
Chicory contains a protein that helps to regulate blood sugar and break down fats in a way that reduces strain on our pancreas. Not only can this offset irregular levels of blood sugar when we eat bad foods, it can help to magnify the benefits that we receive from eating healthy as well. While it’s unclear as to whether or not chicory can prevent or cure diabetes, it most-certainly can make the disease more manageable and less-harmful to our health.
Other benefits of chicory include easing bouts of diarrhea and constipation. It can also help to lower bad cholesterol, relieve gas, promote the healing of various skin conditions and reduce stress and anxiety. There are also studies that suggest that chicory can boost the immune system, promote weight loss, improve sleep quality, soothe headaches and even mitigate certain underlying causes of kidney problems.
Using Chicory Root
You can find chicory root in supplement or ground form, or you can easily process it yourself at home. It can be roasted, steeped in hot water, ground into a powder or grated fresh. Each method will produce a slightly-different flavor, and it’s taste is difficult to describe. However, it’s pleasant and easy to incorporate into all kinds of foods and drinks, and there are plenty of recipes out there to experiment with.
Aside from dandelion (chicory is a close relative), chicory is one of the most-common and most-nutritious plants that nature provides. Learn more about how you can incorporate chicory into your diet, and chances are that you’ll be amazed with the impact that this plant can have on your overall health and well-being.