When we remember that traditional morning coffee because of caffeine is far from useful (in fairness, it's true ─ it harms blood vessels, and also strongly dehydrates and "acidifies" the body), then we think about chicory. Together with Natalie Makienko, a nutritional consultant, founder of Natural Diet and a member of the National Society of Nutritionists, we find out who can drink chicory and how to do it right.
What is chicory
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Chicory is a drink made from the root of the plant of the same name. Initially, it belonged to the weed type, in other words, it was considered an ordinary weed, but now it is actively grown for use in food. A native plant from the Mediterranean, however, it took root well in the middle lane. Everyone has heard that chicory is a great drink without caffeine, while toning the body and a bit like coffee in taste. Chicory is definitely healthier than coffee, but there are pitfalls here too. First of all, these are ways to get chicory.
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To prepare dry powder, chicory root is crushed and roasted (like coffee beans) ─ this helps to enhance its taste, but with excessive heat treatment, many useful properties are lost. Today you can also find “liquid chicory” on the market, which is obtained by evaporating an extract from the roots of the plant. This option is more natural. As part of such a product, it will be written: "natural chicory extract." If possible, give preference to a liquid product - this is the most natural form of chicory. It is used like powder versions - it is mixed with water, only in a smaller amount (1/2 tsp), since the concentration is higher and the taste is brighter.
How to cook yourself
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Healthy eating adherents who do not want to buy chicory powder can cook it themselves: for this, the roots of the plant must be thoroughly washed, cleaned and dried in the oven for 6-8 hours at a temperature of about 80-100 degrees. The dried roots can be cut into slices, sautéed in a dry skillet until a brownish color is obtained, and chopped in a blender, coffee grinder, or mortar. It is best to store chicory in a cool dark place.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's compare the useful and not so good properties of chicory. On the plus side, we have the fact that this is a completely natural plant product that does not contain caffeine and has a good "therapeutic" effect (gives vigor and energy, lowers blood pressure and lowers blood sugar. It is also very valuable that, unlike coffee, chicory goes well with milk.
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Now for the cons: chicory increases appetite; lowers blood pressure (minus for hypotensive patients) and sugar (should be taken into account for people with asthenic physique); dilates blood vessels (and this reduces the tone of the venous wall and provokes the development of varicose veins, hemorrhoids and other diseases of the vascular system). It is better not to use chicory during an exacerbation of gastritis, and especially on an empty stomach.
All the side effects of chicory, including lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, are amplified when combined with cinnamon!
To summarize: chicory is still more useful than coffee, but it is important to pay attention to contraindications and not abuse it. The norm is one cup of weak chicory a day 3-4 times a week.
How to drink
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Chicory is convenient because it is easy to prepare. The easiest way to make a drink is to pour a teaspoon of chicory with a cup of water (150-200 ml), stir and add spices to taste (cinnamon, ginger). A more interesting option: mash two teaspoons of chicory with a couple of dates and a cup of water in a blender ─ you get a sweet date-chicory drink that invigorates and fills with energy.
Expert:
Natalie Makienko
Natalie Makienko
Photo: Getty Images
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