Benefits of Chicory
Our version of Chicory Coffee is a Southern favorite that combines rich, roasted Arabica coffee beans with high-quality chicory for a bolder, sweeter flavor than coffee alone. We recommend trying it café au lait style with steamed milk for a more traditional flavor.
Chicory is the roasted and ground root of the cultivated plant species, Chicorium Intybus, subspecies Sativum. It was used as a coffee filler in Europe and eventually found its way to New Orleans. Since then it has become a southern favorite. It has a slightly peppery, well-spiced aroma and can be used alone or blended with your favorite coffee.
We have it in bags of 12 ounces, 2 lb., 5 lbs and Keurig compatible cups with single-serve brewing systems, including Keurig® 2.0 K-CUP Brewers.
Health Benefits of Chicory
The health benefits of this plant include:
Aids in Digestion
Chicory is great for your digestive health as it contains inulin, which is a powerful prebiotic. Prebiotics is a classification of bacteria that confer benefits on the host, rather than diseases. Dr. Tom Van de Wiele, of Ghent University, Belgium, wrote in a report published in the Cochrane Library, that inulin is used to combat a number of intestinal and digestive concerns, including acid refluxdisease, indigestion, and heartburn because it actively reduces the acidity of the body’s systems. [4] Thus, chicory plays a vital role in easing digestion.
Improves Heart Health
Inulin is not only beneficial for the digestive system, but it has also shown to reduce the levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the body. This cholesterol is one of the main causes of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure because it blocks the flow of blood when it binds to arteries and veins. It can also contribute to the possibility of heart attacks and strokes. Interestingly enough, the chemical pathway that inulin functions in to reduce the presence of LDL cholesterol is rarely active unless a person consumes a high level of carbohydrates, so this benefit has a slightly smaller range of effects.
However, more research is currently being done on how chicory can help heart health in other ways. Meanwhile, Dr. Jean Charles Fruchart, of International Atherosclerosis Society stated that generous helpings of low-calorie vegetables such as chicory should be included in one’s diet to prevent cholesterol and eventually heart disease. Besides, chicory is also packed with plant phenols, which have been widely studied as anti-thrombotic and anti-arrhythmic agents. They are considered antioxidants, and studies have shown that chicory-based coffee rather than a normal coffee can significantly improve the balance of blood and plasma in the body, which reduces the chances of cardiovascular diseases.
Reduces Arthritis Pain
Chicory has traditionally been used as a treatment for arthritis, and studies have shown it to have anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it reduces the pain in conditions like osteoarthritis. [8] In a 2010 study, 70% of the test subjects who received the chicory treatment reported a noticeable improvement in the pain associated with their osteoarthritic conditions. Chicory can also be used as a general anti-inflammatory agent for aches, muscle pains, and joint soreness for this same reason.
Weight Loss
Chicory is a good source of oligofructose, and inulin itself is a form of natural dietary fiber, which helps in the management of weight by promoting weight loss. Both of these aid in the regulation of ghrelin, an amino acid primarily associated with feelings of hunger and food-seeking behavior. A 2012 report published in the Obesity Research Banner cited a study involving rats to study the impact of chicory in the entire weight loss process. [9] It was concluded that by reducing the amount of the ghrelin, chicory can reduce the chances of overeating and promote satiety or the feeling of fullness, thus helping in weight loss.
Treats Constipation
Once again, inulin’s role as a natural fiber comes as a major benefit to chicory eaters! The fiber helps bulk up bowel movements and promote peristaltic motions and the secretion of gastric juices. Basically, this means that digestion as a whole is improved, and constipation too is greatly reduced. [10] By maintaining a smooth and regulated digestive process, people can reduce the chances of a number of gastrointestinalconditions and diseases.
Boosts Immunity
Chicory has a number of helpful qualities that make it a powerful booster for your immune system. [11] It displays clear antibacterial effects on a number of dangerous strains of bacteria, and we have already mentioned the benefits of the polyphenolic compounds in chicory in terms of an immune system boost. There are also phytochemicals in chicory that act as antioxidants, further sweeping out free radicals from the bloodstream. This reduces the chances of contracting a number of diseases.