While it has gained popularity in recent years, chicory root has been around for many centuries. People who are trying to reduce their caffeine intake often turn to chicory root, but it is more than just a coffee replacement. A cup of hot chicory root tastes just like a fresh cup of coffee, but that’s not the only thing that should impress you. It has been known to improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

What Is Chicory Coffee?

The chicory plant belongs to the dandelion family and has a fuzzy stem with light purple flowers. The origination of replacing coffee with chicory root dates back to 1800s, when there was a coffee shortage in France. Before that, chicory root was brewed into a tea and used for its medicinal properties. People with jaundice, gout, rheumatism, or an enlarged liver commonly consumed chicory root tea.

One thing to note about chicory root is that it is caffeine-free. People have classically ground up 2 tablespoons of chicory root and steeped it in one cup of water. In present day, chicory root powder is readily available. It is a great coffee replacement and can deliver the following benefits.

Liver Protection

Chicory root has an incredible ability to protect the liver against possible toxicity and free radical damage. According to a 2015 medical review, the natural antioxidants in chicory root were able to boost the body’s defense system and simultaneously cleanse the liver.

Decreased Inflammation

As you may know by now, chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease. Several studies have found that chicory root may possess anti-inflammatory properties. Other studies have concluded that chicory root’s polyphenols can help decrease inflammation levels, but more research needs to be done on humans for concrete findings.

Stress Reliever

If you are easily stressed or have excess levels of cortisol in the body, caffeine can only worsen the issue. In fact, a 2006 study found that repeated caffeine consumption combined with high stress levels significantly increased cortisol levels. Because chicory root does not contain caffeine, it may be the coffee replacement you need to reduce stress and normalize cortisol levels.

Gut Health Hero

Chicory root is rich in a prebiotic known as oligosaccharide-enriched inulin, also referred to as prebiotic fiber. It is easily fermented by healthy bacteria in the gut and it contributes to the healthy growth of probiotics. Inulin, or chicory root fiber, is commonly found in probiotic supplements! It is best to not go overboard with chicory root because it can lead to excess fermentation, which can trigger gas or upset stomach.

It May Not Be For You

We understand that you may be looking for a coffee alternative, but chicory root is not for everyone. Due to the aforementioned gas and upset stomach side effects, some people avoid chicory root. You should absolutely avoid it if you are allergic to ragweed or birch pollen. Additionally, chicory root is not recommended for pregnant women because it could trigger menstrual bleeding and miscarriage.

Chicory root can be a great coffee substitute, especially if you are looking to cut down on caffeine consumption. Weigh the pros and cons and try it out; you might like it a lot! And one last thing…the featured picture of this article is what a cup of chicory root coffee looks like.

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Most people are aware that probiotics and plant-based, fiber-rich foods offer a variety of health benefits. Nearly all of these benefits work to maintain a healthy digestive system. So how do prebiotics factor into the equation? The answer is that they typically don’t for most Americans, given that the average American experiences indigestion, inflammation, weight gain, or impaired immune function.

Probiotics and prebiotics work hand-in-hand to support your microbiome, also known as the trillions of bacteria living in your body. Probiotic foods aid with healing the gut, but prebiotics feed the probiotics to enhance the health benefits. When healthy bacteria are more prevalent in the body, you tend to feel a lot better. Your metabolism functions smoothly, you have better energy, and your weight stays at a healthy level. When unhealthy bacteria are more prevalent in the body, you tend to crave sugar, your immune system is weakened, you feel fatigued, and you can experience anxiety.

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are comprised of non-digestible fiber compounds that pass, undigested, through the upper part of the digestive tract. They travel to the colon, where they ferment and become healthy gut bacteria, which produce nutrients that work to keep the colon and digestive system healthy. These nutrients can include short-chain fatty acids, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream for metabolic health.

Prebiotics feed friendly bacteria and help them multiply on their own. Prebiotics work with probiotics to allow positive compositional changes to take place in the digestive system. The two of them work in unison to maintain diversity of intestinal flora by increasing the amount of healthy bacteria. Increased consumption of prebiotics has been associated with healthier cholesterol levels, better immune function, decreased inflammation, better gut health, and a lower risk of obesity and weight gain. Try adding the following prebiotic foods to your diet to see how you feel.

Garlic

Roughly 11% of garlic’s fiber comes from inulin and 6% comes from a naturally occurring prebiotic called fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, garlic also helps to inhibit the growth of disease-causing bacteria.

Jerusalem Artichokes (Sunchokes)

These are more like root vegetables than the common green artichokes. They can be roasted, shredded on top of a salad, or blended into a smoothie. Their flavor is mild and they have been known to increase friendly bacteria in the colon. Sunchokes also work to strengthen the immune system and aid with healthy nervous system function.

Chicory Root

Incredibly high in antioxidants, chicory root is a great digestive cleanser. Chicory root is commonly used to make cultured vegetables like kimchi or sauerkraut. Roughly 47% of chicory root fiber comes from the prebiotic fiber, inulin, which helps to relieve constipation. It can also help increase bile production.

Onions

Probably one of the easiest ways to get prebiotics into your diet, onions have tons of antioxidants that boost the immune system. Onions and garlic are similar in that 6% of the fiber comes from FOS, which helps to break down fat and increases nitric oxide production in cells.

Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens are rich in fiber and can be used in salads or smoothies. They are excellent an excellent source of prebiotics and antioxidants. These greens are also known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, diuretic, and cholesterol lowering effects.

Other Prebiotic Sources

• Leeks
• Asparagus
• Greenish Bananas
• Okra
• Radishes
• Turmeric
• Jicama
• Carrots
• Flaxseeds
• Seaweed

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Simply put, the health of your entire body is dependent upon the health of your liver. That is because the liver is in charge of synthesizing vitamins, minerals, and sugars (for energy), cleansing and detoxifying the blood, and controlling cholesterol levels. If the liver does not function properly, there’s a great chance that there will be an imbalance in at least one area of your body.

That is why looking after the health of your liver is crucial. And while this requires maintaining a healthy diet, as well as exercising regularly, there are certain herbs out there that can naturally provide an extra boost to your liver.

Dandelion

This bitter herbs has healing properties that benefit a variety of health issues, including liver malfunction. Dandelion can help detoxify the liver while promoting an increase in bile production. In many countries, this herb is used as a liver tonic to stimulate a sluggish or congested liver. There is also some indication that dandelion may boost the production of natural “‘good” bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Green Tea

In traditional Chinese medicine, green tea has many uses, including the protection against liver disease. It contains antioxidants called catechins, which might help prevent hepatitis C, assist liver function, and protect the organ from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol.

Milk Thistle

This flowering herb is often used as a natural treatment for liver problems, including cirrhosis and hepatitis. The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production, and scientists believe it can have a detoxifying effect on the liver.

Chicory Root

One of the most popular uses of chicory root, dating back to the Roman Empire, is liver purification. Not only can this herb help increase the production of bile, it also contains detoxifying properties, which can cleanse the liver. Furthermore, the dried root can be a healthy coffee substitute, as well as helping to reduce the acidifying effects of coffee in the liver.

Turmeric

Consuming turmeric can help prevent high cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease by regulating the enzymes responsible for cholesterol metabolism. Additionally, it can boost antioxidant defenses and help detoxify the liver.

Problems with certain organs in the human body can often dictate the quality of a person’s life; the liver is one of these organs. Make sure to not only try some of these herbs out, but also combine the use of them with a proper diet and regular exercise.

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