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What a good chicory. Useful properties of chicory and how to prepare it How to identify quality chicory

One of the most popular beverages, chicory is considered by many to be a healthy alternative to coffee. You can buy it in a jar, in the form of a soluble powder or paste. It has long been proven its positive effect on the central nervous system, lowering blood sugar levels, normalizing the body's metabolic processes and, accordingly, reducing body weight. Many companies are engaged in the production of chicory. To date, there has even been a certain rating of the best brands of instant chicory for 2020. So what is this plant, and what is its great benefit to the body?

As in any other case, all the healing properties of a particular plant directly depend on the substances, vitamins, minerals and trace elements that have a beneficial effect on the body in its composition. The plant can be seen in two versions:

Root;
Salad (leaf).

The root part contains the main part of vitamins, tannins and fiber. As for the salad version, it differs more in the fleshy root part and stems.

The main active substance of chicory - inulin - fiber, the use of which has a positive effect on the intestinal microflora. About the so-called bifidobacteria of the intestine, only the lazy have not heard. But far from everyone knows that it is these microorganisms that feed inulin.

Product preparation

To prepare a soluble concentrate, chicory extraction is used. It is prepared in three stages:

The dry root is roasted;
A strong “tincture” is brewed from the root;
"Tincture" is dried in a sublimator oven.

As a result of this sequence of processes, a powder is obtained, which is offered to consumers in pharmacies and grocery stores.

Properties of a drink made from chicory

With the help of scientific research, it has long been proven that chicory is especially useful for those who have semi-finished products, concentrates and semi-finished flour products at the heart of their diet (this is especially true for products made from white flour). It is in such cases that a cup will be especially useful - the second chicory drink. According to the leading nutritionists of the world, it is with its help that you can successfully deal with dysbacteriosis and constipation.

It will be useful to include chicory in the diet even if a vegetable or fruit diet is planned. This will provide the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract with additional nutrition and ensure its full functioning. That is, a session of "emergency weight loss" will not cause either bloating or diarrhea.

Also, do not forget about one interesting feature of the root. It strongly resembles the taste of coffee. That is why this somewhat tart drink is enjoyed by all connoisseurs of natural coffee.

Benefits during pregnancy

For all women who are in an "interesting" position, doctors recommend changing their usual coffee to a chicory drink. This castling will help get rid of:

Gestosis;
heartburn;
constipation;
Feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

Treatment of diabetes and obesity

Drinking a chicory drink is useful for both diabetes mellitus and the second type of obesity. It is inulin that has the property of lowering the glycemic index of many foods. This, accordingly, greatly facilitates the well-being of patients and reduces their almost irresistible desire to eat something sweet. To achieve the maximum effect, twenty minutes before a meal, you need to drink 150 ml of decoction.

However, like all other medicinal plants, chicory should be used with caution. As they say, everything is good in moderation. For example, too frequent use of the product can lead to aggravation of vein diseases.

Beauty and weight loss

A huge amount of vitamins and nutrients included in the vitamin-mineral complex contained in chicory (A, E, B 1, B2, B3, C, PP) in combination with the calcium, potassium and magnesium in it help to maintain not only your health but also beauty.

The purpose of most of the above substances is to maintain excellent skin tone and speedy restoration of the body's collagen cells. For the same reason, the product is successfully used for weight loss.

Contraindications

Despite the presence of numerous useful substances in the substance and its obvious benefits, there is also a list of contraindications indicating that not everyone can use the soluble product. The thing is that in some cases, instead of being beneficial, it can do quite a lot of harm.

True, it should be noted that there are few contraindications to the use of chicory and its beneficial properties predominate significantly. So, for example, you should not combine it with antibiotics. This combination can disrupt the absorption of medications.

It is undesirable to use it for those who suffer from varicose veins or hemorrhoids. With regular use, chicory promotes vasodilation and, accordingly, exacerbates health problems.

Another category of people who are not recommended drinks based on chicory are people with various types of allergies to ascorbic acid. That is, if a person cannot eat citrus fruits without negative consequences for the body, when eating currants, he begins to develop a rash, then a decoction of chicory should not be consumed either. Exceptions, of course, are possible, but it is recommended to visit an allergist and undergo appropriate tests.

Medical studies have confirmed the fact that this wild plant is not useful for bronchial asthma. But, in any case, when buying chicory-based drinks to the table, it is necessary to carefully study their composition. Here, the main secret lies in the fact that many varieties of this plant, which are artificially cultivated by humans, are enriched with additional substances piece by piece. That is why, the exact composition of a particular powder can only be found out by carefully reading the product label.

Here we are talking, first of all, about the quantity and quality of the inulin contained in it. So, 75% of this useful substance is found exclusively in the fully ripened roots of the plant. If the manufacturer is not distinguished by responsibility and scrupulousness, it is possible to add block pectin instead of inulin. This makes production cheaper and, accordingly, provides additional benefits to dishonest producers.

So, in order for the decoction to be not only tasty, but also healthy, it is necessary to purchase soluble chicory powder, on the label of which it is indicated - a natural extract. In this case, you should avoid products on the labels of which it is indicated:

artificially enriched;
Tinted;
Sweetened.

These versions of the product can do much more harm than good.

Best instant chicory for 2020

So, we offer the best brands of instant chicory for 2020.

Chicory drink "Health"

The indicators of this zirconium powder and the already prepared drink fully comply with all regulatory requirements. It has a pronounced aroma and taste inherent in chicory. Also, "Health" is fully appropriate:

Moisture content;
Complete solubility in both cold and hot water.

At the same time, it completely lacks third-party additives, including metallomagnetic particles. Not found in "Health" and caffeine, which, by the way, should not be contained in a powder made from a natural root.

According to the results of the examination, the percentage of inulin, a polysaccharide useful for the human body, fully corresponds to the declared indicators (over 30%). In this drink it is 54.5%. The combination of the results of all the above tests and examinations suggests that the Zdorovye drink is indeed a natural chicory extract.

Chicory drink "Health

Advantages:

The obvious benefits of the product, due to the high content of inulin;
Sealed packaging and ZIP fastener.

Flaws:

Not seen.

"Russian chicory"

Produced in the city of Yaroslavl, "Russian Chicory" is a natural instant drink produced in full compliance with all the requirements of GOST.

According to the results of a series of laboratory studies, no violations in the production of the drink were found. It does not contain pathogenic microorganisms, E. coli bacteria, yeast and mold.

The content of heavy metals is also within the normal range. We are talking about such metals as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, and aflatoxin was not detected.

Not noted in the drink and caffeine. Its main indicators - appearance, color, taste and aromatic properties also fully comply with GOST standards.

The drink contains 30.1% inulin (at a rate of 30%).

Russian chicory

Advantages:

Optimal content of inulin;
Sealed package with ZIP closure.

Flaws:

Not marked

The classic instant drink GreatLife, which is produced in the Leningrad region (the village of Novy Svet), is no longer so ideal compared to its predecessors. First of all, he received such reviews from experts and buyers due to the low content of inulin (its percentage is lower than the norms established for the optimal content of this substance). Also, organoleptic indicators and solubility are not characteristic of a drink from chicory.

At the same time, aflotoxin was not found in the drink, and the indicators of toxic elements are within the normal range. But, unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the content of mold in the drink. True, it does not exceed the permissible values, but the indicator is close to the upper limit of the norm. Genetically modified elements were not found by examination. Not found in GreatLife and traces of metal impurities and caffeine.

Within the permissible limits, all physical and chemical indicators of the drink:

Mass fraction of moisture;
Absolute solubility in both hot and cold water.

At the same time, the organoleptic characteristics of the drink leave much to be desired:

Watery slightly sweet taste;
Aroma with hints of caramel;
In the powder, impurities of light tones are noticeable.

The last remark definitely indicates the presence of impurities in the drink. It is believed that all violations in the quality of the finished product are due to violations:

In the modes of heat treatment;
Selection of low quality raw materials.

Here the whole point is that if the temperature during the processing of raw materials (extraction and drying) is too high, the process of destruction of inulin will inevitably begin. This leads to its low content in the drink.

This is also facilitated by raw materials of low quality, and even high-quality, which was not properly stored. And, finally, one cannot fail to mention the possible falsification of products, when chicory, which is more expensive in terms of cost, is replaced by cheaper grain analogues, which, accordingly, do not contain the required amount of inulin.

Instant Classic GreatLife

Advantages:

Low cost of the product.

Flaws:

The actual content of inulin is 3 times less than the norm - only 9.6%;
Inconsistency in organoleptic indicators.

Chicory Dr. Dias

Classic instant chicory drink Dr. Dias is produced in Yaroslavl. The content of inulin in it is much less than the expected norm. In addition, many note a somewhat sour taste of the drink.

It contains absolutely no genetically modified organisms, caffeine and metal-magnetic impurities. The organoleptic characteristics of the drink, with the exception of a slightly sour taste, correspond to the norm.

As for the content of inulin, it is almost 2.5 times lower than the minimum values. This in itself indicates both the quality of the chicory used in the production, and violations in the process of thermal processing of the product. A possible reason for the rather low quality of the drink is considered by many to be falsification - the replacement of an expensive product with cheaper, but lower quality crops.

Chicory Dr. Dias

Advantages:

Low cost;

Flaws:

Insufficient content of inulin;
Sour taste of the product.

Chicory "Tselebnik" is produced in one of the Moscow city districts. No toxic elements were found in it, but, unfortunately, the direct content of inulin leaves much to be desired.

At the same time, laboratory studies did not find traces of genetically modified organisms. Not found in the product and caffeine. The experts have no special comments on the indicators of color, appearance and aroma. The only thing they pay attention to is the low content of the main active ingredient in the drink - inulin (this figure is almost 3.5 times less than the norm). Moreover, it is even less than the numbers indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer. As in other cases, low inulin content may be due to:

Falsification - replacing chicory with cheaper grain analogues;
Violations in the heat treatment of the product - too high a temperature;
Low quality of raw materials;
Improper storage.

Accordingly, at the moment there are comments on the product that do not allow experts to put it in the top three drinks with chicory.

Chicory "Tselebnik" natural soluble

Advantages:

Low cost.

Flaws:

Low content of inulin.

Summing up

Given that a high-quality chicory drink is made exclusively from natural products and does not contain caffeine at all, its benefits to the human body are obvious.

In addition, chicory has the ability to remove toxins from the body (we are talking about the liver, kidneys, gallbladder). Unfortunately, almost 80% of the chicory on the shelves of our stores are fake. What should you pay attention to when buying a powder so that it really benefits the body and does not harm in any way? First of all it is:

Homogeneous structure and color of soluble powder;
In water, chicory dissolves completely without residue (for verification, you can filter the drink using ordinary gauze).

If violations are noticed on one of the points, this indicates the addition of maltadextrin (corn flour, molasses, and in fact sugar) to the drink. It is especially dangerous to purchase such a drink for people with diabetes.

Which chicory is better liquid or powder?

Several types of chicory can be found on sale: liquid chicory extract, ground fried chicory root, instant freeze-dried chicory and large fried pieces of chicory root. Each type of processing of chicory roots has its own characteristics, but in general, they are similar in their taste and useful qualities.

When choosing which chicory to buy, first of all, pay attention to the liquid concentrated extract, and not to the chicory powder, as it is more difficult to fake, and it also contains more useful substances.

A good option would also be to choose roasted chicory root pieces, which can then be ground in a coffee grinder before drinking (like whole bean coffee). When buying chicory root in pieces, the probability of buying a low-quality product is lower than when buying chicory in powder.

How to choose the right quality instant chicory powder

If with a liquid extract and fried large pieces of chicory root it is only important to carefully study the composition and description on the package, then it is more difficult to choose soluble powdered chicory, you need to know certain signs and differences between a quality product and a fake, which we will consider below:

The color of powdered chicory should be uniform and brown (light or dark brown, depending on the degree of roasting of the chicory roots).
The taste of high-quality chicory is rich and bitter.
We carefully study the composition, there should be nothing but chicory (chicory root, chicory extract). Manufacturers can add a variety of flavors and flavors, as well as dilute chicory with soy and high-starch grain additives.
It is better to buy fresher powdered chicory (see the production date on the packaging), as over time it will lose its aroma and the prepared coffee drink will smell less pleasant.
When buying chicory powder, if the package is soft, we try it to the touch so that there are no lumps (it means that the product is damp and it is better not to buy it). One of the best packaging options for powdered chicory are glass and metal jars.
High-quality soluble chicory has particles no less than a millimeter in size (clearly visible), but very finely ground chicory root will be worse in quality.

Note: you can check whether cereal powder additives with starch were added to soluble chicory or not at home, simply by adding a few drops of iodine to chicory powder diluted in water, if the liquid does not turn blue, then there are no starch additives.

In conclusion to the article, it can be noted that it is not so difficult to choose high-quality natural chicory, the main thing is to know just a few of the main differences of this product, given above in the article. We leave our advice and feedback on which chicory is better to buy and why in the comments to the article and share it on social networks if it was useful to you.

What is chicory?

Chicory (lat.Cichorium) is a genus of perennial or biennial herbs of the Asteraceae or Asteraceae family. Many consider this plant with bright blue flowers, which grows on the roadsides, meadows and wastelands of our country, a weed.

In Russia, chicory began to be grown in 1880, in the Yaroslavl province, where two types of this plant are successfully cultivated to this day: salad chicory and common chicory. Chicory root, which reaches almost 15 meters in length and is of great benefit, it has found its application in the confectionery and coffee industries. The root is used to make coffee drinks along with coffee beans, and it is also the main coffee substitute. Dried and roasted chicory roots, added to natural coffee, significantly improve its taste. The leaves of cultivated chicory species are a very useful addition to fresh salads, as well as a self-sufficient side dish for dishes.

Useful composition of chicory.

Chicory root contains: vitamin C, pectin, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3), resins, macro- and microelements (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, P, etc.), carotene, organic acids, protein and tannins. Chicory contains about 40 - 60% useful inulin, and at the peak of the season, the dried root can contain up to 75% inulin. Chicory root, thanks to inulin, contributes to the normalization of the entire digestive system and improves metabolism. Soluble chicory normalizes the intestinal microflora, since inulin feeds on special "beneficial" bacteria that live in the human intestine - bifidumbacteria. By the way, there is no inulin in coffee or tea. Soluble chicory is very similar in color and, especially, in taste to natural roasted coffee, but at the same time, chicory does not contain caffeine - a chemical compound that is present in tea and coffee. Beverages containing caffeine may not always be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Caffeine increases vascular tone, therefore, it is prohibited for people with high blood pressure. Caffeine-containing drinks are contraindicated in heart disease, as it can provoke rhythm disturbances. In addition, soluble chicory has a sweetish taste, which is important. About 80% of people drink tea and coffee by adding sugar or anything else sweet, and this is highly undesirable for diabetics. Excess sugar also leads to weight gain. Inulin is a polymer of fructose, it does not increase blood sugar levels, which means that it is useful for people with diabetes and overweight to use chicory.

Soluble chicory - useful properties.

The benefits of soluble chicory are quite large, as are the benefits of many other plants used by humans to improve their health. Chicory helps to dilate blood vessels, is able to relieve attacks of tachycardia, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and circulatory system, and soothes. It is also useful for all digestive organs. The benefits of chicory have long been recognized by the people, there are many folk recipes that include chicory, it is appropriate in the treatment of diseases of the liver, kidneys and spleen. Chicory root (soluble chicory) is a unique product that can replace coffee in the morning, giving the human body exceptional vigor for the whole day. It should be noted that it is an excellent general tonic.

Chicory juice, mixed with celery, carrot and parsley juice, effectively affects the muscular system of the eye, nourishes it. The useful composition of the above cocktail is undoubtedly capable of significantly improving the quality of vision.

No less than the benefits of chicory added to various medications. Medicines based on it have choleretic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Chicory stimulates the appetite, and in the period of viral infectious diseases helps in the fight against high fever.

Tinctures from this plant are also used externally! Chicory accelerates the healing process of chronic wounds, eczema and other skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, furunculosis, psoriasis, etc. The action of tinctures is drying in nature, which helps to relieve inflammation in the shortest possible time. Chicory is also used in the cosmetic industry. Shampoos and conditioners based on chicory promote hair growth and improve their structure.

For more information about the beneficial properties of chicory and unusual ways to use it in cooking, see the following video from the program "About the Most Important":

Soluble chicory during pregnancy.

And if you are expecting a baby and you are a coffee lover, then chicory will help you. During pregnancy, drinking coffee is, to put it mildly, undesirable ... How to be? A modest plant - chicory, will replace your coffee and will have a positive effect on you and your unborn baby. Soluble chicory is a very useful product for pregnant women. It will invigorate the work of the heart, support the liver, and contribute to the rapid removal of toxins, which is extremely important during pregnancy. Chicory regulates the work of the intestines, which will save a pregnant woman from constipation, etc. Its healing properties will relieve heartburn attacks.

Chicory - contraindications and harm. Why is chicory dangerous?

Speaking about the harm of chicory, it is necessary to list contraindications to its use. Chicory harm can not cause everyone. Its use should be abandoned to people suffering from varicose veins. Vascular diseases, asthma, bronchitis or chronic cough are diseases in which chicory is dangerous to health.

The benefits and harms of chicory, at times, border on each other. Chicory, the harm of which can be associated with a very useful component in its composition, should be used with caution. Ascorbic acid, which is part of it, quite often causes unexpected and unpleasant consequences in people whose body is predisposed to allergic reactions. Even if you add chicory to dishes in minimal doses, the risk of allergies, expressed in an overdose of vitamin C, is inevitable. It is known that hypervitaminization is dangerous in the same way as vitamin deficiency. Before using chicory and food products based on it in the diet, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Otherwise, it is a useful plant that deserves special attention.

It is important to remember that it is impossible to use it uncontrollably and in unlimited quantities, only use in minimal doses guarantees benefits to your body.

How to choose instant chicory?

Previously, when it was not easy to get instant chicory or chicory tincture, chicory root was processed at home. The collected roots were thoroughly dried, finely chopped, fried and ground. Now there is no such problem for the consumer and connoisseur of this drink, chicory can be purchased anywhere. It is found in departments with diabetic nutrition or in departments with teas, coffee and even in pharmacies. It is presented as soluble, as well as in the form of a powder and, in fact, the root.
Chicory powder should be dry, without lumps. When choosing chicory roots, make sure they are brownish and, most importantly, dry.

"AiF", as part of its project "Quality of the consumer basket", found out which of the manufacturers offers the best instant chicory (for reference: out of 27 samples of different manufacturers and brands purchased from well-known large retail chains, only seven corresponded to GOST developed by the Research Institute of the Food Concentrate Industry)

The results of laboratory studies of different brands of chicory

Manufacturer	Product	The content of inulin compared with the norm
CJSC "Coffee-chicorny" plant "ARONAP"	"Khutorok" (zip-package, 100 g)	no deviations
	"Golden spine" (zip-package, 100 g)	no deviations
OOO Coffee Company Vokrug Sveta	"Health" (zip-package, 100 g)	no deviations
	"Health" with ginseng extract (zip bag, 100 g)	no deviations
LLC TPK "STOKROS"	«Russian chicory» (zip-package, 100 g)	no deviations
Cafea-Group Am, Germany importer Betamax LLC	Elsa. Natural Chicory" (glass, 100 g)	Inulin is normal slightly elevated glucose after hydrolysis
NovaProduct AG LLC	"Chikoroff" (combined can, 110 g)	no deviations
	"Bionova" (zip bag, 100 g)	10% less
	"Chicoree Leroux" (zip bag, 100 g)	6% less
FLAGISTOM LLC	"Zdravko" (zip-package, 100 g)	32% less
	"Fitodar" (zip package, 100 g)	Inulin is normal a bit overpriced glucose after hydrolysis
JSC "Russian product"	"Coffitel" (zip bag, 100 g)	20% less
Leroux (Laroux) Fabrique, France	Chicoree Leroux Nature Soluble" (glass, 200 g)	35% less
AM-Capital LLC	"Slivkoff" (zip package, 95 g)	40% less
FES PRODUCT LLC	"MacFito" (zip bag, 100 g)	45% less
Indian Coffee Alliance LLP (India), importer of VIRMINA LLC	"Moskofe" (zip-package, 100 g)	50% less
CJSC Ecoproject-2000	"Petrovskaya Sloboda" (zip-package, 150 g)	50% less
OOO Trade House Diamir K	Dr. Dias" zip bag, 100 g)	50% less
LLC "Slavkofe"	"Zdravnik" (zip-package, 100 g)	39% less
	"Zdravnik" (combined jar, 110 g)	17% less
	"Tselebnik" (zip-package, 100 g)	65% less
	"Almanac" (zip-package, 100 g)	65% less
	"Big Cup" (zip bag, 100 g)	65% less
	"Chikoren" with cranberry extract (zip-package, 100 g)	65% less
Favorit LLC	"Tsikorich" (zip-package, 100 g)	50% less
	"Tsikorich GOLD" granulated (zip-package, 100 g)	70% less
	"Price & Quality" (zip package, 200 g)	50% less
	«FAVORIT LABEL» (zip bag, 100 g)	55% less
LLC "Strauss"	Elite. Health Line" (zip bag, 100 g)	70% less
OOO Trade House Kalinov Most	"Clean Field" (zip-package, 100 g)	75% less
	"Thanks" (zip-package, 100 g)	75% less
OOO "Grand-NN"	"Lenta" (zip bag, 150 g)	85% less
LLC "MalCom"	"Riosun" (zip bag, 100 g)	99.7% less

Everyone who embarks on the path of leading a healthy lifestyle thinks, first of all, about changing the diet and excluding frankly harmful products from their menu. But if everything is clear with food - remove fatty, floury, semi-finished products, then it is often difficult to choose healthy drinks. This is especially true for coffee lovers, because is it possible to replace it with something? It turns out you can. A healthy alternative to coffee and many other invigorating drinks is chicory.

What is chicory? Where does it grow, how is it harvested and processed? What effect does it have on the body? Does chicory have medicinal properties and are there any contraindications for its use? After reading this article, you will stop asking yourself such questions and, for sure, you will be convinced of the benefits of chicory drinks.

Chicory - what is it?

This is, indeed, a plant, and almost all of us are familiar. Remember the tall bushes with stiff stems and small blue flowers growing along the roads, in the fields and even in the city on any neglected lawn? This is chicory. More precisely, one of its species is common chicory. And its second variety, the most known to housewives, is the so-called radicchio salad: crispy and spicy. For the salad form, a cultivated biennial subspecies of chicory is grown, for drinks and seasonings - perennial, "weedy". Although it is difficult to call it a weed - after all, chicory began to be grown in Russia back in 1880. He did not cease to be cultivated in the Soviet Union. Today, although in much smaller quantities, chicory is grown in farms and agricultural enterprises. In the food industry, mainly the root of the plant is used. So, for salads and second courses, it is used as a culinary supplement. In the confectionery industry, it is a natural coffee flavor. And finally, roasted ground chicory root is used as the basis for a delicious healthy drink.

It should be noted that among European countries, France occupies the first place in terms of cultivation and consumption of chicory. French chicory is highly valued among lovers of this product. Although it is worth noting that the first handwritten recipe for a drink made from chicory root was found in the Italian city of Padua and dates back to 1600. And only in 1780 this drink appeared in France, making a real boom: the new "coffee" instantly found many fans. So, in France during the reign of Napoleon, the consumption of chicory was higher than the consumption of coffee. Then it was called "Prussian coffee", and in the 19th century they began to call it "Indian coffee".

What is the benefit of chicory for the body? The root of the plant (reaching, by the way, 15 meters in length) contains a lot of various useful substances, vitamins and compounds. First of all, of course, inulin, due to the high concentration of which chicory has a beneficial effect on metabolism and the digestive system. In addition to inulin, the root contains B vitamins, tannins, carotene, organic acids and many macro- and microelements. In soluble chicory, all these beneficial substances are preserved, since chicory drink powder is made from a dried root extract that has not been chemically processed.

In recent years, however, unscrupulous manufacturers, moving along the path of reducing the cost of the final product, began to use low-quality raw materials or even mix chicory with carbohydrate and other components, significantly reducing the beneficial properties of the drink. To protect consumers from such fakes, the Research Institute of the Food Concentrate Industry and Special Food Technology of the Russian Agricultural Academy developed GOST R 55512-2013 "Natural soluble chicory". It will come into effect on January 1, 2015.

Types of chicory

As already mentioned, the main raw material for all chicory products is the rhizome of the plant. Depending on the way it is processed, various options for the final product are obtained. There are only three main types:

Liquid chicory. This is a concentrated extract, a kind of "extract" from the root of the plant. Liquid chicory is added as a flavoring agent to confectionery and savory sauces, and also drunk in diluted form as a remedy for insomnia and increased nervous excitability.
Ground chicory. For the production of this product, chicory rhizomes are washed, dried, or rather roasted in an oven or in special ovens, and then ground into a powder. The drink is obtained by infusing hot or cold water on the powder. The use of such an infusion helps to improve attention, normalize the work of the intestines and biliary tract.
Soluble chicory. Perhaps the most difficult to prepare: in order to get soluble chicory, the plant root extract is placed in special spray dryers, from which the powder comes out. In fact, instant chicory is the same natural product as ground or extracted, but there are some advantages to using it. It does not need to be insisted for a long time, like ground, but it is much more convenient to store than liquid, besides, the shelf life of soluble chicory does not expire so quickly.

What is useful chicory?

Although some of the medicinal properties of chicory were mentioned above, they should be discussed separately. This product is a godsend not only for fans of traditional folk medicine, but also for those who do not trust the "grandfather's methods" too much: the benefits of chicory can hardly be overestimated. The substances contained in the drink will be useful, first of all, in the following cases:

for diabetic and obese patients. At the peak of the ripening season, the chicory rhizome contains up to 75% inulin, a plant polysaccharide that is often used as a natural sweetener (only its sweetness is very small). Chicory helps to reduce sugar and bad cholesterol in the body, which is very important for diabetes. Also, a chicory drink with regular use normalizes the digestive system and promotes faster saturation. That is why it is recommended to use chicory for weight loss. Of course, you should drink it without sugar and cream, but you can add natural sweeteners and low-fat milk.
for the cardiovascular system. Chicory has a wonderful bitter taste, but it does not contain caffeine, which is contraindicated for people with heart problems. To enhance the healing properties of chicory, you can use it with various natural additives. For example, chicory with ginger helps to strengthen the heart muscle, dilate blood vessels.
for the digestive system. In folk medicine, a decoction of chicory root has long been used for digestive problems. The drink has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, significantly reduces the risk of inflammatory processes in this digestive organ. Inulin promotes the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria and the absorption of calcium. To support digestive function, chicory is especially useful in combination with rose hips.
for the nervous system. A drink based on the roots and flowers of chicory has a truly amazing property - it gives a boost of energy and promotes the activity of the mind and body. Since ancient times, chicory has been part of the collection of herbs that healers gave to children tormented by nightmares and elderly people suffering from insomnia. Is it possible to use chicory for pregnant and lactating mothers? You can, chicory with blueberries is especially useful! But everything should be in moderation, observe the daily norm.

Is there any harm?

Like any healing product, chicory requires careful attention to contraindications and dosages. Useful substances and vitamins contained in this plant have certain restrictions on the daily intake. To determine the optimal amount of drink, it is best to read the manufacturer's instructions.

Subject to the dosage for healthy people, a chicory drink is certainly useful. But those who have chronic diseases should consult a doctor before using.

So, it is not recommended to use chicory in large quantities during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Chicory can cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and more. It is also worth bearing in mind that chicory can stimulate the production of bile. So people with gallstones should not consume chicory without medical supervision.

How to choose chicory?

When choosing chicory in a store, first of all, you should familiarize yourself with the packaging. Like any product, chicory has an expiration date, and you need to pay attention to this parameter first. The second thing that the packaging will tell about is the composition, which should not contain preservatives, chemical dyes and other harmful substances.

Quality insoluble chicory is sold as crushed roots, which should be brown and dry. Over time, they lose their flavor, so look carefully at the production date.

When it comes to buying instant chicory, it should be a hermetically packed, homogeneous powder without lumps. It is best, of course, to choose chicory made from quality raw materials, for example, from French. Well, the last, but important aspect of the choice is the taste of chicory: classic coffee-caramel or with additives - the main thing is that the composition does not contain unnatural aromatic substances that will give the drink a chemical aftertaste and reduce its beneficial properties. If you are still a fan of various supplements, then choose chicory with natural plant extracts, such as rose hips or ginger.

How to prepare a drink from chicory?

How to drink chicory? The easiest way to introduce a tasty and healthy drink into your diet is to buy instant chicory, which does not require complicated and lengthy preparation: you just need to pour hot water over it and mix it. Instead of coffee that is not always healthy, but loved by many, you can prepare a drink consisting of four parts of chicory and one part of coffee powder.

Some manufacturers offer instant chicory with various additives, such as ginseng or blueberries, which will help you choose the taste of this healthy drink for your liking and bring additional benefits.

Fans of variety can add milk or honey and lemon to the drink, which, of course, will affect the calorie content of chicory, but will make the taste even more interesting.