Chicory root tea has been around for some time, with claims of it originating in many countries like Egypt, France, and even Holland, all of these countries have enjoyed Chicory Root Tea for its ability to provide a substitute for coffee as well as its natural health benefits. A number of ancient civilizations consumed Chicory Root as a vegetable and medicine, valuing Chicory for its digestive properties, while others ate it to purify the blood and the liver. Over time the popularity of Chicory Root tea hasn't been lost. Valued as a food and healing herb, the Dandelion Chicory root tea has evolved into a product to suit our changing modern world.
Chicory leaves are often used in salads, while the roots are used as a substitute for coffee. Chicory has a flavour that is similar to coffee, great roasted, baked, or brewed as refreshing tea without the caffeine.
Characteristics of Chicory Root
Cichorium intybus or Chicory is a plant native to Europe and is a hardy perennial plant with rigid, somewhat hairy stems that contain milky sap, flowers that are usually bright blue in colour, and lanceolate leaves that grow 3 to 10 inches long. Chicory is known by many names such as Blue sailors, Coffee weed, Cornflower, Succory, or Italian Dandelion. As a weed, common chicory can thrive in almost all well-drained soil types. This plant can easily adapt to its surroundings, even in areas with extreme temperatures. No wonder, it has become widely neutralised and can now be found in North America, China, Australia, India, South Africa, and Chile.
Modern Medicinal Value: Chicory Root Health Benefits
Chicory root tea benefits as a fantastic coffee substitute for those looking for a caffeine-free substitute that still has the great rich taste of coffee, making it a great swap for those with caffeine allergies or sensitivities. Chicory tea has healing properties with the potential to provide the following health benefits:
1. It can improve digestive health and relieve constipation
Balancing the good and bad gut bacteria by being mindful about the food we eat is essential in keeping the digestive system healthy. The modern-day diet can often allow harmful bacteria to overgrow. Prebiotics are types of fibre that good bacteria can digest. Chicory root is a good source of inulin, a prebiotic which can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and help relieve constipation.
2. It helps reduce stress
Caffeine and stress can increase cortisol levels, cortisol is known as the stress hormone. Cortisol is important for our health, for its role in the body’s stress response and other functions such as reducing inflammation, blood sugar regulation, metabolism regulation, and memory formulation. Although cortisol has its benefits, high cortisol can cause many unwanted symptoms.
Chicory root tea is caffeine-free, therefore does not elevate cortisol levels. Chicory is refreshing, relaxing, flavorful, and delicious. This drink is full of antioxidants, it protects cells and helps fight oxidative stress. These benefits are why it's our favourite substitute for coffee.
3. Diabetes management
Inulin found in chicory, a prebiotic that helps promote good bacteria, has a role to play in helping to manage and prevent diabetes. This dietary fibre may promote healthy blood glucose, improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes, and decrease fat in the livers of people with prediabetes. Studies also suggest that extract from chicory root can increase the levels of adiponectin, a protein that regulates a number of metabolic processes such as fatty acid oxidation and glucose regulation.
Dandelion Chicory Root Tea Flavour Profile
Chicory Root tea is known for having a similar taste to coffee, a popular beverage around the world. Chicory Root tea is also often described as having hints of woodiness, boasting a rich and deep flavour that provides the perfect caffeine-free brew.
Precaution
Chicory root tea is not advisable for nursing mothers or pregnant women. It can possibly lead to miscarriage and may stimulate menstruation.
