Cichorium intybus
Sold by the gram, $0.0552/g. Please bring or order a bag.
MAIL ORDER
Please order a minimum of 100g and buy a bag or tell us in the Comments with your order that you want us to pack your order in a repurposed bag.
OVERVIEW
Chicory's roots and dried, above-ground parts are used to make medicine.
Chicory is used for high blood pressure, heart failure, loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, liver and gallbladder disorders, cancer, and rapid heartbeat.
Some people apply a paste of chicory leaves directly to the skin for swelling and inflammation.
In foods, chicory leaves are often eaten like celery, and the roots and leaf buds are boiled and eaten. Chicory is also used as a cooking spice and to flavour foods and beverages. Coffee mixes often include ground chicory to enhance the richness of the coffee.
One raw chicory root (60 grams) contains the following nutrients (1):
Calories: 44
Protein: 0.8 grams
Carbs: 10.5 grams
Fat: 0.1 grams
Fiber: 0.9 grams
Manganese: 7% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 7% of the RDI
Potassium: 5% of the RDI
Vitamin C: 5% of the RDI
Phosphorus: 4% of the RDI
Folate: 3% of the RDI
Chicory root is a good source of inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that has been linked to increased weight loss and improved gut health (2, 3).
It also contains some manganese and vitamin B6, two nutrients tied to brain health (4, 5).
Chicory root has a mild laxative effect, increases bile from the gallbladder, and decreases swelling. Chicory is a rich source of beta-carotene.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Chicory may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking chicory.
Diabetes: Chicory may lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use chicory in amounts larger than the amounts normally found in food.
Gallstones: Chicory can stimulate the production of bile. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Don’t use chicory without medical supervision if you have gallstones.
Surgery: Chicory might lower blood sugar and might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking chicory as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented on this website is for informational, reference and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a health care practitioner.
Photo thanks to Alvesgaspar - Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2141487