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Chicory Root: The Coffee Substitute that Treats Diabetes, Constipation & Osteoarthritis

Chicory Root: The Coffee Substitute that Treats Diabetes,

Constipation & Osteoarthritis

Do you love your morning of cup of coffee (https://draxe.com/coffee-nutrition-facts/) but worried about

caffeine overdose (https://draxe.com/caffeine-overdose/)? Chicory root just may be the answer you’re
looking for.

This popular coffee substitute does more than just take the place of your favorite breakfast accompaniment,
however. In addition to providing added ber to foods, chicory root has a smooth, creamy feeling in the mouth
similar to fat. That makes it a great fat replacement in ice creams, margarines and dressings.

While this sounds ideal, we cannot bypass the need for the high-quality ber found in whole fruits, vegetables,
some whole grains and other high- ber foods (https://draxe.com/high- ber-foods/) that help promote
overall good health. However, chicory root has some great bene ts as well when used in moderation, which is why
it may just become a part of your everyday routine.

Bene ts of Chicory Root

1. Reduces Stress

For anyone who has issues with stress, caffeine can exacerbate that issue. Caffeine, of course, is a main ingredient
For anyone who has issues with stress, caffeine can exacerbate that issue. Caffeine, of course, is a main ingredient
found in coffee, and even small amounts are found in the decaffeinated versions. Consuming less caffeine can
really help lower epinephrine
(http://www.udel.edu/chem/C465/senior/fall00/Performance1/epinephrine.htm.html) and cortisol levels
(https://draxe.com/cortisol-levels/) when sleeping and during stressful life circumstances.

A 2006 study published in Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior showed that repeated consumption of
caffeine combined with stress caused a signi cant elevation in cortisol levels. (1
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2249754/)) Since chicory contains no caffeine, it’s a great
substitute to reduce your caffeine consumption and get cortisol levels in check, thereby reducing stress.

2. Contains Anti-In ammatory Properties

Plant polyphenols (http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/79/5/727.full) have the ability to help combat in ammation.

A study was conducted at by the Department of Pathophysiology and Gerontology at the University of Pécs
Medical School in Hungary with 27 healthy volunteers who were asked to consume caffeine-free chicory coffee, a
rich source of plant phenols, for one week. Signi cant improvements were seen in red blood cell deformability,
which describes the body’s ability to respond to in ammation by restoring cells to their original condition. (2
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21425378), 3
(http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.ph.49.030187.001141?journalCode=physiol&))

This means chicory can reduce in ammation, which is huge. Why? Because in ammation is the root of most
diseases (https://draxe.com/in ammation-at-the-root-of-most-diseases/), so when you can lower
bodywide in ammation, you can stave off many health problems before they even have the chance to start.

3. Protects the Liver

The ability of chicory root extract to protect against chemical-induced free radicals and possible toxicity to the
liver was reviewed in a 2015 medical review. Subjects were divided into four groups, according to treatment type,
and levels of free radical damage (https://draxe.com/ ghting-free-radical-damage/) and antioxidants were
reviewed during the process. Pretreatment with chicory extract signi cantly reduced oxidative stress and
prevented cell damage, ultimately improving liver conditions due to toxicity. (4
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25807561))

Results demonstrated that chicory extract is rich in natural antioxidants and able to scavenge reactive free
radicals. Therefore, it boosts the defense system of the body while also cleansing the liver
(https://draxe.com/liver-cleanse/).

4. May Prevent or Delay the Onset of Diabetes

Diabetes is a major issue in the U.S., but it doesn’t have to be. There are many natural ways to manage and treat
diabetes, and it begins with diet. Chicory may be a good addition to a diabetic diet plan
(https://draxe.com/diabetic-diet-plan/) to help prevent or treat this all too common medical condition.

The extract from roasted chicory root was examined in a study published in the Journal of Traditional and
Complementary Medicine, examining its effects on blood glucose, lipid metabolism and fecal properties in 47
healthy adult participants. The level of adiponectin
(http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/News_Releases/apr04/Adiponectin.html), a protein that regulates glucose
levels as well as the fatty acid breakdown, signi cantly improved in those participants who had the chicory root
extract. These results suggest that chicory root extract could delay or prevent the early onset of diabetes as well
as improve bowel movements due to the brous makeup. (5 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26151029))

5. Helps Manage Osteoarthritis

A clinical trial conducted by the Rheumatic Diseases Division at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical
A clinical trial conducted by the Rheumatic Diseases Division at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical
Center’s Department of Internal Medicine suggests that the extracts of chicory root have anti-in ammatory
properties that may help with arthritic symptoms, particularly degenerative joint disease
(https://draxe.com/degenerative-joint-disease/), aka osteoarthritis.

Individuals over the age of 50 with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee were treated with chicory, with researchers
measuring vital signs through routine lab tests throughout the test period and at the end. Eighteen patients who
completed treatment per protocol were analyzed, and at least 13 patients showed a 20 percent improvement in
response to pain and stiffness, showcasing chicory’s ability to help treat this joint pain. (6
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20618964))

6. Aids Gut Health

Chicory root contains oligosaccharide-enriched inulin, which is a prebiotic. The inulin in chicory root is also known
as a prebiotic ber because it’s highly fermentable by the friendly bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics
(https://draxe.com/prebiotics/) can help promote the growth of helpful probiotics in your digestive system and
may enhance calcium absorption. This is why you’re likely to see inulin, or chicory root ber, in probiotic
supplements (https://draxe.com/probiotics-bene ts-foods-supplements/). (7
(http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2015/05/05/what-is-inulin-chicory-root- ber))

This can be good but also uncomfortable since the gut will produce more gas with more fermentation. If you ever
wonder why something you ate may be upsetting your stomach, it could be due to the amount of inulin your body
is trying to process possibly, causing gas, bloating and pain.

7. Relieves Constipation

Chicory root has been shown to relieve constipation (https://draxe.com/natural-constipation-relief-

remedies/) thanks in large part to its inulin role. Research published in the International Journal of Food Sciences
and Nutrition examined the impact of daily consumption of 15 grams of chicory on elderly constipated volunteers.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled study took place over 28 days.

The study revealed that “volunteers in the inulin group reported increased satisfaction about digestion and
reduced defecation dif culties during the supplementation. … Daily supplementation with 15 grams inulin improves
constipation and quality of life in an elderly population with constipation.” (8
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21091293))

 
 

Chicory Root Nutrition

One raw chicory root, which is about 60 grams, contains approximately: (9

(http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2405/2))

44 calories
10.5 grams carbohydrates
0.8 gram protein
0.1 gram fat
0.9 gram ber
0.1 milligram vitamin B6 (https://draxe.com/vitamin-b6-bene ts/) (7 percent DV)
0.1 milligram manganese (https://draxe.com/manganese/) (7 percent DV)
3.0 milligrams vitamin C (5 percent DV)
74 milligrams potassium (5 percent DV)

Chicory Root Uses

Chicory root is an inulin (https://draxe.com/inulin/), a type of plant-based carbohydrate that cannot be broken
down by human digestive enzymes (https://draxe.com/digestive-enzymes/), and it’s often used in high- ber
and gluten-free products. This is is done by pulling the inulin from the roots of chicory plants, producing chicory
root extract.

What is inulin? Inulin is classi ed as soluble and as a prebiotic. Soluble bers can hold water and thicken or gel up,
which can add bulk to foods. It’s one of these reasons it’s widely used, along with its ability to provide moisture
and a creamy texture.

Inulin is frequently seen in low-fat or dairy-free yogurt, ice cream and ready-to-drink protein shakes. Breads and
baked goods may contain inulin to replace gluten as well. Since there are so many gluten sensitivities
(https://draxe.com/gluten-sensitivity-diet/), food producers had to nd a replacement — which is where inulin
made way to the stage. Soluble bers also help slow down the time it takes for food to travel through the body,
which can help you feel full and can have a positive effect on blood sugar.

Ice cream, yogurt, protein shakes (https://draxe.com/protein-shake-recipes/), high- ber/low-carb bars,

energy bars, cereals, breads and granola products often contain chicory root. While chicory root provides that
bulk and creamy texture, it also makes products appear healthier by boosting their ber content without the
calories. In addition, it’s cheap to manufacture and has a naturally sweet taste. This is yet another attractive
characteristic for food manufacturers of low-carb products allowing them to use inulin to provide some
sweetness without added sugar, calories or carbs.

Inulin’s pleasant taste and low cost are reasons why it’s been used in combination with coffee during times of
shortages. In fact, that discovery led to what is still known today as New Orleans-style coffee or chicory root
coffee, which is a blend of regular or decaffeinated coffee and chicory root powder. (10
(http://gracelinks.org/2055/real-food-right-now-and-how-to-cook-it-chicories-endives), 11
(http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-foods/prebiotics-and-
probiotics-the-dynamic-duo))
Chicory Root vs. Psyllium Husk

Chicory root and psyllium husk (https://draxe.com/psyllium-husk/) contain many similar brous
characteristics, as both are useful for diabetics, constipation and are prebiotics. Psyllium husk comes from a
shrub-like herb called Plantago ovata, which grows worldwide but is most common in India and is in the form of a
seed. Meanwhile, chicory root is the root of the chicory plant and has a pleasantly,sweet taste. Both can be taken
as supplements or ground and added to smoothies, for example.

Here’s how the two stack up: (12 (http://www.livestrong.com/article/303982-what-is-the-difference-between-

psyllium-inulin- ber/))

Chicory Root

Natural, plant-based starch

Treats diabetes
Relieves constipation
High in triglycerides
Improves cholesterol levels
Prebiotic
High- ber
Remedies IBS
Treats diarrhea
Treats eczema
Relieves gas and bloating

Psyllium Husk

Natural, plant-based starch

Treats diabetes
Relieves constipation
High in triglycerides
Improves cholesterol levels
Prebiotic
High- ber
Treats diarrhea
Helps eczema
Relieves gas and bloating
Reduces colon cancer risk and heart disease
Treats hemorrhoids, hypertension and in ammatory bowel diseases

History and Origin of Chicory Root

Chicory root comes from a perennial herbaceous plant of the dandelion (https://draxe.com/dandelion-tea/)
family, called chicory, that usually has bright blue owers. Many varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, which
you may know as endive or chicons, but the roots are ground and used for baking and, most popularly, as a
coffee (https://draxe.com/bene ts-of-drinking-coffee/) substitute. Chicory root is a bit wood-like, being
brous in nature. Due to its brous composition, it’s not digested in the small intestine but instead maintains its
forms as is travels to the colon or large intestine.

The chicory root (Cichorium Intybus) has been around for some time, cultivated since ancient Egypt and is a
The chicory root (Cichorium Intybus) has been around for some time, cultivated since ancient Egypt and is a
bushy perennial herb with blue owers in the Asteraceae family. It’s been a popular addition to coffee in France
since the 19th century where it’s commonly roasted and ground. It’s thought that the coffee mixed with chicory
concoction probably began in Holland, becoming more popular across parts of Europe around 1801. Chicory root
has traditionally been used in tea or in medicinal remedies to treat jaundice, liver enlargement, gout
(https://draxe.com/gout-diet-remedies-instant-relief/) and rheumatism.

While chicory became an American interest, coffee became the beverage of choice. New Orleans became the
second largest importer of coffee in the U.S. However, it was during the American Civil War that Louisianans
considered adding chicory root to their coffee due to the Union naval blockades cutting off shipments to the port.
In fact, chicory root was used often in times of shortages of coffee, such as during the Civil War and the Great
Depression, and even in prisons to help stretch out the coffee supply.

That caffeine buzz known as a coffee x started a long time ago. Since shipments of coffee had halted, New
Orleans had to get creative so the people could extend their supply as much as possible. They used acorns and
beets, and though these additions lacked the caffeine, chicory had a similar avor as coffee, making it a much
better match in addition to being cheaper.

Regardless, a New Orleans native will tell you that it’s one of the best and most delicious traditions and a must-
have when visiting. Known as the chicory in a café au lait, which is chicory coffee with hot milk, it has become an
essential part of the history of New Orleans. You can nd chicory a the grocery in the coffee aisle, and most claim
that the few brands available all originated in New Orleans and that the chicory is still be imported from France.
(13 (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/chicory-coffee-mix-new-orleans-made-own-comes-
180949950/?no-ist), 14 (https://books.google.com/books?
id=1hkbAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=chicory+coffee&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Cnz6UsTwFuTgyQHm24B4&ved=0CEQQ6
15 (http://www.huf ngtonpost.com/entry/this-is-what-chicory-is-and-why-it-sometimes-shows-up-in-
coffee_us_55918228e4b081449b4c95ff))

Chicory Root Risks

There are numerous studies that still need to be conducted regarding chicory root and chicory root extract. While
these studies show that it contains many bene ts, it’s always best to get ber from whole foods when possible.

If you’re pregnant, have any disease or if disease is common in your family, make sure to check with your doctor
before consuming chicory root.

Final Thoughts on Chicory Root

Chicory root has been shown to reduce stress, contain anti-in ammatory properties, protect the liver, possibly
prevent or delay the onset of diabetes, help manage osteoarthritis, aid gut health, and relieve constipation.
Chicory root is an inulin, a type of plant-based carbohydrate that cannot be broken down by human digestive
enzymes, and it’s often used in high- ber and gluten-free products. This is is done by pulling the inulin from the
roots of chicory plants, producing chicory root extract.
Inulin is classi ed as soluble and as a prebiotic. Soluble bers can hold water and thicken or gel up, which can
add bulk to foods. It’s one of these reasons it’s widely used, along with its ability to provide moisture and a
creamy texture.

Read Next: 6 Inulin Fiber Bene ts, Uses and Surprising Facts
(https://draxe.com/inulin/)

From the sound of it, you might think leaky gut only affects the digestive system, but in reality it can affect more.