Chicory extract is a substance that comes from the chicory plant’s root, which looks like a dandelion-type plant. Basically, it has three varieties which include Belgian endive, radicchio, and puntarelle. Cichorium intybus o chicory is the most popular because of its medicinal, nutritional, and nutritional qualities that are found in roots, leaves, and buds. This chicory has been used for many hundred years and even today also most people use it for medicinal purposes.
Nutrition Present in Chicory
Chicory extracts are loaded with proteins, vitamins, and minerals. In chicory, major phytochemicals present which include flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, sesquiterpene lactones, etc. Approx 100g of chicory contains fiber (1.5 g), protein (1.4 g), fats (0.2 g), potassium (290 mg), phosphorus (61 mg), sodium (50 mg), calcium (41 mg), magnesium (22 mg), vitamin C (5 mg), niacin (0.4 mg), pantothenic acid (0.3 mg), vitamin B6 (0.2 mg), folate (23 µg), and selenium (0.7 µg).
Benefits of Chicory Extract
Daily consuming chicory will deliver you several nutrients to boost your health. It has several benefits which include aiding diabetes treatment, boosting liver health, improving skin barriers, anti-inflammatory properties, etc.
Full of Prebiotic Fiber Insulin
In fresh chicory extract, nearly 68% of insulin is present by dry weight. Insulin is a type of fiber that is also known as fructan or fructooligosaccharide. This fiber is a carbohydrate made of a short chain of fructose molecules that the body can’t digest. This fiber acts as a prebiotic, which is beneficial for your gut bacteria. The bacteria present in the gut will help to reduce inflammation, improve mineral absorption, and fight against harmful bacteria. In addition, you can also try supplements that are full of prebiotics. Supplements such as Prebiotic Gummies for Women to get this fiber for your gut bacteria.
Improve Bowel Movement in the Intestine
As insulin is present in chicory extract will pass by your body undigested and feed gut bacteria which promotes healthy digestion. In studies, it is found that insulin will help to get relief from constipation by making bowel movement smooth.
In a study conducted on 44 people for 4 weeks, it was seen that people who take 12 grams of chicory per day will help soften stool and increase bowel movement as compared to people who do not consume chicory.
There is one more study conducted on 16 people who have problems with stool movement after taking chicories of 10 grams daily for 4-5 weeks. Their stool movement increases and get relief from constipation. One thing to keep in mind prebiotic supplements also contain chicory inulin to keep your gut bacteria healthy.
Control Blood Sugar Level
Chicory extract will help to control blood sugar levels, especially in people who have diabetes. This is because insulin is present, which promotes the growth of bacteria that involve carbohydrate metabolism. This will break down carbs into sugars, sensitive to insulin, the hormones that absorb sugar from the blood.
A study conducted on 49 women for 2 months who had type-2 diabetes were given 10 grams of insulin per day. This leads to control of blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1C compared to the people who do not take chicory fiber.
Manage Body Weight
Many experts suggest that consuming chicory extract daily will help to regulate body weight by regulating appetite and lowering overall calorie intake which possibly leads to weight loss. Taking 21 grams per day of chicory will help in weight loss by 1 kg in 12 weeks as compared to other people. A compound oligofructose found in chicory will reduce the level of ghrelin, a hormones that regulate the feeling of hunger.
Easily Add in Diet
Chicory extract is easy to add to your daily diet. You might consume this without realizing it, sometimes it is used as an additive in food packaging. It is also very helpful if you want to reduce coffee intake, you can use roasted and grounded chicory roots. You can take 2 tablespoons (approx 11 grams) in one cup (240 ml) of water in the place of coffee.
Possible Side Effects
For ages, chicory extract has been used for medical and nutritional purposes and continues to be safe. However, fiber present may cause side effects such as gas and bloating if eaten in more than required. Pregnant and breastfeeding should consult a doctor before trying chicory. People who have allergies to this should not consume it.
Key Takeaway
Taking chicory extract will have many benefits as mentioned above and is considered to be safe. It is also used as a supplements, medicine, and food additive which help to make you healthy. If you want to take chicory extract then you can use Probiotic Vitamin Gummies for Women as health supplements.