Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Chicory Root?Using It Instead of CoffeeOther BenefitsWays to Use ItWho Should Avoid It?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Chicory Root?
Using It Instead of Coffee
Other Benefits
Ways to Use It
Who Should Avoid It?
Chicory rootis part of the chicory plant, a perennial used to feed livestock, as a folk remedy, and as a vegetable in human diets.The roots are often used as a coffee substitute and can be converted to alcohol.Studies found that chicory root contains phytochemicals, includinginulin, aprebioticthat supports healthy gut bacteria. It also has antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why some people use it as a medicinal herb.This article explains chicory root, how people use it as coffee, its benefits, and who should avoid it.nhattienphoto/ Getty ImagesWhat Exactly Is Chicory Root?Chicory root is part of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus). It is native to the Mediterranean and used in parts of Africa, Europe, and North America. This flowering plant can grow up to 5 feet tall.Parts UsedIn addition to the root, the entire plant is edible, including chicory leaves.Chicory leaves are sometimes used in cooked dishes, as one might use spinach. They are also used in salads.TasteChicory leaves are quite bitter, but cooking them reduces the bitterness.The roots are also bitter, similar to coffee, which is probably why it makes a good coffee substitute. The roots also have a nutty or earthy flavor.Chicory Root Instead of Coffee: What’s to Know?Chicory root coffee gained popularity toward the end of the 18th century.Today, as a coffee is one of the most recognized uses of chicory root.Some reasons people may choose chicory root coffee overcoffeeinclude:It’s a caffeine-free alternative.It contains inulin, a prebiotic, which may help support a healthy gut.Theflavonoids(a phytonutrient), tannins, and coumarins have antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.Some people also put chicory root in regular coffee. This offers the benefits of chicory root without sacrificing the coffee they love. It may also reduce thecaffeine contentdepending on how much you use.Researchers examined the effects of chicory root extract onblood glucose(blood sugar) and bowel movements.They found that after four weeks of consuming chicory root, participants had improvedhyperglycemia(high blood sugar) andbowel movements.Other Benefits of Chicory Root SupplementationOne root, containing about 60 grams (g) of chicory root, has the following nutritional value:Calories: 43Fat: 0.1 gCarbohydrates: 10 gFiber: 0.9 gSugars: 5 gCalcium: 24.6 milligrams (mg)Iron: 0.48 mgMagnesium: 13.2 mgPhosphorus: 36.6 mgPotassium: 174 mgSodium: 30 mgFolate: 13.8 micrograms (mcg)In addition to being used in whole-food form, chicory root also comes as asupplement. However, use care when choosing a supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements, so choose manufacturers you trust, especially those using independent testing. It’s best to discuss supplements with a healthcare provider first.The inulin in chicory root is what gives this food its primary benefit. Inulin may help regulate bowel movements and improve blood sugar control. In addition, studies have also found that it promotes weight loss.Clinical evidence found chicory to be antidiabetic,immunomodulatory(changes immune response), antitumor, antioxidant, antiparasitic (destroys worms), and prebiotic. It also has been found to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.Another study found that chicory may improve liver function tests and blood pressure and reduce hematologic (blood disorders) risk factors in females withtype 2 diabetes.Ways to Use Chicory RootThere are numerous ways to use chicory root. These include:Using it as a powder as a coffee substituteUsing the powder as an addition to regular coffeeBlending the powder with other spices to make a teaAdding the powder to smoothies or oatmealIn addition to incorporating chicory root into your own recipes, some products, like fiber and protein bars, contain chicory root as an ingredient.Traditional and Ancient UsesTraditional medicinal uses of chicory root include:TreatingmalariaTreating diarrheaStrengthening theprostateand reproductive organsTreating lung cancerCuringhangoverPurifying thebiliary tract(system that transports bile)TreatingjaundiceTreating liver enlargementTreatinggoutandrheumatism(conditions that affect joints, muscles, and connective tissue)Improving digestionAs alaxativeand diureticTreatinghypotension(low blood pressure)Reducing feverTreating kidney diseaseTreating diabetesWho Shouldn’t Use Chicory RootAs with most foods and drinks, you may notice unpleasant side effects if you overeat chicory root. Some people experiencegasorbloatingwhen they consume too much. If you don’t eat large quantities, you may be able to enjoy eating or drinking it daily.In addition, you should be careful about chicory root if you are pregnant or lactating, as there is limited research on its effects in these populations.Those with birchpollen allergyshould note that chicory has been associated withoral allergy syndrome(OAS) in people with birch pollen allergy.OAS occurs through cross-reactivity between some foods and pollens, resulting in mouth itching, burning, tingling, and swelling after consuming these foods.SummaryChicory root has grown in popularity due to its health benefits, primarily inulin content, which acts as a prebiotic. Chicory root is best-known as a coffee substitute, but it can also be used as a tea or added to other foods, like oatmeal and smoothies. Traditionally, it has been used medicinally to treat many conditions, including gastrointestinal issues and fevers.
Chicory rootis part of the chicory plant, a perennial used to feed livestock, as a folk remedy, and as a vegetable in human diets.The roots are often used as a coffee substitute and can be converted to alcohol.
Studies found that chicory root contains phytochemicals, includinginulin, aprebioticthat supports healthy gut bacteria. It also has antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why some people use it as a medicinal herb.
This article explains chicory root, how people use it as coffee, its benefits, and who should avoid it.
nhattienphoto/ Getty Images
What Exactly Is Chicory Root?
Chicory root is part of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus). It is native to the Mediterranean and used in parts of Africa, Europe, and North America. This flowering plant can grow up to 5 feet tall.
Parts Used
In addition to the root, the entire plant is edible, including chicory leaves.Chicory leaves are sometimes used in cooked dishes, as one might use spinach. They are also used in salads.
Taste
Chicory leaves are quite bitter, but cooking them reduces the bitterness.The roots are also bitter, similar to coffee, which is probably why it makes a good coffee substitute. The roots also have a nutty or earthy flavor.
Chicory Root Instead of Coffee: What’s to Know?
Chicory root coffee gained popularity toward the end of the 18th century.Today, as a coffee is one of the most recognized uses of chicory root.
Some reasons people may choose chicory root coffee overcoffeeinclude:
Some people also put chicory root in regular coffee. This offers the benefits of chicory root without sacrificing the coffee they love. It may also reduce thecaffeine contentdepending on how much you use.
Researchers examined the effects of chicory root extract onblood glucose(blood sugar) and bowel movements.They found that after four weeks of consuming chicory root, participants had improvedhyperglycemia(high blood sugar) andbowel movements.
Other Benefits of Chicory Root Supplementation
One root, containing about 60 grams (g) of chicory root, has the following nutritional value:
In addition to being used in whole-food form, chicory root also comes as asupplement. However, use care when choosing a supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements, so choose manufacturers you trust, especially those using independent testing. It’s best to discuss supplements with a healthcare provider first.
The inulin in chicory root is what gives this food its primary benefit. Inulin may help regulate bowel movements and improve blood sugar control. In addition, studies have also found that it promotes weight loss.
Clinical evidence found chicory to be antidiabetic,immunomodulatory(changes immune response), antitumor, antioxidant, antiparasitic (destroys worms), and prebiotic. It also has been found to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
Another study found that chicory may improve liver function tests and blood pressure and reduce hematologic (blood disorders) risk factors in females withtype 2 diabetes.
Ways to Use Chicory Root
There are numerous ways to use chicory root. These include:
In addition to incorporating chicory root into your own recipes, some products, like fiber and protein bars, contain chicory root as an ingredient.
Traditional and Ancient UsesTraditional medicinal uses of chicory root include:TreatingmalariaTreating diarrheaStrengthening theprostateand reproductive organsTreating lung cancerCuringhangoverPurifying thebiliary tract(system that transports bile)TreatingjaundiceTreating liver enlargementTreatinggoutandrheumatism(conditions that affect joints, muscles, and connective tissue)Improving digestionAs alaxativeand diureticTreatinghypotension(low blood pressure)Reducing feverTreating kidney diseaseTreating diabetes
Traditional and Ancient Uses
Traditional medicinal uses of chicory root include:TreatingmalariaTreating diarrheaStrengthening theprostateand reproductive organsTreating lung cancerCuringhangoverPurifying thebiliary tract(system that transports bile)TreatingjaundiceTreating liver enlargementTreatinggoutandrheumatism(conditions that affect joints, muscles, and connective tissue)Improving digestionAs alaxativeand diureticTreatinghypotension(low blood pressure)Reducing feverTreating kidney diseaseTreating diabetes
Traditional medicinal uses of chicory root include:
Who Shouldn’t Use Chicory Root
As with most foods and drinks, you may notice unpleasant side effects if you overeat chicory root. Some people experiencegasorbloatingwhen they consume too much. If you don’t eat large quantities, you may be able to enjoy eating or drinking it daily.
In addition, you should be careful about chicory root if you are pregnant or lactating, as there is limited research on its effects in these populations.
Those with birchpollen allergyshould note that chicory has been associated withoral allergy syndrome(OAS) in people with birch pollen allergy.OAS occurs through cross-reactivity between some foods and pollens, resulting in mouth itching, burning, tingling, and swelling after consuming these foods.
Summary
Chicory root has grown in popularity due to its health benefits, primarily inulin content, which acts as a prebiotic. Chicory root is best-known as a coffee substitute, but it can also be used as a tea or added to other foods, like oatmeal and smoothies. Traditionally, it has been used medicinally to treat many conditions, including gastrointestinal issues and fevers.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Penn State Extension.Chicory - weed or flower?.
Puhlmann ML, de Vos WM.Back to the roots: Revisiting the use of the fiber-rich cichorium intybusL. taproots.Adv Nutr. 2020;11(4):878-889. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa025
Nishimura M, Ohkawara T, Kanayama T, Kitagawa K, Nishimura H, Nishihira J.Effects of the extract from roasted chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) root containing inulin-type fructans on blood glucose, lipid metabolism, and fecal properties.J Tradit Complement Med. 2015;5(3):161–7. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.11.016
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Chicory roots, raw.
Guess ND, Dornhorst A, Oliver N, Bell JD, Thomas EL, Frost GS.A randomized controlled trial: the effect of inulin on weight management and ectopic fat in subjects with prediabetes.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2015;12:36. Published 2015 Oct 24. doi:10.1186/s12986-015-0033-2
Pouille CL, Ouaza S, Roels E, et al.Chicory: Understanding the effects and effectors of this functional food.Nutrients. 2022;14(5):957. doi:10.3390/nu14050957
Farhangi MA, Javid AZ, Dehghan P.The effect of enriched chicory inulin on liver enzymes, calcium homeostasis and hematological parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.Prim Care Diabetes. 2016;10(4):265-271. doi:10.1016/j.pcd.2015.10.009
Street RA, Sidana J, Prinsloo G.Cichorium intybus: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:579319. doi:10.1155/2013/579319
Stanford Health Care, Stanford Medicine.Oral allergy syndrome (OAS).
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