Chicory coffee — an alternative to traditional coffee
Have friends recommended chicory coffee as a great substitute for your usual cup? Explore its properties and health-related reputation, then decide for yourself whether it is time to try this drink!
First, the plant — a few basics about chicory
Known since antiquity, chicory belongs to the daisy family. It is cultivated in temperate regions of Europe, Asia and Africa. Three commonly discussed forms in Poland are:
- Salad chicory, with green or burgundy leaves and a bitter, astringent taste.
- Root chicory, grown mainly for its roots and leaves and considered easy to cultivate.
- White root chicory, with edible roots used in products including grain-coffee blends.
What exactly is chicory coffee?
It is made from roasted chicory root and is naturally caffeine-free, appealing to people who need to avoid caffeine. Its pleasant flavour can recall instant coffee. It tastes good both hot and cold, making it suitable for summer days too.
It pairs well with plant-based milks and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla. If you prefer not to use white or brown sugar, a little honey offers another way to sweeten it.
Its flavour is not the only attraction: chicory also has a long-standing health-related reputation.
What nutrients does chicory offer?
Shops sell both pure chicory coffee and grain coffee with chicory. Both are valued for the qualities of their ingredients.
Chicory contains B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, potassium and manganese. It is also a source of polyphenols, fibre and inulin, a compound with prebiotic properties.
Grain-and-chicory blends add the nutritional contribution of cereals, including B vitamins, iron, potassium, zinc and phosphorus.
Traditional and potential benefits
Chicory coffee and grain blends containing it are associated with support for normal bodily function. Commonly discussed benefits include:
- Supporting immunity.
- Helping the body through minor infections such as colds and flu.
- Supporting normal digestive-tract function.
- Supporting metabolism and weight-management efforts.
- Supporting normal removal of unwanted substances.
- Helping maintain appropriate levels of “bad” cholesterol.
- Supporting blood-glucose regulation.
- Supporting healthy blood pressure.
- Antioxidant activity, of interest in research on conditions such as atherosclerosis, psoriasis, diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
- Supporting normal nervous-system function.
- Offering a caffeine-free option for those concerned about sleeplessness.
- Supporting healthy-looking hair, skin and nails.
Despite this appealing reputation, side effects are possible. Inulin can cause digestive discomfort, particularly in larger amounts. Traditional cautions also advise moderation for people with varicose veins or haemorrhoids, sometimes suggesting no more than one cup daily.
People with allergies should check suitability. Anyone with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance must check the ingredients carefully: grain-containing chicory blends may contain gluten.
Read also: Slow coffee — taking time with your cup