Chicory root has a long history of providing support to liver problems. Ancient Romans used the herb to help cleanse the blood. Egyptians were known to consume chicory root in large amounts to help purify the liver and the blood. It’s popular today as a caffeine free replacement for coffee- you may have tried it if you’ve visited New Orleans.
Digestive Support
Chicory may provide direct functional support to the digestive reactions in the body. First of all, chicory root increases the flow of bile which supports digestion. Because extra bile helps break down fats, chicory root may help optimize blood composition and is worth consideration by anyone seeking to achieve optimal liver and gallbladder health.
Antioxidant Activity
Many herbs are high in antioxidants, which, in plants, often come in the form of compounds called phenolics. Chicory is a rich source of these and the protective effects polyphenols on the cardiovascular system is widely acknowledged. Chicory coffee has repeatedly been assessed for resistance to inflammation due to its phenolics and caffeic acid content. [1] Adding chicory root to the diet of lab rats significantly increased antioxidant levels in the blood. Researchers believe the benefit of dietary supplementation with chicory is because of its polyphenolic (antioxidant) compounds. [2]
Against Harmful Organisms
Having shown antibacterial activity, chicory root extract has generated interest for potential role against harmful organisms. [3] An Italian study found chicory root extract to have antifungal qualities in certain situations. [4] Chicory root is toxic to strains of Salmonella at high doses and a 28-day rat study found no treatment-related side effects from high doses of chicory root extract. [5]
Relation to the Liver
In addition to its beneficial antioxidant effect, chicory root provides functional support to the liver. [6] The Zoology Department at Mansoura University in Egypt concluded chicory has a promising role worth considering for halting oxidative stress and liver injury in some situations. [7]
Your question: Have you ever consumed chicory? (post your comments below)
Sources:
1. Schumacher E, Vigh E, Molnár V, Kenyeres P, Fehér G, Késmárky G, Tóth K, Garai J. Thrombosis preventive potential of chicory coffee consumption: a clinical study. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21425378
2. Juśkiewicz J, Zary-Sikorska E, Zduńczyk Z, Król B, Jurgoński A. Physiological effects of chicory root preparations with various levels of fructan and polyphenolic fractions in diets for rats. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21452615
3. Petrovic J, Stanojkovic A, Comic Lj, Curcic S. Antibacterial activity of Cichorium intybus. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15567253
4. Mares D, Romagnoli C, Tosi B, Andreotti E, Chillemi G, Poli F. Chicory extracts from Cichorium intybus L. as potential antifungals. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16160773
5. Schmidt BM, Ilic N, Poulev A, Raskin I. Toxicological evaluation of a chicory root extract. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17306431
6. Atta AH, Elkoly TA, Mouneir SM, Kamel G, Alwabel NA, Zaher S. Hepatoprotective Effect of Methanol Extracts of Zingiber officinale and Cichorium intybus. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21694986
7. Hassan HA, Yousef MI. Ameliorating effect of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)-supplemented diet against nitrosamine precursors-induced liver injury and oxidative stress in male rats. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20478349
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About the Author:
Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20 years and now
teaches individuals and practitioners all around the world. He no
longer sees patients but solely concentrates on spreading the word of
health and wellness to the global community. Under his leadership,
Global Healing Center, Inc. has earned recognition as one of the largest
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Read More: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com
Sources:
1. Schumacher E, Vigh E, Molnár V, Kenyeres P, Fehér G, Késmárky G, Tóth K, Garai J. Thrombosis preventive potential of chicory coffee consumption: a clinical study. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21425378
2. Juśkiewicz J, Zary-Sikorska E, Zduńczyk Z, Król B, Jurgoński A. Physiological effects of chicory root preparations with various levels of fructan and polyphenolic fractions in diets for rats. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21452615
3. Petrovic J, Stanojkovic A, Comic Lj, Curcic S. Antibacterial activity of Cichorium intybus. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15567253
4. Mares D, Romagnoli C, Tosi B, Andreotti E, Chillemi G, Poli F. Chicory extracts from Cichorium intybus L. as potential antifungals. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16160773
5. Schmidt BM, Ilic N, Poulev A, Raskin I. Toxicological evaluation of a chicory root extract. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17306431
6. Atta AH, Elkoly TA, Mouneir SM, Kamel G, Alwabel NA, Zaher S. Hepatoprotective Effect of Methanol Extracts of Zingiber officinale and Cichorium intybus. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21694986
7. Hassan HA, Yousef MI. Ameliorating effect of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)-supplemented diet against nitrosamine precursors-induced liver injury and oxidative stress in male rats. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20478349
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Read More: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com
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