Chicory root is a brightly colored plant that belonged to the dandelion clan. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking. This root fiber is often used as an ingredient or supplement to food. It has been claimed to have many health benefits. These are the emerging uses and benefits of chicory coffee.
Improves Gut Health
Fresh chicory root has 68% inulin per dried weight. It’s made of short chains of fructose molecules, which your body doesn’t digest. It is prebiotic, which means that it helps to feed the beneficial bacteria in your stomach. These beneficial bacteria fight inflammation and help to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria. They can also increase mineral absorption. In many ways, chicory root fiber could improve gut health.
Aids Bowel Movements
Studies have shown that inulin may be able to relieve constipation. A 4-week study with 44 constipation sufferers showed that 12 grams of chicory inulin significantly increased stool softening and frequency of bowel movements. This was in comparison with taking a placebo. A study of 16 individuals with low stool frequency showed that an average daily intake of 10g chicory-inulin per person increased their bowel movements from 4 to 5. Although chicory-inulin is a supplement that has been studied extensively, most studies have not focused on it. Its fiber as an ingredient requires more research.
Controls Blood Sugar
Chicory root fiber may help people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. It may be because of its inulin, which encourages the growth and maintenance of beneficial bacteria involved in carbohydrate metabolism. This helps to break down carbohydrates into sugars and improve insulin sensitivity. This hormone aids in the absorption of sugar from blood.
The insulin sensitivity of rodents has been increased by compounds found in chicory root fiber, such as chicoric and chlorogenic acids. Inulin was found to significantly lower blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c in type 2 diabetic women who consumed 10 grams per day. This is a measure of the average blood sugar. High-performance inulin is a sugar substitute and used in this study. It is slightly different than other types of inulin.
Supports Weight Reduction
Studies have shown that chicory root fiber can help reduce appetite and calorie intake. This could potentially lead to weight loss. Forty-eight overweight people lost 2.2 pounds (1.kg) in a 12-week study. The placebo group lost weight. The study found Oligofructose reduced ghrelin, which is a hormone that causes hunger pangs.
Similar results were reported in other studies. However, these studies focused on chicory roots fiber and not the Oligofructose supplement.…