Good Lifestyle

Additional Reporting by Kelsey Hampton, MS, RDN, LD, CSSD

If you have read the list of ingredients on yourprotein bar Recently, you may have seen "chicory root", "Chicy root fiber," "Chicy root extract," "chicory fiber syrup," or "Chicory Inulin" listed. And that probably landed you here. So, what is this root and why is it suddenly in all, cereal snack bar? From use to sources, benefits and side effects, here's what you need to know about it.Rich Food Food.

What is the root of the chople?

While the root of chicory has been around for centuries, it is only gained from popularity between food manufacturers and the public in recent years.

Widely cultivated in northwestern Europe, chicory is a leafy plant we harvest for its roots and leaves.

The roots are popular because of their heightsoluble fiber Content, specifically, inulin. The inulin is a natural soluble food fiber: a type of fiber that dissolves in water, slowing down digestion, keep you longer, balancing blood glucose and reduce cholesterol. Manufacturers extravert the inulin of natural sources to use asfunctional fiber Increase the fiber content of processed foods.

The chicory root is one of the most common sources of inulin; Other inulin foods include the artichokes of Jerusalem, onion, garlic and leeks.

People also consume chicory leaves, which are similar to dandelion leaves. In addition to being treated in an isolated fiber, the roots can also be boiled and consumed alone.

People often confuse endives,Cichlorium endivia, for the chicory root. While the two are in the same genre, the manufacturers extract the root fiber of thecommon chicole plant,Intybus CichoriumAnd not the endive species.

What is this for?

One of the first uses of chicory roots seems like an alternative to coffee during periods of shortage of coffee there are centuries ago. Although chicory itself does not havecaffeineLike coffee beans, it has a very similar flavor. So, for those who want a coffee of coffee whileStay confident of caffeine, Chicorée root coffee can be a good solution. People dry and ground the chicory root to create this coffee substitute.

Today, the use of the chicory root in foods and drinks is well beyond a coffee replacement. Apart from dietary sources, some use it even on highly concentrated forms for medicinal purposes. While some can apply a topically chicory paste toreduce inflammationOthers can consume it for bile bladder disorders and liver and high blood pressure.

At present, we need more evidence to determine the real effectiveness of chicory in these conditions. However, we do a lot of positive research that connects the chicory to improvedigestive health.

What are the benefits for the health of the chicory root?

Although there was no shortage of information and coverage surrounding theAdvantages of fiber, the inulin of the root of chicory is its own series of benefits.

• Improves digestion: Food fiber, including that found in chicory, can be beneficial for the digestive system andhelp maintain regularity and reduce constipation.
• Promotes a healthy gut microbiome: You may have heard ofprobiotics, the living organisms of your intestine that helps promote good digestion, among other benefits, but have you heard of prebiotics? Think of prebiotics as a source of food that allows probiotics to prosper. Inulin, found in chicory, is a form ofprebiotic, and because of that, it can helppromote growth of these beneficial probiotic bacteria.
• Promotes regular stools and reduces the risk of colon cancer: Ato study Have noted those who consumed an inulin supplement based on chicory root had an increase in the frequency of stool and softness. It is a significant advantage of the use of the roots of chicory asresearchDocumented infrequent intestinal movements associated with increased risk of colon cancer.
• Improves the regulation of blood sugar: Another advantage of the inulin is the control of blood glucose. In ato study Conducted with women with type 2 diabetes, women who have taken insolining supplements have improved fasting glycemia and increasedantioxidant capacity.

Are there any side effects associated with chicory root consumption?

Although several benefits of the chicory root have been documented, it may not be for everyone. The root of chicory is on the list generally considered a secure list (FBS) supervised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that it is considered safe from consumption. This refers to the chicory used in manufactured food products, which is the way the majority of us can consume this food.

However, individuals should be cautious when considering consuming chicory in higher medicinal concentrations. Possible side effects - which are common when consuming aHigh fiber diet-Cont Include:

• abdominal pain
• flatulence
• blocker
• chosen

At that time, there is little research on the use of chicory during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is advisable to use caution and talk with your medical team before using the chicory root in These scenarios.

If you care to eat a chicory root or are there better alternatives?

There are many ways to consume inulin, the fibrous component of chicory associated with many benefits listed above. While onion, garlic and leeks also contain inulin, the concentration of inulin found in a manufactured food, like a breakfast bar, is probably higher.

All forms of fiber are necessary thanks to our diet and reaching adequate consumption of this nutrient of various sources, which may include chicory, is ideal. However, if side effects, like those listed above, begin to appear, reduce their chicory root consumption.

To take with

The chicory root is often used as a fiber supplement added to processed foods and drinks. According to searches available today, it is probably security for consumption for the general public.

As a dietician, I always recommend that the majority of your food and fiber consumption come from food in its natural state with little confidence on transformed articles. However, if a person isIn trouble getting an adequate fiber and a manufactured food product containing a chicory root can help them achieve their fiber needs, it is reasonable to integrate these products among othersHigh quality food sources.