What is healthier - coffee or chicory, similarities and differences, which drink to choose?

Chicory is a perennial herbaceous plant that literally strews the fields, forests and ravines of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. Nowadays it is widely used in both folk and official medicine. Ordinary people associate it with instant powder, a kind of coffee substitute, a pack of which can be found in the kitchen of any supporter of a healthy diet. Indeed, the packaging of instant chicory is replete with promises - the drink suppresses appetite, chicory and blood pressure - helps reduce blood pressure, improves liver function, drinking chicory during pregnancy is possible, and in some cases, even necessary! Is it really? We suggest you take a closer look at the topic “Chicory benefits and harms.”

Composition of chicory

All the power of chicory lies in its root. It is in the underground part that a huge amount of substances useful for the human body is concentrated. These include:

• inulin is a polysaccharide that is used as a substitute for classic starch and sugar in foods for diabetics. It also helps normalize the digestive system and improve metabolism;
• glycoside intibin - dilates blood vessels, relieves symptoms of tachycardia, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system;
• sugar;
• resinous and bitter substances;
• tannins - have bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties, kill staphylococcus, typhoid, dysentery and paratyphoid bacilli;
• carotene;
• protein substances;
• vitamin C, E, A, PP, as well as B vitamins (B1, B3, B2);
• pectin;
• salt;
• organic acids;
• fats;
• essential oil;
• macro- and microelements (sodium, calcium, potassium, manganese, iron, phosphorus).

Such a rich chemical composition makes a drink from soluble chicory a “magic potion” that will help maintain not only health, but also youth, beauty and activity.

What kind of coffee is there?

When comparing chicory and coffee, we should not forget that each of them has its own varieties. They are the ones who determine the benefits and harms of the product.

Coffee can be natural, instant and sublimated. In the first case, it is allowed to be used in not too large doses, but only in the absence of contraindications. As for the second and third types, they contain slightly less caffeine, but at the same time they have a greater negative effect on the body. This happens for the simple reason that not all manufacturers work conscientiously, adding harmful chemicals to their products.

Chicory for the immune system and strengthening the body

Regular consumption of a chicory drink will help normalize the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and cleanse the body of toxins, heavy metals, toxins and radioactive substances. As a result, the intestines will be able to absorb much more vitamins and nutrients that come with food. All this will strengthen the immune system and increase the body's resistance to harmful bacteria.

Unlike coffee, chicory can be safely given to children. Perhaps this is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to maintain the well-being and health of a child.

Not long ago, scientists proved that chicory has antioxidant properties. This makes it an indispensable tool in the fight against free radicals, which lead to the development of cancer cells! A cup of aromatic drink will help women maintain their excellent appearance at any age.

Varieties

To understand whether drinking chicory instead of coffee is beneficial, you need to know what varieties of the former exist. It varies depending on the type of processing. Currently available for sale: liquid extract, ground root and soluble powder. The very first variety is considered to be the most useful. This is explained by the fact that when obtaining a liquid extract, they do not resort to heat treatment, this allows it to retain all the useful substances. If you prepare a drink from such chicory, the process will be very easy and quick. Other types of product also have their own characteristics:

1. Ground and fried. During production, such chicory is subjected to peeling, drying, frying, and also finely chopping the roots. The result is a natural product with a pronounced aroma and taste. Due to the absence of chemical elements in its composition, it has only a positive effect on the human body. In addition, there are many ways to prepare the drink. It is worth noting that the recipe is similar to brewing regular coffee.
2. Soluble. The product in powder form is made from a concentrate of roasted and small roots. Here the preparation process simply consists of dissolving the composition in hot water. By the appearance of the product, you can immediately determine that there are no lumps or foreign elements in it. The main thing when storing it is that the jar must be hermetically sealed so that moisture does not get into the powder.

Chicory for the nervous and cardiovascular systems

Another misconception when people ask doctors is whether chicory contains caffeine? The drink from this plant does not contain caffeine and has virtually no contraindications. It can be safely consumed by hypertensive patients who were forced to give up natural coffee.

Interestingly, chicory not only has a calming effect on the central nervous system and normalizes heart function, but also improves mood, provides energy during the day and sound sleep at night. Doctors recommend drinking a chicory drink for insomnia, tachycardia, hypertension, loss of strength, coronary heart disease, depression, neurasthenia and frequent migraines.

Moreover, due to its high potassium content, chicory helps the body remove bad cholesterol faster, so it is very useful for atherosclerosis. This herb is also used in the treatment and prevention of anemia (anemia).

Pros and cons of coffee

Coffee contains large amounts of caffeine, antioxidants and other biologically active substances. The beneficial properties of coffee have been well researched. It activates the nervous system, strengthens the heart and blood vessels, and increases physical and mental performance.

pros

The most striking beneficial qualities of coffee are described below:

1. Increased mental and physical performance. It has been proven that coffee improves brain function, leads to an improvement in the overall emotional background, and increases the speed and quality of any tasks performed.
2. Reducing body weight. It has been proven that coffee helps you lose weight, since caffeine can speed up overall metabolism and increase the utilization of fat cells from the depot.
3. Normalization of glycemic background. According to scientific data, just 1 cup of coffee reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes by 14%, 4 cups – by 30%. The action is based on slowing down the absorption of glucose from the lumen of the digestive tube and increasing the sensitivity of peripheral tissue cells to insulin.
4. Prevention of degenerative pathologies of the central nervous system. Scientists say that when consumed regularly, coffee is beneficial for the nervous system, as it reduces the incidence of diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Pick's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Such deviations lead to rapid disability, loss of labor and social adaptation, and the ability to self-care.
5. Preventing cirrhosis. According to American experts, coffee reduces the risk of developing liver cirrhosis caused by various diseases (viral or alcoholic hepatitis, benign and malignant tumors) by 20-80%. For more information on the effect of coffee on the liver, see a separate article.
6. Prevention of depression. Surprisingly, coffee is good for depression. It has been proven that when taken regularly, it reduces the severity of anxiety and stress by 20%, and reduces the risk of suicide by 53%.
7. Antitumor effect. According to research, drinking 2-5 cups of the drink per day (with long-term consumption) significantly reduces the risk of malignant degeneration of liver cells, mucous and submucous membranes of the large intestine and rectum, and skin.
8. Improved cardiovascular health. It has been noted that coffee strengthens the heart and blood vessels, significantly reduces the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, hemorrhagic stroke.
9. Preventing gallstone disease. American scientists have found that caffeine reduces the secretion of bile acids into the lumen of the gallbladder and normalizes the motor activity of the entire biliary tract. The combination of the described effects prevents the formation of stones.
10. Prevention of gout. Chinese experts have discovered that caffeine slows down the formation of uric acid and accelerates its excretion along with urine. As a result, reliable prevention of the early development of gout and hypertension is ensured.
11. Improved gut health . The wide range of antioxidants included in the drink significantly reduces the incidence of inflammatory, autoimmune (Crohn's disease, UC) and malignant proliferative processes in the walls of the digestive apparatus.
12. General increase in life expectancy. According to scientists, coffee has an effect on almost the entire human body and reduces the likelihood of developing a wide range of (including life-threatening) diseases. As a result, life expectancy increases as the risk of death decreases.

Thus, coffee, due to the presence of a wide range of antioxidants and caffeine, helps improve the emotional background, prevents the development of many pathologies and increases overall life expectancy.

Minuses

Coffee deficiencies occur (in most cases) as a result of excessive consumption. Below are the most common adverse reactions associated with drinking the drink:

1. Increased anxiety and general restlessness.
2. Irritability, negative or aggressive attitude towards people and surroundings.
3. Dizziness (central).
4. Photopsia (goosebumps, dots before the eyes).
5. Feeling of palpitations or interruptions in the functioning of the heart muscle (arrhythmia).
6. Unpleasant or painful sensations in the calf muscles.
7. Addiction. With regular use, caffeine addiction develops. The human body gets used to a “qualitatively new mode of operation.” Scientists say that abruptly giving up coffee can trigger withdrawal symptoms, which also occurs when you limit your intake of cocaine or morphine.
8. Sleep disorders. It has been proven that coffee increases the time it takes to fall asleep and makes sleep more shallow.

Coffee has many side effects that should be taken into account before drinking. For example, drinking a drink late can lead to insomnia.

Chicory for the stomach and digestive tract

Since ancient times, a decoction of the root of this plant has been used to improve the functioning of the pancreas and stimulate appetite. Chicory also has a choleretic effect, promotes the independent dissolution of small stones in the gall bladder. It improves metabolic processes and blood flow in the liver.

Chicory is used in the complex treatment of such serious diseases as cirrhosis, hepatitis, cholecystitis, duodenal and gastric ulcers, dyspepsia and dysbacteriosis. It also promotes the development of beneficial microflora in the intestines and helps with chronic constipation.

Which drink is healthier?

It is up to each person to choose: coffee or chicory – which is better. Here, for the most part, everything depends on the individual characteristics of the body, because both drinks have pros and cons. The best option would be to visit a doctor, who, based on your health condition, will confirm which product can be consumed so as not to harm your health.

People who do not have serious health problems are very lucky - they are allowed to drink both chicory and coffee. But you must adhere to the dosage. Doctors say that both drinks can be consumed before four o'clock in the evening in an amount of no more than two cups per day.

— Chicory for pregnant women

Many expectant mothers are extremely concerned about the question of whether it is possible to drink a chicory drink while in an interesting position. Not only is it possible, but it is necessary!

It has a good effect on the liver, improves appetite, helps fight heartburn, eases the work of the heart and regulates intestinal functions, and this ensures good health for a pregnant woman throughout the nine months.

Girls also often wonder: is chicory ok for pregnant women? As you know, pregnant women need to drink as much milk as possible, but not everyone can tolerate it in its pure form! There is an exit! Just add chicory powder to milk - tasty and healthy. And thanks to chicory, the digestibility of the drink will increase fourfold.

According to recent research by scientists from Australia, chicory significantly increases the number of red blood cells, cleanses the blood and refreshes its composition. Thus, the child receives many more nutrients, which improves his health and vitality.

Benefit

It is good for every consumer who abuses at least one of these products to know about the benefits of coffee and chicory. First of all, we need to talk about the benefits of the second drink.

Chicory is recommended for people suffering from the following ailments and problems:

• eczema;
• malaria;
• overweight;
• jaundice;
• nephritis;
• nocturnal enuresis;
• diseases of the stomach and intestines;
• anemia;
• increased sweating;
• insomnia;
• disruption of the heart;
• gallstone disease.

It is also worth noting that chicory coffee is beneficial for diabetes. Although some patients have little faith in this fact, doctors have repeatedly confirmed its accuracy.

The product in question has a positive effect on the human body because it has the following properties:

• general strengthening;
• choleretic;
• reducing sugar levels;
• increasing immunity;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antimicrobial.

Chicory root is also actively used in the field of cosmetology. There, it is customary to make all kinds of masks, decoctions and infusions from it, which restore collagen production, thereby increasing the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

Harmful properties of chicory

Speaking about the harm of this plant, one cannot fail to mention its contraindications. In what cases should a chicory drink be consumed with extreme caution, or even abandoned altogether?

• with individual intolerance;
• for various vascular diseases;
• with an increased tendency to allergic reactions. The fact is that the presence of ascorbic acid in chicory significantly increases the risk of allergies, even if you drink the drink in very small doses;
• for hemorrhoids;
• for diseases of the nervous system;
• with gastritis;
• with varicose veins;
• Chicory during breastfeeding;
• This drink is also not recommended for children under three years of age.

As you can see, everything that is written on the packaging of the chicory root drink is absolutely true. Drink instant chicory in small quantities, only in this case it will bring invaluable benefits to your body.

Who should replace coffee with chicory?

Chicory can be a good substitute for coffee for the following conditions:

1. Ages from 3 to 16 years. You can only drink coffee from 16-17 years of age.
2. Any sleep disorders.
3. Any pathology of the mental sphere.
4. Renal arterial hypertension. Refractory hypertension with frequent crises.
5. Glaucoma.
6. Smoking. Nicotine enhances the effects of caffeine and increases the risk of side effects, especially addiction.
7. Taking antidepressants (Fluvoxamine) and oral contraceptives.
8. Iron-deficiency anemia.
9. Severe functional failure of the liver and kidneys.

If there are contraindications to coffee, you should completely abandon it and use chicory as a replacement.

Reviews

Some people consider chicory as a coffee substitute, while others argue that there is simply no point in comparing these products, since they are completely different. In general, people have different opinions on this issue, because everyone has their own point of view.

Most reviews boil down to the fact that chicory is reminiscent of some kind of drink from childhood, so adults drink it with great pleasure. And if you combine it with milk, it is very similar to coffee. The second drink is most often reviewed by those who drink it exclusively in the morning - people like its effect, although over time it ceases to be so strong.

Based on all of the above, the person himself must decide which drink to drink. Clear recommendations, beneficial and harmful properties presented in the article will help him with this. In general, both products can be consumed, but observing the dosage, since if it is exceeded, you can get negative consequences from any drink.

Chemical composition and calorie content

The chemical composition is dominated by inulin. During the collection season, up to 75% of the substance can be obtained from chicory root. The composition also contains substances such as: vitamins A, K, C, B, E, B1, B5, B6, B4, B2, PP, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, iron and selenium . In addition, it is rich in tannins, resins, phenols, organic acids, coumarin and pectin.

Phenol, which is part of chicory, is not dangerous to the human body.

The content of 100 g of roots is fat - 0.2 g, protein - 1.4 g, carbohydrates - 17, 51 g.

Calorie content - 72 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Chicory with blueberry extract

The beneficial properties of chicory are enhanced by blueberry extract. Doctors say that blueberries accelerate the renewal of the retina, enhance visual acuity, and reduce eye fatigue. In addition, it helps with anemia, kidney stones, skin diseases and many other diseases, and reduces blood sugar levels. The technology for producing blueberry extract almost completely preserves the beneficial properties of fresh berries. Natural soluble blueberry extract gives the drink a special pleasant taste and extraordinary aroma.