Coffee Substitute

CHICORY

I really enjoy coffee with chicory. Nescafe Encore is a brand that I use. However, since it is an instant coffee, I am not too sure what kind of coffee they use in their blend.

Leroux is a brand of pure chicory coffee that my family and I also enjoy. Unfortunately my local health food store no longer carries this brand. So, in searching for pure chicory root already ground, I came across roasted ground chicory from the website http://www.nuts.com. Their blend is not as finely ground as Leroux's, so I made it in the french press using 4 tbsp. of the chicory blend to 4 cups of boiling water. I found that tasted a bit strong, so I poured more boiling water into a mug and added coconut milk and vanilla stevia. That helped to calm the bitterness!

CHICORY: WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?

Herbalists have long recommended chicory to treat a variety of conditions, including indigestion, constipation and liver problems. Researchers report that chicory root contains a probiotic substance that can provide a wealth of health benefits, including supporting digestive health, promoting strong bones, and normalizing bowel habits.

Chicory's inulin content is primarily responsible for its variety of health benefits. Chicory roots contain up to 8 percent of this polysaccharide, a probiotic that helps maintain healthy intestinal flora. Drugs.com -- which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers -- reports that the inulin in chicory root supports intestinal health by promoting the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria while inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Chicory has mild sedative effects, and can be mixed with coffee not only to cut levels of caffeine but to help counteract caffeine's stimulating properties. Chicory extracts also help to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce heart rate and have potential use in the treatment of tachycardia -- or rapid heartbeat -- arrhythmia, and fibrillation. Animal experiments have shown that chicory improves the metabolism of fats as well. Drugs. com credits chicory with possibly inhibiting cancer and heart disease and notes that an extract from the root callus of chicory demonstrated protect ant effects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in animal studies.

If you experience flatulence, taking chicory root extract may help reduce your digestive discomfort. Chicory root is a traditional herbal remedy for digestive problems taken to promote nutrient absorption, reduce bloating and balance gut bacteria.

Considering all of chicory's health benefits, a cup a day is what we need for all our digestive needs. 

Healthy life,

Suzanne