When we go out (or online) to buy coffee, we often come across coffees with a mystical coffee-like ingredient - chicory. Especially in India, you’ll see chicory used majorly in South Indian blends.
Which makes many of us ask - What is chicory? Why is chicory used in coffee??
Today, we answer this for you. Let’s get started with…
What is Chicory?
Chicory is a small flowering plant that belongs to the dandelion family. Like coffee beans, chicory roots are also roasted which are then added to coffee grounds. It grows commonly in Europe and North America, where it is harvested and extracted for a number of reasons.
A few of these include -
1. Digestive system medication
2. Body blood sugar regulator
3. Weight loss enabler
4. Digestion Supplement
5. Coffee substitute
Chicory is a Coffee Substitute? Why and How?
Making coffee with chicory is something that could be considered as a mainstay in this age. This is primarily due to the fact that adding chicory to coffee not only adds to its taste and flavour, but also contains a number of health benefits.
Some health benefits of chicory are as follows: -
1. Source of prebiotic inulin
Inulins are a group of naturally growing dietary fibres that aid in weight loss. Fresh Chicory root is composed of 68% inulin. This provides a dramatic boost to the body’s inulin reserves.
Additionally, it functions as a prebiotic. This means that it feeds beneficial bacteria to the gut and drastically mitigates inflammation, improves nutrient and mineral absorption, and aids in fending off microbial impurities.
2. Can stimulate nervous signals and blood flow
Chicory contains manganese and Vitamin B6. Manganese aids in the dilation of blood vessels. Through this, it can expand the blood vessel openings and augment the overall blood flow in the body.
Vitamin B6 enhances the speed by which electrical signals pass from the body. It is needed to synthesise brain neurotransmitters.
3. Regulates Caffeine intake
One of the main chicory benefits is that when mixed with coffee, it automatically decreases the amount of caffeine going in your body.
As we all are aware, excessive caffeine intake causes numerous problems to the body. These include -
1. Restlessness
2. Anxiety
3. Insomnia
4. Hypertension
However, instead of cutting down on coffee altogether, one can have it mixed with chicory. This allows you to benefit from all the positive effects of coffee without any of the negative effects associated with caffeine.
Brands that promote coffee with chicory
The popularity of Chicory in coffee has allowed it to penetrate the coffee market. A large number of “coffee with chicory” products have spawned in the marketplace for this reason and are trying to secure a foothold here.
Some chicory coffee brands are -
| BRAND | COFFEE WITH CHICORY |
|
Cafe Du Monde |
Cafe Du Monde Coffee Chicory |
|
Leo Coffee |
Leo Coffee Madras Blend Coffee |
|
Nescafe |
Nescafe Sunrise |
| Bru |
Bru Chicory Coffee |
Is it a healthy alternative to coffee?
Chicory with coffee is certainly considered to be a healthier addition to coffee. If it suits you, chicory coffee is a healthy alternative as it is caffeine-free and has some benefits for your body as mentioned above.
However, chicory is not for everyone. Chicory coffee can have side effects. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to it and may experience some negative side-effects. If this happens, discontinue using chicory mixed coffee. The research on the effects of chicory on pregnancies is limited, so it would be wise to consult your doctor before you make any changes in your routine eating habits.
Instant coffee VS Ground coffee ( with the addition of chicory)
Chicory can be infused into several coffee variants, including instant and ground coffee. But what sets the two apart? Here is a brief comparison to shed some light on that -
| INSTANT COFFEE | GROUND COFFEE |
| It is essentially ready-made coffee that is packaged. | It is coffee that is made and processed freshly from coffee beans. |
| It can be produced via a coffee dispenser or be brewed by adding boiling water to it. | It is brewed fresh from coffee beans or powder. |
| It is often consumed when one is in the middle of strenuous activity and requires a cup of coffee to refresh himself or herself. | It is primarily consumed as a recreational beverage to get the most out of the moment. |
Should you consume chicory?
If you’re wondering about chicory coffee vs pure coffee, the answer is simple. Chicory mixed coffee could be a great alternative for your usual coffee. It has several benefits and it balances the harmful effects of caffeine. Although, it is important to know if it suits your body. You can try a chicory based coffee and see if it is up your alley. If not, you can stick to your usual artisanal coffee.