Chicory root benefits
Chicory root characteristics
Chicory root contains mainly carbohydrates. Almost 70% inulin, 14% sucrose and 5% cellulose. It also contains 6% protein. Therefore, its main component is inulin, a type of sugar that the food industry uses as a sweetener. It is introduced, for example, in yogurts as a prebiotic.
Prebiotics are those foods made up of indigestible carbohydrates that stimulate the development of the intestinal flora. This type of food resists the action of enzymes in the stomach and passes undigested to the intestine where it is used by intestinal bacteria.
Chicory root composition per 100 g. | |
| Water | 80 g |
| Calories | 73 kcal |
| Fat | 0,20 g |
| Protein | 1,40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17, 51 g |
| Fiber | — |
| Potassium | 290 mg |
| Phosphorus | 61 mg |
| Iron | 1,80 mg |
| Sodium | 0,80mg |
| Magnesium | 22 mg |
| Calcium | 41 mg |
| Copper | 0, 077 mg |
| Zinc | 0, 33 mg |
| Manganese | 0, 233 mg |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 6 UI |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0,040 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0, 030 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0, 400 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 0, 323 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin) | 0, 241 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) | 23 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | 0, 0 mcg |
| Vitamin E | — |
Chicory root uses
Chicory root extract is obtained from the ground chicory root, dried and submerged in water. It is a type of food supplement that contains 98% inulin.
Chicory root is also used as an additive in making stout.
Chicory root is also used to obtain chicory coffee, a product that is used to add to coffee or as a substitute for coffee. (More information about chicory coffee in the listing below)
Medicinally, chicory root contains oils that have vermifuge properties, that is, they are used to eliminate intestinal worms and other intestinal parasites.
Chicory root is used in some countries, such as New Zealand, as animal fodder. In this sense, it is considered a highly digestive food rich in proteins and carbohydrates, with a low tannin content, which further increases the use of nutrients by animals.
More information on chicory
