Chicory coffee is one of the coffee alternatives available in the market for those who want to quit caffeine but still want to enjoy its taste in its healthy form. It’s believed to have originated in the 1800s in France when there was a coffee shortage. It became popular as a caffeine-free alternative and is now used widely across the world.
However, does it really work in your favour? Are there any side effects to using chicory coffee? Let’s find out in detail.
What is it made from?
Chicory coffee comes from the chicory plant which is a flowering plant belonging to the dandelion family. The coffee derived from it is made by roasting, grinding, and brewing the roots of the chicory plant. The roots have the same taste as that of coffee accompanied by a slightly earthy and nutty flavour.
You can use chicory coffee as a standalone or you can combine it with coffee to enhance its taste. Although it may not be suggested for those who want to quit caffeine completely.
How is it brewed?
After chicory roots are roasted and powdered or grounded, it is ready to be steeped or brewed. If you want to brew chicory on its own, brew it like you normally would but use half the grounds in a coffee maker or French press. You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves to enhance its flavour.
If you want to use chicory along with coffee, you can use 2/3rd coffee powder and 1/3rd chicory.
Remember that it’s more water soluble than coffee so even if you use less amount, it’s enough to enjoy its full taste.
What does it taste like?
People who consume chicory coffee describe its taste as woodsy and earthy with a nutty flavour. Because of its refreshing taste and smell, you will find it easy to replace coffee with chicory coffee as a morning drink.
What are the benefits?
- Improves gut health: chicory coffee contains inulin fibre which improves the digestive system of your body. It’s also proved that it increases the beneficial bacteria in your gut which improves healthy digestion. Which means you will have free bowel movements and no constipation. You cannot say the same about coffee as it doesn’t contain inulin fibre.
- Lowers blood sugar: Consuming chicory coffee regularly is said to manage blood sugar levels by decreasing insulin resistance and thus lowering blood sugar levels.
- Decreases inflammation: Researchers conducted various experiments on animals which proved that chicory roots have properties that decrease inflammation.
- A natural caffeine-free solution: Coffee beans contain a high amount of caffeine which is not suitable for daily intake, especially for those who are highly sensitive to it. It causes side effects like nausea, heart palpitations, restlessness, and insomnia. You can avoid all these side effects if you prefer caffeine alternatives like chicory coffee.
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