Chicory Health Benefits
What is the Chicory Herb?

What is Chicory?
Chicory is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the dandelion family, Asteraceae. It is native to Europe but has been introduced and naturalized in various other regions around the world. The plant has a deep rootstock and can grow up to one meter in length. It has been cultivated for centuries for various purposes. Its leaves are often used in salads or cooked as a vegetable, and its flowers are attractive and can be used in decorative arrangements.
Roasted Chicory Root
However, one of the most well-known chicory uses is its roots, which are roasted and ground for use as a coffee substitute or coffee additive. Roasted chicory root has a slightly bitter and woody flavor, resembling coffee's taste. It is often blended with coffee or used as a caffeine-free alternative. It is trendy in some areas of Europe, such as France and the Netherlands, where it is commonly consumed as a coffee substitute.
Dietary fiber
Chicory plants are also grown for their inulin content, a dietary fiber that can be extracted from the roots. Inulin is used as a prebiotic, meaning it nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and can positively affect digestive health. Chicory is a versatile plant with culinary and health-related uses, primarily derived from its leaves and roots.
Chicory Coffee
Chicory coffee is a popular beverage made from the roasted and ground roots of the chicory plant. It is often used as a caffeine-free alternative to traditional coffee or as an additive to enhance the flavor of coffee.
Health Benefits of Chicory Coffee
The chicory health benefits of chicory coffee are: -
Chicory Coffee: Downsides and Considerations
Chicory may not be for everyone, as the following shows: -
As with any dietary choice, it's recommended to listen to your body and consider your needs and tolerances when incorporating chicory coffee into your diet.
7 Chicory Health Benefits
In addition to its culinary uses, Chicory herb has several potential health benefits. Here are some of the possible health benefits associated with chicory: -
It's important to note that while there is evidence supporting these potential health benefits of chicory, more research is needed to understand the mechanisms and confirm their effectiveness in humans fully. As always, if you have specific health concerns or conditions, it's best to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Chicory Health Benefits: Antioxidants
Chicory contains antioxidants and phytochemicals. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to various health problems. Phytochemicals, on the other hand, are natural bioactive compounds found in plants that have potential health benefits.
Phenolic compounds
Chicory is particularly rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, both of which are antioxidants. These compounds contribute to the vibrant colors of the plant, including its purple, blue, and white flowers. The specific types and amounts of antioxidants and phytochemicals in chicory can vary depending on the variety and part of the plant being used.
Potentially antiviral
Chicoric acid is one of the prominent phenolic compounds found in chicory. It exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential antiviral properties. It is also being studied for its potential neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, chicory contains other phytochemicals, such as sesquiterpene lactones, which are responsible for its bitter taste.
Antimicrobial
These compounds have been investigated for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties. It's worth noting that the levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals can vary depending on factors such as plant variety, growing conditions, and processing methods. Overall, the antioxidants and phytochemicals present in chicory contribute to its overall nutritional profile and may positively affect health.
Chicory Plant Health Benefits: Vitamins and Minerals
Chicory is a good source of various vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the key vitamins and minerals found in chicory: -
Chicory Health Benefits: Vitamins
Chicory Health Benefits: Minerals
It's important to note that the specific vitamin and mineral content can vary depending on factors such as the part of the plant used and the growing conditions. While chicory provides some vitamins and minerals, having a varied and balanced diet is important to meet your overall nutritional needs.
Chicory Culinary Uses
Chicory is a versatile plant that offers various culinary uses. Different parts of the plant, such as the leaves, roots, and even flowers, can be utilized in different ways. Here are some of the best culinary uses of chicory: -
It's worth exploring and experimenting with chicory in different culinary preparations to discover your preferences and taste. The bitterness of chicory can complement a wide range of flavors and add depth to dishes.
Herbs, Spices, and Minerals

As with everything we eat, herbs and spices work optimally in the presence of the full complement of 75+ pure hydrophilic plant-derived minerals. See this page for a complete rundown of why we need ALL the minerals mother nature ought to give us with our foods. Unfortunately, if the herbs and spices are grown on mineral-deficient soils (most commercial farm soils are), they will also lack vital minerals.
Volcanic And Glacial Soils
Those fortunate to have fresh glacial or volcanic soils added to the soil in which their herbs grow can be certain that their herbs will contain many minerals now missing in most soils around the world.
Can We Add Minerals To Grow Bags?
Yes. Our Powdered Minerals contain 75+ minerals from 70-million-year-old Senonian compost extracted from the TRC mines in Utah. Simply add a spoonful of the powder to a watering can before watering the Grow Bag. You only need to do this once because plants take the minerals in trace amounts to be incorporated into their tissues. Think about tomato plants in greenhouses: mineral-rich, juicy tomatoes every time! But growing your own herbs is just as good.
Experiment!
It’ll be worthwhile experimenting: compare the growth and yields of herbs grown in soils with added powdered minerals with those in grow bags with ordinary compost. First, of course, you must adopt the scientific approach and use controls with various mineral dosages. Then repeat the experiment with other herbs. But one thing is for sure: eating mineral-rich herbs will mean you also get to benefit from the minerals.