What is inulin in chicory and its effect on the body?
The powdered product is obtained from the roasted and ground parts of the plant root. Chicory has become known as one of the alternatives to coffee.The product is loved by those who prefer to use an invigorating drink in the morning, but they are forbidden to drink coffee according to a number of physical indicators. But if many people know about the plant, then it’s worth mentioning more about inulin contained in it.
The composition of the drink
Chicory grows in the south of the country, where the plant is considered a weed. In fact, it is rich in trace elements, it contains tannins, resins, and even acids.
Especially important vitamins of different groups, pectins and polysaccharides. Each component has a positive effect on the individual system of the human body. Per 100 g of the product has only 70 calories, so it can be used in the diet of athletes and people on a diet.
Inulin, which will be discussed in more detail in the article, is used as a sugar substitute, it is extremely important for people suffering from diabetes. The element quickly helps restore strength, but it does not contribute to the deposition of lipids.
The drink suppresses hunger due to the proteins it contains. Thiamine helps the heart muscle work, which athletes and people who regularly work out in the gym have to take note of.
Riboflavin, which is also present in the chicory root, has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system and the thyroid gland. Regular intake of drink helps to improve the structure of hair and nails. The lack of an element causes susceptibility of the skin to infectious diseases.
Chicory is useful for people with weak vascular walls, thanks to ascorbic acid, they become elastic, increases muscle tone.
It is advisable to use such a natural energy drinker with a breakdown, especially for people with vegetovascular dystonia.
What is inulin?
The substance presented is nothing but a fructose polymer, which is obtained not only from chicory from the root system. This plant contains 6-10% of the element. A distinctive feature of the element is the fact that it is digested only in the intestine, thereby exerting a beneficial effect on it. Probiotic forms a favorable microflora, its use contributes to different processes:
- Calcium is better absorbed, so the bones acquire the necessary strength;
- strengthens the immune system;
- the amount of glucose decreases, it is replaced by fructose;
- improves intestinal mucosa;
- heart rate is restored;
- skin becomes better, and wrinkles are smoothed out.
Possible harm
There are no confirmed studies yet, according to which inulin would have a negative effect on the general condition of the human body. Inulin-containing agents should not be taken by those who have individual intolerance or have a tendency to manifest allergic reactions. Pregnant women should be very careful when entering chicory diet, although in some cases it is even recommended.
You can not consume ground root plants in large quantities, because it can adversely affect an important organ - the liver. Do not recommend using the powder before bedtime.
Benefit
Among the main properties of inulin, which are beneficial, are the following:
- reduces body temperature;
- helps to cope with colds;
- has a diaphoretic effect;
- helps the work of the main organ - the heart;
- normalizes the nervous system and calms;
- regulates the amount of sugar;
- promotes calcium intake by the body;
- improves bronchus and ureter.
The root of the plant is useful to those who follow the diet, because inulin as a film falls on the inner walls of the stomach. Thus, they are reliably protected. The level of ammonia is significantly reduced, and it acts as the primary cause of the appearance of cancer cells. It will help chicory root to establish the correct carbohydrate metabolism, responsible for the state of the figure.
When a person consumes a large amount of inulin, his body begins to produce insulin.Consumed sugar does not affect the deposition of fat, except that the general tone rises and activity increases, the digestive tract organs begin to work like a clock, the metabolic processes proceed in a different way, which positively affects the total mass.
Pectin, which is taken specifically for the removal of toxins, is at the root of chicory. Metabolism is accelerated due to glycoside initibin. About any constipation and speech will not go if you regularly drink chicory, which, among other things, will relieve the habit of seizing stressful situations.
Recommend to introduce the drink in the diet of women after childbirth, because it not only helps to return the figure, but you can drink it during lactation, which can not be said about coffee and tea.
To lose weight faster, you can replace dinner and breakfast with a cup of chicory or use it before a meal for half an hour. Most nutritionists say that inulin must flow into the blood, because it benefits more than harm.
Characteristic
If you compare the taste, then chicory ground root is not much different from the natural coffee. Most scientists agree that the substance is beneficial, and all thanks to its beneficial properties.
With the participation of inulin, metabolic processes are better. Formed, fructose molecules are sent to the bloodstream and naturally release toxins. Such a cleansing of the body passes for him without consequences. The substance is also obtained from garlic, dandelion, Jerusalem artichoke, and even onions.
Where do they apply?
In pharmaceuticals, this element is used quite actively, but this is not its only use. It is necessary in the food industry, where it plays the role of a stabilizer. Can be found in ice cream, mousses, and even sauces. Often found in chocolate, baby food and even baking.
In the creation of medicines, inulin is used in preparations for diseases such as:
- reduced immunity;
- dysbacteriosis;
- diabetes;
- bone diseases;
- intestinal and stomach infections;
- hepatitis.
Contraindications
In addition to benefits, inulin can bring harm, should not be taken together with antibiotics, since they will not be absorbed then. It is also harmful to people with varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and airway spasms.
No drug should be taken by a person without a doctor's prescription. Only a specialist can correctly assess the benefits and harms of using chicory root.
How to cook?
Only daily use of chicory root will help to feel the positive effect of inulin on the body. The drink has a pleasant, and even sweetish taste, so sugar is not required when it is used. It contains no caffeine, which is so harmful.
Preparing chicory root is simple. In the store you can find powder, it is enough to pour boiling water. You can add honey or cream to improve the taste. Like natural coffee, some of it is brewed over an open fire for three minutes.
There are different opinions on whether to add chicory root to the diet of children. In fact, although there are active disputes in this direction, age is not a contraindication, but one should not abuse it.
From three years, the drink is already allowed to give, especially it is useful with high loads. When a child only goes to school, it is difficult for him to adapt, inulin helps to cope with his studies and get the necessary strength.
After a prolonged illness, chicory root contributes to the rapid recovery of the immune system, it can even be used as a prophylactic during exacerbations of viral infections. The drink perfectly stimulates the protective functions, which is important in childhood, when the child has to be in a large crowd for a long time.
Although chicory root drink is not a medicine and does not require a prescription, as it is freely sold in stores, consultation with a doctor is desirable regardless of age.An acute allergic reaction to the constituent components can spoil the opinion about the drink, as well as excessive consumption.
The rest of the inulin in chicory, and in general the plant is useful for humans who consume the product in a soluble form.
You will learn more about inulin in chicory from the following video.