Chicory Root – Friend or Foe
Chicory Root – Friend or Foe
by Claire Allen, RD
FAST FACTS ABOUT CHICORY ROOT:
- Chicory is the root of a blue flowering perennial plant in the dandelion family. You may recognize it in some of your salads as radicchio, escarole or frisée.
- More commonly, it is brewed as a caffeine free substitute to coffee due to its similar flavor profile.
- Due to its high content of phytochemicals and chicoric acid, it is a powerful component of an anti-inflammatory diet.
- In addition, the fiber in chicory root is known as inulin, a pre-biotic fiber that “feeds” the live and beneficial bacteria (probiotics) in our guts.
- Inulin is commonly extracted with hot water from chicory root and used to add fiber to foods, as well as elasticity to gluten-free foods.
- Due to these qualities, it is a very common ingredient in health bars and protein powder supplements.
Does this root seem too good to be true? Maybe. For individuals that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ingredients like chicory root or inulin may be the cause of unexplained bloat or gas after eating. This is because chicory falls within a group of short-chain carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which have been scientifically proven to cause bloat for some individuals with IBS.
Are you interested in learning more about the components of an anti-inflammatory diet? If so, schedule a telehealth session with our registered dietitian, Claire Allen, where she will provide insight on the anti-inflammatory effects of some foods, while debunking myths of others. Visit our website at www.compgihealth.com or call today at 224-407-4400 to schedule. #antiinflammatorydiet #irritablebowelsyndrome #IBS #chicory