Better than coffee: how to make a delicious and healthy chicory drink

Coffee, a popular drink, can be harmful to the body, so it's hard to give it up in favor of health. However, there is a natural analog – chicory – that can be drunk with health benefits. Chicory is a perennial plant with blue basket flowers that grows in almost all regions of Ukraine. Chicory drink is made from the ground root of this plant.

Chicory: benefits and harms

Chicory contains inulin, beta-carotene, vitamin E, folic acid, thiamine, and riboflavin, which is good for the intestines, cardiovascular and immune systems, increasing attention, and normalizing digestion.

However, there are also disadvantages. For example, chicory can be harmful to people with varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and urolithiasis. Chicory is an allergen, so allergy sufferers should use it with caution.

Chicory has a coffee-like flavor, but does not affect blood pressure, so it is safe for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Doctors often recommend chicory instead of coffee. However, just like coffee, there are several types of chicory - granulated and freeze-dried. The main difference lies in the way they are processed. If you have a chronic illness, you should consult a doctor before consuming chicory.

How to brew chicory

1. Prepare the water. One cup of chicory usually requires about 200 ml of water. The water can be boiling, but it is not necessary;
2. Pour the chicory into a kettle or custard pot. Use about 2 teaspoons of chicory for one cup;
3. Add hot water to the chicory and stir;
4. Close the kettle or custard pot with a lid and wait about 5-10 minutes for the chicory to infuse;
5. If necessary, add sugar or honey, as well as milk or cream to your liking;
6. Strain the drink through a filter and enjoy your fragrant chicory drink.

Note that the longer you infuse chicory, the stronger its flavor and aroma will be. You can also mix chicory with other herbs and spices to get a variety of flavors and health benefits.

Caution: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or health advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified professional for any health questions you may have.

Earlier, we also wrote about what 4 spices are added to coffee to improve the aroma and taste of the drink, and what 3 spices are added to tea to make it more healthy. And if you spilled coffee on your white clothes, you can get rid of the coffee stain even on white clothes if you act quickly.

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