Chicory - Useful Properties And Contraindications

Author: Leticia Celentano Time for reading: ~2 minutes Last Updated: January 27, 2026

Chicory - Useful Properties And Contraindications

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Chicory is very similar to red cabbage, but has different tastes and qualities. It has a slightly bitter taste. It contains only 23 calories in 100 grams of product, which makes it ideal for people looking to lose weight. It is a good source of useful nutrients.

Chicory is very similar to red cabbage, but its taste and qualities are very different. With its slightly bitter taste, vegetables are very suitable for adding to salads or stewing with other ingredients. It contains only 9 calories in a cup of tea, which makes it ideal for people looking to lose weight.

Nutritional value of chicory

100 grams of chicory leaves contain 23 calories, 4.5 grams of carbohydrates, 1.5 grams of protein and 0.25 grams of fat.

The content of vegetables also includes many minerals and vitamins such as Vitamins K, C, E, as well as honey, folate, potassium and manganese. The content of potassium is 305 milligrams per 100 grams, and vitamin K 255 micrograms.

Health benefits of chicory consumption

1. Fighting the growth of cancer cells

Chicory gives good results in cancer prevention and reducing the growth of cancer cells in the liver, especially when vegetables are not treated with pesticides.

The natural sugars in beets can affect colon cancer.

Chicory is one of the vegetables with the highest content of vitamin K, which reduces the risk of prostate cancer, colon, stomach and oral cancer.

2. Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants fight damage and free radicals. Chicory contains a large amount of lutein, and its amount in 100 grams is about 9 grams, which makes it one of the largest suppliers of beneficial antioxidants for the eyes.

3. Good for the heart

In experiments performed on rats, chicory was found to reduce the size of the lesion on a damaged heart, reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.

Vitamin K also contributes to heart health. It prevents calcification of the arteries and reduces inflammation of cells and regulates blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart attack.

4. Contributes to strong and healthy bones

Another advantage of chicory is the ability to build and maintain healthy bones. This is due to the high presence of vitamin K again, which is useful in preventing osteoporosis by increasing bone mineral density. This nutrient allows the body to better absorb calcium.

5. Has antiparasitic properties

In studies conducted in 2016, chicory has given good antiparasitic results on a certain type of roundworm.

Contraindications to chicory

Like any food, reactions are possible after the use of chicory. If you experience swelling of the mouth, throat, itchy lips or other allergic reactions, after consuming this vegetable, see a doctor immediately.

There is a common precaution when it comes to eating chicory - if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to consult a doctor before you decide to eat vegetables.

Chicory - Useful Properties And Contraindications

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Nutritional value of chicory

Health benefits of chicory consumption

Contraindications to chicory

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