Have you ever tried a chicory drink? In this case, you should find out that, firstly, it is good for health, secondly, for the figure, and thirdly, it does not contain caffeine, which means you can drink it even late at night.

Today, chicory is sold in all supermarkets in the country, there are legends about its beneficial properties, but how true they are, and most importantly, how to distinguish a quality drink from a surrogate, only expertise can answer.
The Union of Consumers Roskontrol sent 9 samples of instant chicory brands to the laboratory: "Health", Dr. Dias, "Tselebnik", "Big Cup", "Zdravnik", "Tsikorich", Elite Health Line, Russian chicory, Great life.

TESTING RESULTS

"Health" natural soluble
The quality of the product corresponds to the GOST specified in the marking. The sample contains a large amount of inulin, which indicates its usefulness. The experts also highly appreciated the organoleptic characteristics of instant chicory of this brand.

"Russian chicory" natural soluble
The quality of the product corresponds to the GOST specified in the marking. The amount of inulin corresponds to the declared.

Dr. Dias classic instant
Inulin in the sample is 56.7% less than it should be in chicory. Also, during the tasting, experts noted a sour taste.

Elite Health Line instant
According to the content of inulin, the sample cannot be characterized as chicory. According to the organoleptic characteristics of the finished drink and the content of inulin, it does not comply with GOST for a similar type of product.

GreatLife Instant Classic
Inulin in the sample is 68% less than it should be in chicory. In terms of solubility and organoleptic characteristics of the finished drink, it does not comply with GOST for a similar type of product.

"Tselebnik" natural soluble
This product does not correspond to the name "chicory" indicated in the labeling and GOST in terms of the content of inulin.

"Zdravnik" natural soluble
The content of inulin is 85% less than allowed by GOST for this type of product and 82% less than stated in the labeling. Such a low content of inulin is not typical for chicory.

"Cikorich" soluble
Inulin in the sample is 81% less than it should be in chicory. According to the organoleptic characteristics of the finished drink and the content of inulin, it does not comply with GOST for a similar type of product. Also, a small amount of caffeine, which is not typical for chicory, was found in the sample.

"Big Cup" classic natural instant
Does not correspond to the GOST specified in the marking and the name "chicory" in terms of inulin content, which is 90% less than allowed by GOST.

It's all about inulin

One of the most useful qualities of chicory is the content of inulin in it - a polysaccharide that reduces blood sugar levels, improves metabolism and digestion. Thanks to inulin, chicory is recommended for diabetics and people with problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

All available sources of information report that natural chicory cannot contain less than 30% inulin. The same indicators of the nutritional value of chicory are also indicated in GOST R 55512-2013 “Natural soluble chicory. Specifications". Only with a sufficient content of inulin, a drink can provide a person with an adequate dose of this beneficial substance. For a positive effect, an adult needs to receive about 2.5 g of inulin per day. If dry chicory contains the prescribed 30% inulin, this is about two cups of the finished drink per day.

For reference:
The national standard defines soluble natural chicory as a dry food product obtained from crushed fried chicory roots Cichorium intybus L. by extraction using water as an extractant and drying the extract in various ways and imposes a number of requirements on it, including organoleptic characteristics and inulin content .

The results of the examination showed that only two out of nine samples fit into the GOST standards

The results of the examination showed that only two out of nine samples fit into the GOST standards. This "Health", in 100 grams of which - 54.5 g of inulin. The content of inulin in "Russian chicory"- exactly 30%. Both of these drinks are made in accordance with GOST, as reported on the packaging. Although, mentioning the standard does not guarantee anything. The smallest amount of inulin (3%) was found in the Big Cup sample, also made according to GOST R 55512-2013.

The products of other manufacturers also cannot claim to be useful: 4.5% of inulin in "Zdravnik", 5.7% in "Cikoriche", 8% in Elite heal line, 8.5% in "Tselebnik", 9.6% - in a drink great life and finally 13% in Doctor Dias. All of the listed samples are included in the Black List of Roskontrol for insufficient inulin content - much less than the minimum possible for instant chicory.
Separately, it should be noted that if some of the violators prudently did not indicate on the packaging the content of inulin guaranteed by them, then on the label "Healer", "Zdravnik" and "Big Cup" it says "25 g of inulin per 100 g of product", which, given the results of the examination, can be classified as another consumer fraud.

Andrey Mosov, Head of Expert Direction, NP Roskontrol : Soluble chicory, in which there is several times less inulin than it should be, cannot harm, but there is no more benefit from it than from a much cheaper coffee drink, which is made from barley or wheat grains. At the same time, many consumers include chicory in their diet, relying on its beneficial properties due to the high content of inulin. For the same reason, preschool and educational institutions replace coffee with chicory in the menu - chicory, unlike coffee, is allowed for feeding children of any age. Most likely, we are dealing with deliberate falsification, in which chicory is replaced with roasted cereal grains. Non-compliance with technological requirements by manufacturers can also lead to a decrease in the content of inulin.

Benefit without harm?

In the testing laboratory, the samples were tested for the content of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury), as well as for microbiological indicators. From this point of view, all types of chicory have shown themselves to be completely safe. In most of them, microbial contamination is absent, and in "Russian chicory"- at the level of 0.05% of the maximum allowable.

In a drink "Cikorich" experts found a small amount of caffeine. And although its content is 50 times less than in coffee, it indicates the presence of caffeine-containing raw materials in the powder. What exactly it is is unknown. One can only assume that some by-products or even coffee production waste got into the drink. There can be no caffeine in real 100% chicory.

A little about taste

Experts and a focus group of consumers evaluated the organoleptic characteristics of the samples. Claims arose against the already mentioned "Tsikorichu". Its taste seemed to professional testers watery, without characteristic bitterness, and there was no aroma at all. In the smell of chicory great life tasters caught caramel notes, which, according to experts, may also indicate the presence of cereals - rye, barley, oats. There was also a slight sweetness in the taste of the drink. In addition, the presence of white inclusions of unknown origin was visually noted. This may indicate the content of some other ingredients in the drink, in addition to chicory extract, or the incorrect processing of the latter. The same is indicated by the low content of inulin in these samples. Astringent, with inharmonious bitterness, they called taste Elite Health Line. But testers from the focus group of ordinary consumers, who tested only samples not included in the Black List, liked the sample more "Health". Slightly lower, but also satisfactory ratings - "Russian chicory".

Chicory is considered a popular drink that many people drink. This product brings great benefits to the body and can be a good alternative to coffee. At the same time, you need to know how to choose high-quality chicory. This drink offers many brands. Therefore, you need to understand the key selection criteria.

The product is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Astrov family. The Mediterranean is considered the birthplace of culture. Over time, it has become widespread in Africa, America, Eurasia, Australia. Today, 2 main varieties of plants are grown - lettuce and ordinary. Dried and roasted roots are put into natural coffee. This contributes to the enrichment of its taste. Also, the product is often used as an alternative to a coffee drink. The leaves of the plant are often added to salads or used as garnishes for meat and fish.

Chicory contains many useful substances

Beneficial features

Chicory has a number of beneficial effects. It is considered an effective power engineer of natural origin. Doctors recommend using the product if coffee is prohibited for some reason.. If you drink chicory on an empty stomach, you will be able to cope with the feeling of hunger and reduce your appetite. Because the product is suitable for weight loss. It can also be used to prevent the appearance of excess weight.

In addition, chicory allows you to achieve the following effects:

• reduce blood pressure, stimulate blood flow and expand blood vessels;
• relax the nervous system and cope with insomnia;
• activate the removal of toxins from the body;
• normalize the level of insulin in the blood;
• saturate the body with vitamins and minerals;
• to achieve a wound healing effect and restore the structure of the skin;
• get a choleretic effect;
• reduce the number of dangerous triglycerides, reduce the likelihood of atherosclerosis and hypertension.

The product is also useful for men. It normalizes the functioning of the genitourinary system. The plant helps to activate blood circulation in the prostate and cope with congestion in the pelvic organs. This has a positive effect on potency. A culture-based drink helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and helps normalize blood pressure parameters. This helps prevent heart disease.

Harm

Chicory should be used very carefully, taking into account contraindications and observing the dosage. To determine the optimal amount of the product, it is worth studying the instructions that are indicated on the package. If the manufacturer's recommendations are followed, chicory is only beneficial. People who have chronic pathologies should consult a doctor before using the product. It is not recommended to consume a lot of drink during pregnancy and lactation. Also, the product is able to provoke allergy symptoms in people who are intolerant to plants from the Compositae family. Ambrosia is one of them. This category also includes marigolds and chrysanthemums.

It is also necessary to take into account that chicory is able to activate the synthesis of bile. Therefore, people with stones in the gallbladder are allowed to use this product only under the supervision of a doctor.

Chicory comes in various forms

Varieties of chicory

All chicory products are made from the rhizome of the plant. Depending on the processing method, there are several types of products:

1. Liquid. This release form is a concentrated extract. This is a kind of extract from the rhizome of the plant. Such chicory is used as an aromatic additive in desserts and sauces. It is allowed to drink, mixing with water. This tool successfully copes with sleep disorders and nervous excitability.
2. Ground. For the manufacture of such a product, the rhizomes are ground, dried and fried. Then they are ground to a powder state. To prepare a drink from such raw materials, you need to insist on hot or cold water. The finished composition helps to improve attention, normalize the functions of the intestines and biliary tract.
3. Soluble. Such chicory is the most difficult to prepare. To make a soluble product, the root extract must be placed in special dryers, from which a powder comes out. Such a tool does not need to be insisted for a long time. It is more convenient storage and long shelf life. Answering the question which chicory is better - instant or freeze-dried, we can say that this is the same thing.

When choosing a product, many people ask themselves: which chicory is better - liquid or dry? Experts advise giving preference to the first option, since it is more difficult to fake. In addition, there are many more valuable components in liquid chicory. A great option would be fried pieces of the root. Before use, they can be ground with a coffee grinder.

Overview of the best manufacturers

Many people are interested in which company chicory is better. There are several well-known manufacturers that help you choose a quality product:

1. "Health". This manufacturer offers chicory powder. It meets all standards and has a pronounced taste and aroma. The powder dissolves perfectly in hot and cold water.
2. "Russian chicory". This Yaroslavl company produces a natural instant drink that meets all standards. As a result of the checks, it was not possible to identify pathogenic microflora, bacteria, yeast and mold.
3. "Healer". The company offers a healthy drink that does not contain harmful components. It has excellent taste and pleasant aroma.
4. Dr. Dias. This manufacturer offers a classic instant drink, which is produced in Yaroslavl. It has a pleasant aroma and slightly sour taste.

To choose the best chicory, you need to pay attention to the release form, taste and aroma. Only in this case it will be possible to obtain a quality product that will bring maximum health benefits.

Chicory, or rather its root, has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The positive properties of a medicinal plant are manifested in relation to some diseases. Many people who cannot drink coffee have replaced it with a drink that uses chicory to make it. Reviews indicate that it can be used to lose extra pounds without harm to health. A useful drink will also be for expectant mothers. You can use chicory only if there are no contraindications.

What is chicory?

Chicory belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a perennial plant with bright blue flowers. It can be found in wastelands, along roadsides. Among the people, the plant is known as the "king-root" for its many-sided positive effect on the human body.

The composition of the plant is as follows:

• pectin;
• inulin;
• choline;
• vitamins (A, B, C, E);
• trace elements (potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium);
• carotene;
• tannins;
• mineral salts;
• organic acids;
• gum.

Around the world, chicory root is used to make a drink that tastes like coffee. However, such a drink has much more useful properties and does not have a stimulating effect on the nervous system. To do this, the roots of the plant are dried, crushed and fried until golden brown. In the future, the powder will be packaged and sent to store shelves. Chicory leaves are used for food.

The benefits of chicory

The root of the plant contains the polysaccharide inulin, which is used as a natural sugar substitute. Therefore, people with a history of diabetes mellitus and obesity should pay attention to chicory, first of all. The substance is also necessary to maintain healthy microflora in the intestines.

Chicory will help to improve the functioning of the stomach and normalize metabolic processes. The reviews say that the vitamins and minerals contained in the root of the plant have a positive effect on the state of the cardiovascular system (slow down the heart rate, dilate blood vessels), and contribute to the removal of "bad" cholesterol.

Chicory tea also has anti-inflammatory properties. By drinking this drink regularly, you can speed up the healing process of wounds and prevent the development of inflammation. Therefore, it can be used for skin diseases, acne.

Chicory root is rich in B vitamins, which are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. They help to calm, restore vigor and energy.

Is it possible for pregnant women?

Many women learn about what chicory is during pregnancy, when it is necessary to exclude the use of coffee for a while. A drink similar in color and taste will be extremely beneficial for the expectant mother. Inulin in the composition of the plant will help to improve the functioning of the digestive system, eliminate constipation and heartburn.

Another problem that almost all expectant mothers face is iron deficiency anemia. You can increase the level of hemoglobin if you drink a cup of chicory drink a day.

Contraindications

It should be remembered that each medicinal plant can be used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes only if there are no contraindications. If you are allergic to similar plants, experts recommend not using chicory (soluble). In this case, the drink begins to be consumed in small quantities to check the reaction of the body.

The use of the plant (in any form) should be excluded in the presence of vascular pathologies - varicose veins, hemorrhoids. The plant tends to dilate blood vessels, which in such diseases will only have a negative effect and worsen well-being. Contraindications also include gallstone disease. Chicory, reviews of which will be discussed below, has a choleretic effect and can provoke the passage of stones.

With peptic ulcer and gastritis, it is better to refuse a drink made from chicory powder. The active substances that are present in the composition of the plant irritate the mucous surface of the digestive organs. Do not use chicory in diseases of the respiratory system - bronchial asthma, bronchitis.

Chicory during lactation

From the moment the baby is born, a woman has to make drastic changes in her diet and give up many foods and drinks. Caffeine also has a negative effect on the child's body. A chicory drink will help replace your favorite aromatic coffee.

Is it possible for nursing chicory, and will the plant harm the baby? Doctors assure that a drink from a medicinal plant is absolutely safe for both mother and newborn. In addition, it helps to increase lactation. The beneficial substances contained in the drink will penetrate into breast milk and have a calming effect on the baby.

At the same time, during breastfeeding, it is not recommended to consume more than two cups of the drink per day.

Harm of chicory

In some cases, a medicinal plant does not bring the expected benefit, but a completely opposite result. It depends on the individual sensitivity of the organism. Many note an increase in appetite while taking a drink from chicory. The phenomenon is caused by the normalization of the pancreas and the digestive system as a whole. This point should be taken into account if the drink will be used for weight loss.

With serious deviations in the work of the nervous system, mild excitability, the use of chicory can cause insomnia, emotional swings. Chicory instead of coffee should be used with caution if you are prone to an allergic reaction due to the increased content of vitamin C in the plant.

Chicory liquid

On the shelves of stores you can find not only chicory powder, but also a liquid extract of this plant. Thanks to more gentle processing during the production process, liquid chicory has more beneficial properties. It is made by evaporating liquid from the roots of the plant. The manipulation is repeated several times. Excess water from the resulting liquid is removed.

It is generally accepted that the liquid extract of a medicinal plant is more difficult to fake, unlike the powder. The product can be found in many stores. It is packaged in small jars. The liquid should be dark brown in color.

Chicory "Health"

On the shelves of healthy food, you can find chicory under different brands. Some manufacturers add various extracts of medicinal herbs and berries to the product. This makes the drink more tasty and healthy.

Chicory "Health" from the Coffee Company "Vokrug Sveta" (Russia), according to buyers and connoisseurs of this drink, is considered one of the best. The product has passed quality control. Its composition is fully consistent with the standards.

Soluble chicory can be purchased both in pure form and with various flavors: ginseng, taiga herbs, lingonberries, blueberries, wild rose, sea buckthorn, lemon, cinnamon, raspberries. Normally, the taste of the drink should be bitter due to the presence of intribin glycoside in the composition of the plant root.

In stores, it is sold in liquid and dry form. I have no doubt that the chicory plant has useful properties, because it is given by nature itself in its natural form. But everything that is sold in our stores undergoes industrial processing, and is there a place for useful properties and health promotion here? And I want to figure out if chicory is useful in this form?

There are three types of chicory on the Russian market. Let's study them.

liquid chicory

It is obtained from the evaporation of liquid from the chicory root. Then from the resulting liquid again. That is, the chicory root goes through several processing processes. And only then is chicory extract obtained. Many online sources claim that the liquid extract, thanks to gentle processing, boasts the highest content of nutrients. I'm not entirely sure if chicory is healthy in this form, because it goes through several stages of processing! But I cannot but agree that it is more difficult to fake it, since unscrupulous manufacturers in the manufacture of chicory partially replace the healing root with cereals. This does not harm the body, but significantly impoverishes the taste and benefits of the drink. The easiest way for manufacturers to mix "cereals" into soluble and ground chicory, more difficult - into a liquid extract. In addition, it is better stored, unlike powdered competitors.

Soluble chicory or sublimated

Is chicory useful in soluble see? Perhaps this type of chicory causes the most doubts. Previously, chicory was either prepared by ourselves or purchased in stores. But in any case, it had to be brewed like coffee beans. If you look at the packaging, then in the composition, except for the main ingredient, there is nothing. Soluble chicory differs from the usual custard production method.

Initially, soluble chicory was obtained from the extract of this plant, which retained all its beneficial properties. Over time, the instant drink began to be produced according to a new technology, which is very similar to the technology for the production of ordinary instant coffee. In this case, the extract is extracted from the roasted roots. Manufacturers claim that the beneficial properties of chicory are preserved even after the sublimation process. Connoisseurs of soluble chicory are mainly people who lead an active lifestyle. Since to obtain a fragrant drink, it is enough to put the soluble composition in a cup and pour boiling water over it. And in a matter of seconds you can enjoy a cup of your favorite drink.

ground chicory

With this method, the chicory root is first ground, and then fried. Most sources claim that it is with this method that the largest amount of vitamins and trace elements remains in chicory. A quality product has a uniform brown color. The shade can be lighter or darker - depending on the roast and the desires of the buyer. Light chicory has more vitamins than dark chicory, which has a brighter aroma. Ground chicory is prepared in the same way as instant chicory. Just after brewing with boiling water, it needs to be insisted for several minutes.

By the way, ground chicory can be prepared independently. To do this, the chicory roots need to be washed, dried, finely chopped and carefully fried in a pan (wait until the moisture evaporates). And then cool and grind in a coffee grinder.

What is the most useful chicory?

It seems to me that this is the chicory that we can cook ourselves. We choose the plant ourselves, wash and dry it ourselves, cook and store it ourselves. Now it remains to wait for the summer and try to make this most healthy drink yourself :)

Well, accordingly, of the store options, in my opinion, the most useful is ground chicory, because its production process is closest to the folk method.

I am glad that chicory has long settled in my kitchen. And I want to give you some advice. To get the most out of this drink, it is best to brew it with hot water, but not boiling water, and drink it without.

I, of course, prefer the taste of chicory with milk (or cream), as well as coffee. But it's better not to. I'll explain why. Chicory contains a considerable amount of iron, and milk prevents the absorption of iron in the body, so if you

Advantages: benefits, variety of flavors and release options

Cons: none in particular

Personally, in my opinion, chicory is a very specific, original drink, it may not be to everyone's taste and is hardly really capable of replacing the same coffee. But there are also fans, and there are many of them. How many different brands, brands, manufacturers involved in the production of chicory have become.

Oddly enough, but the price, volume, benefits, taste and many other parameters differ depending on the product. And when you are poorly versed in the variations of this product, the question reasonably arises, which one is better to buy chicory, so as not to miscalculate and not throw money away.

This product is available in various forms.

Firstly, packages with pieces of chopped chicory root are sometimes found on sale. The pieces are fried. Using them at home to create a drink is not difficult at all: you need to crush, grind, for example, in a meat grinder and coffee grinder, and then brew.

Secondly, chicory extract. This is the liquid form of this product, dark in color. One of the most basic options to use.

Thirdly, soluble chicory powder, usually marked "freeze-dried". How to brew chicory in this form is clear without further ado.

Fourthly, a ground product created from grinding roasted roots. In fact, this is a conditional analogue of the first option, only requiring less time and energy costs before use and consumption.

The benefits of the drink will be regardless of its original form. Now you can buy chicory in almost every "physical" store, but you can also order it online on websites. However, in the second case, it will be impossible or very difficult to check the composition in advance and at least the appearance of the product.

Chicory extract is especially useful, it is often more natural, concentrated. And it is easier to check its suitability for consumption. Parashkovye and root analogues need a closer inspection before purchase.

In the case of the liquid version, it is enough to examine the consistency through the glass of the container, pay attention to the color and carefully read the composition on the label.

When you want to buy chicory powder, you need to pay more attention to the choice. The shade should be uniform, it may vary in tone depending on the variety and manufacturer. At the same time, the granules should not be too small, otherwise the aroma, taste and quality of the drink will be lost. If it is possible to feel the packaging, then it is worth doing it. There should not be any lumps inside. According to the date of manufacture, it is better to buy chicory as fresh as possible, although the shelf life can be long, but older batches of the product lose their useful properties. Evaluating the composition here is just as important as in the case of the liquid form.

When choosing chicory roots, you need to evaluate their appearance, inspect the packaging, check the composition and production date.

Be sure to pay attention to the presence of a mark that the product is manufactured in accordance with GOST. The presence of additional positive information on the package will only be a plus. And you should not buy any version of this drink, which contains starch.

If the drink has already been bought, but there are some doubts about how good it is, a sample is indispensable. The taste should be slightly bitter, but pleasant if you like chicory by itself. There should be no foreign tastes or odors.

Under this brand, products are manufactured by the Russian Product company. The quality and reviews of this chicory are quite positive. The range of the drink is wide, there is pure chicory, latte, as well as with aromatic flavors, for example, with strawberry extract in the composition.

Producer - international company "Strauss Group". There are drink options with the addition of beneficial extracts (ginseng, sea buckthorn, raspberry, green tea).

The brand is produced by the company "Vokrug sveta". Here you will also find a variety of options in an extensive line of chicory. For example, there are very useful options with taiga herbs, chamomile and St. John's wort. This product has a very convenient soft packaging, which will allow you to store the drink without any problems.

Other worthy options include "Bionov's Chicory" and "Russian Chicory".

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