If you’re wondering, “What is chicory root doing in my favorite fiber supplement Bonny!?” Well, have we got the answer for you! Chicory root is a high-fiber, low-calorie food that (bonus) is also low in fat. You might have heard of chicory root as an earthy drink that is either mixed with coffee or used as an alternative to coffee. It has a similar taste and color to our favorite wake-up drink. Plus, it can help with everything from your digestive health to your brain function. What’s not to love!?
What is Chicory Root?
Fun fact: chicory root comes from a plant with bright blue flowers that belongs to the dandelion familyAsteraceae. But this is a very different type of dandelion from the one you used to pick in your backyard and bring to your mom as a kid! This one is a bit more grown-up and delicious.
You might have even had some chicory root coffee (along with a mouthwatering beignet) on your last trip to New Orleans. Well, that chicory root coffee is actually amazing for you! (The beignet, less so. Bummer, we know.)
History of Chicory Root
Chicory coffee became popular in the Big Easy during the Civil War, when Union naval blockades cut off coffee important to and from the city. Louisianians got creative with their java, using chicory root to stretch the supply.
Chicory coffee is popular in New Orleans because chicory root has long been embraced by the French for its taste and its health benefits since the late 19th century. It has historically been used to treat jaundice, liver enlargement, gout, and rheumatism. These days, however, we use it to help us poop and for numerous other health benefits!
Chicory Root Benefits
Eating chicory root might make you feel like you are in an old-timey tv show, but there are several bountiful benefits of adding it to your diet.
Chicory Root is Packed With Inulin Fiber
Fresh chicory root is packed with inulin: it actually is composed of 68% inulin by dry weight. What’s inulin, you ask? Inulin is a fabulous source of prebiotic fiber that supports your gut health. Inulin is a prebiotic that encourages the growth of healthy gut bacteria. (Yes, there really is good bacteria!) Fun fact: chicory roots are soaked in hot water to remove the inulin that goes into fiber supplements.
Chicory Root Gets Your Bowel Moving
Due to the high amount of inulin in chicory root, it can help increase the amount of times you poop per week. The inulin in chicory root fiber passes through your body undigested (crazy, we know) and feeds your gut bacteria, which gets your bowel moving. Inulin can help relieve constipation. One study found that people who took a daily dose of chicory inulin increased the number of bowel movements from four to five per week, on average.
(Side note: we have a personal question. How much are you pooping? We know, we know. But if you’re not sure if you’re pooping the right amount, we have the answer! At Bonny, we are all about regular bowel movements.)
Chicory Root Might Help Control Blood Sugar
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Via media.giphy.com
It is possible that chicory root fiber can improve blood sugar control, particularly in anyone who has diabetes. This might also be due to inulin, which is responsible for helping to grow good bacteria that aids metabolism.
One study of women with type 2 diabetes found that taking 10 grams of inulin per day led to a significant decrease in blood sugar levels compared to taking a placebo, which is promising news.
Chicory Root Supports Weight Loss Goals
Chicory root can help you feel full while eating fewer calories. The inulin fiber in chicory roots can help regulate your appetite and decrease your overall calorie intake, which leads to weight loss if that is your goal.
A 12-week study of 48 overweight adults found that taking 21 grams of chicory-derived oligofructose every day (which is very similar to inulin) led to a significant, 2.2 pound average weight loss. The group that took the placebo, on the other hand, gained weight.
Chicory Root Boosts Brain Function
Chicory contains vital nutrients like manganese and vitamin B6, which are key ingredients for your big ol’ brain. Manganese has anti-oxidative properties to help improve blood flow to your brain and fight anti-radicals. It also speeds up the electrical signals that pass through the brain to keep it functioning. Vitamin B6 is a vitamin that you need to create certain neurotransmitters in the brain. This is all a fancy way of saying that chicory root can help boost your brain function in a healthy way!
Chicory Root is a Natural Sweetener
We like to keep things natural at Bonny. Chicory root has a slightly earthy and nutty, yet delicious flavor that works as a natural sweetener.
Chicory Root is Easy to Add to Your Diet
With Bonny, it’s easy to add a bit of chicory root to your diet. We added inulin chicory root to Bonny because it’s a natural prebiotic soluble fiber that promotes digestive cleansing and is a natural sweetener. Win-win!
Best Chicory Root Fiber Supplement
Bonny is the best fiber supplement that contains chicory root and psyllium husk for a combination that other brands just don’t have. Most fiber supplements only contain one type of fiber.
Bonny comes in delicious flavors that you will crave daily: Amplified Apple, Mixed Ripe Berries, and Super Strawberry.
As always, we wish you pleasant poops.
