Dandelion and chicory root: Two of my favourite teas
I love drinking tea at any time of the day. And my 2 favorite teas are Dandelion and Chicory Root tea. They can also be used as an alternative to coffee as the flavor can be quite as bitter, just like coffee.
I have fond memories of the smell of coffee, it brings back memories of my childhood when my aunts, my mom, and my grandparents would sit together and chat over coffee and cakes. But I am not a coffee drinker, I was for a very short time.
When I was in college I felt the need to drink coffee, because everyone did and I wanted to maintain my energy after the weekend. I did that for a few months, but then I realized that it wasn’t really benefiting me. I was counting on the caffeine that coffee gave me, instead of counting on my own energy to start my day.
The other issue in my case was that I liked to accompany my coffee with a croissant. I couldn’t drink coffee without a croissant, and vice versa. Although this combination is delicious, I don’t consider this a healthy breakfast, nor snack. At some point, I told myself that I couldn’t continue because I was eating bread every day and the caffeine made my heart go too fast and it keeps me alert and awake for a very long time.
So, as the days went by, I tried giving up coffee and the delicious croissants I had been indulging in, all at the same time. I decide to count on myself, to sleep enough so I could have enough energy the next day to tackle my tasks.
That’s when I discovered the roasted dandelion tea and the chicory root tea. Both have a slightly bitter taste, the latter more than the first. And if you combine them with a little butter, coconut oil, or coconut cream, they taste absolutely delicious!
Dandelion and chicory root are similar to herbal plants used as natural remedies, where many of the properties provide important benefits to your health. Below are some of the benefits you can get from each plant.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a fairly common medicinal plant that grows easily. It has been used for many years to treat different diseases. This herb is very nutritious: it contains fiber, proteins, minerals, and vitamins A, B, and C. It also contains antioxidants, iron, beta-carotene, potassium, and magnesium.
The high content of vitamin A and C makes this herb recommendable for the prevention of cancer. Scientific studies affirm that it has an anti-tumor and immunosuppressive action.
Dandelion tea is an ideal alternative to consuming coffee: it is low in calories and the negative effects of caffeine are eliminated.
Benefits of dandelion tea
- Diuretic effect. Its high potassium content makes it ideal for treating fluid retention problems and thus expelling toxins from the body through the urine.
- It benefits the proper functioning of the liver. The antioxidants present in its properties help improve liver function. It increases the production of bile, which is secreted by the liver and in turn helps the liver to function properly.
- It stimulates the appetite. Its combination of vitamins and minerals helps stimulate appetite. Therefore, it is ideal for cases of eating disorders.
- Natural antioxidant. Its vitamin content helps fight free radicals that make skin age faster.
- It improves digestion. It helps to treat digestive problems such as constipation thanks to its high fiber content.
- Combats skin conditions. Stimulates the generation of new skin cells and detoxifies the skin, which helps fight bacterial infections such as acne.
- It helps to reduce cholesterol. Scientific studies claim that it helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
- Reduces inflammation. Helps people with problems like arthritis by decreasing inflammation in the joints and muscles in the body.
- Strengthens bones. Its high content of calcium and antioxidants helps strengthen bones and prevent damage from the aging process.
- Prevents anemia. Thanks to its high levels of iron and vitamins that are essential for the hemoglobin in the blood, it helps anemic people to control this disease.
- Helps visual health. Its content of Vitamin A and beta-carotene benefits eye health, protecting sight and stimulating the reception of light.
Chicory root tea
Chicory root is a variety of the medicinal plant chicory, also known for many years for its natural properties. It is currently used as a healthy alternative to coffee, as it does not contain caffeine in its composition.
It has 30 anti-oxidant components, and the most important is the beta-carotene, whose main function is to strengthen the immune system to protect us from diseases.
In addition, it is a great source of vitamins A and B, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also contains folic acid, pantothenic acid, niacin, riboflavin, and soluble fiber, which makes it a beneficial supplement that you should incorporate into your diet.
Its major component is water. Although it is high in carbohydrates, it is low in calories.
Benefits of chicory root tea
- It balances the intestinal flora. The consumption of chicory root helps to balance the intestinal flora thanks to insulin, a substance rich in fiber that stimulates the growth and activity of good bacteria. It, therefore, has a probiotic effect on the body, improves digestion, and helps people with digestive problems such as heartburn or reflux.
- Weight control. Its fiber compounds produce a satiety effect, which makes it an ally for appetite and weight control.
- Reduces constipation. Its high fiber content helps to improve problems such as constipation.
- It helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It has sedative properties that produce a state of relaxation, stimulate sleep, and help to relieve stress and anxiety.
- It improves the functioning of the liver. Increases bile secretion and decongests the liver.
- It helps to treat osteoarthritis. An experiment showed that its anti-inflammatory properties help in the treatment of conditions such as osteoarthritis.
- It benefits the cardiovascular system. Its anti-inflammatory compounds benefit cardiovascular health.
Since we humans are so adaptable, we can get used to anything! I decided to get used to the bitter taste of dandelion tea with a teaspoon of butter and, most importantly, I got used to not having it with something sweet whenever I drink it. Although I must say, I love to have it with my delicious marble cake from time to time.
What do you think about all these benefits? Share this blog on Facebook, maybe a friend or family member would enjoy drinking these delicious teas!
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