Chicory leaves/Cichorium Intybus |
OVERVIEW
Chicory leaves are also called as
kasini keerai in tamil. The botanical
name for chicory leaves are Cichorium intybus.
The roots of the plant that are grown under the ground is used to make
coffee more tastier and adds more flavor to the drink. The summer and spring seasons are the best
time to purchase this plant. The plant
above the ground, i.e leaves, stem etc are added in medicinal supplements. The baby leaves are used in salads while the
matured leaves are used in cooking with vegetables and meat. The taste of the leaves are bitter but it
works better in case of severe pains. The
roots of this herb is roasted and powdered to make the chicory coffee powder
that can be used as a drink by adding one cup of powder with one cup of water
for the best flavored coffee. Beta carotene
is the wonder agent that acts as a medicine for most of the ill effects in the body. It adds more flavor to the food by using it
in any form.
NUTRITIONAL
VALUES
Chicory leaves has the following
nutritional values which contribute more health benefits to human body. The vitamins, minerals and other nutrition values
are mentioned. The calcium content in
this variety of spinach has 10%, 4 to 5g of dietary fiber, vitamin A is around
36%, 283% of vitamin K, Vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C are present in chicory
leaves. The minerals present in this
variety are Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Potassium, Phosphorus, Niacin,
and riboflavin. The energy level is very
high in kasini keerai. Low saturated fat
and absence of cholesterol levels increases the demand of taking this spinach
for good health. Very less amount of protein, sugar, thiamine,
Pantothenic acid, and sodium adds valuable gains to human body parts.
HEALTH
BENEFITS
To maintain healthy structure of the
body and strong teeth, calcium is more essential. This mineral can be obtained by taking chicory
leaves. The content present in this
variety helps to observe calcium required by the body. The fibers called as raftilin inulin and
raftilose oligofructose are fermented by large intestine with the help of
bacteria to increase the absorption of calcium.
Inflammation is the main cause of
major diseases. Inflammation should be
controlled to prevent the attack of these diseases and swellings in hands,
knees and legs (gout) can be treated by using this herb. The juice of these leaves are applied over
the affected area to get quicker relief.
It’s the most recommended medicine for headache, arthritic pains.
To alleviate (reduce pain) during the
premenstrual syndrome in women, the roots of the chicory leaves are used in the
form of tonic for balancing the hormonal levels and reduce the causes
associated with this condition.
Cichorium intybus major
function is to prevent the growth fungus that causes infection in the thrush
(Candida). The bitterness of the herb
kills the fungus and prevent infection developed in throat and mouth. it reduces body heat and maintain a healthy function of kidneys
Chicory leaves are used in medicinal supplements to
increase appetite, reduce rheumatic pains, dyspepsia, constipation and
digestive disorders. A small amount of
chicory leaves were given to children to make their digestive system strong and
healthy.
Apart from promoting the healthy function of the
digestive system, kasini keerai makes the urinary system functions well by detoxifying
process. Jaundice can be cured by adding
this herb in the diet thus preventing from liver damage
Nerves are most important to make the human body
function properly. Chicory leaves
supplies energy to the nervous system and promote the healthy function of brain,
heart and other parts of the body.
Diabetic patients are highly recommended to add this
herb for weight loss and reduce the bad cholesterol, there by protecting the
heart from cardiovascular disease and maintain the sugar level.
INDIVIDUAL CONCERN
Sensitive skinned people should take extra preventive
measure before applying on the surface of the skin. Most of the adults are not allergenic to this
herb while they are adding in to their diet.
Pregnant women should avoid chicory leaves because this might cause a
miscarriage. For breast feeding mothers, it is always better to avoid kasini
keerai even though there is no proof of unsafe reports. Person who are
suffering with gallstones should take the advice from their family doctor
before adding this variety in their food.
It is always safe to consult a doctor before taking kasini keerai to
avoid very serious consequences.
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