4 Emerging Benefits and Uses of Chicory Root Fiber

Chicory root comes from a plant with bright blue flowers that belongs to the dandelion family.
Employed for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine, it’s commonly used to make a coffee alternative, as it has a similar taste and color.
Here are 4 emerging benefits and uses of chicory root fiber:

1. Packed with the prebiotic fiber inulin

Fresh chicory root is composed of 68% inulin by dry weight.
Inulin is a type of fiber known as a fructan or fructooligosaccharide, a carbohydrate made from a short chain of fructose molecules that your body doesn’t digest.
It acts as a prebiotic, meaning that it feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. These helpful bacteria play a role in reducing inflammation, fighting harmful bacteria, and improving mineral absorption

2. May aid bowel movements

Since the inulin in chicory root fiber passes through your body undigested and feeds your gut bacteria, it may promote healthy digestion.
In particular, studies suggest that inulin can relieve constipation.

3. May improve blood sugar control

Chicory root fiber may boost blood sugar control, especially in people with diabetes.
This may be due to its inulin, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria involved in carbohydrate metabolism — which breaks down carbs into sugars — and sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that helps absorb sugar from the blood.

4. Easy to add to your diet

Chicory root fiber is easy to add to your diet. In fact, you may already be consuming it without realizing it, as it’s sometimes used as an additive in packaged foods.
It’s increasingly common to see chicory root processed for its inulin, which is used to increase fiber content or serve as a sugar or fat substitute due to its gelling properties and slightly sweet flavor, respectively.
That said, it can be used in home cooking as well. Some specialty shops and grocery stores carry the whole root, which is often boiled and eaten as a vegetable. 
Looking to reduce your caffeine intake, can use roasted and ground chicory root as a coffee replacement. 

The bottom line

Chicory root fiber is derived from a plant that belongs to the dandelion family and primarily composed of inulin.
It has been linked to improved blood sugar control and digestive health, among other health benefits.