Compare coffee and chicory

In disputes about the danger, harmfulness or harmlessness of coffee, many copies have been broken. They say that it acts on the cardiovascular system, and irritates the gastric mucosa, and causes addiction. But at the same time, coffee, like no other drink, helps to cheer up, wake up and improve vitality. And he’s delicious too.

An alternative to coffee is chicory. Drinks based on it are used by hypertensive patients, and people with angina pectoris, and those suffering from stomach ulcers. And the taste of chicory «from afar and in the dark» resembles coffee. Maybe, since it’s so safe, they should completely replace espresso and other cappuccinos?

In this material, we will try to put an end to the disputes and figure out which is better and healthier — coffee or chicory.

Coffee

The main advantage of coffee is that it contains caffeine. Caffeine, in turn, is an alkaloid that has an invigorating, tonic and psychostimulating effect. That is why coffee helps to wake up and increases efficiency.

In addition, coffee boasts speed. The tonic effect occurs within 10-20 minutes after ingestion and lasts, depending on the type of drink and the characteristics of human metabolism, up to 1-2 hours. After that, the psychostimulating effect disappears. At the same time, drinking one cup of coffee after another is not worth it — theobromine begins to accumulate in the body, which leads to a decrease in mental and physical tone.

In general, coffee is characterized as follows:

1. 
   Source of caffeine — the fastest acting tonic substance that helps to wake up, cheer up and has a psychostimulating effect;

2. 
   Has a bright and rich taste. Of course, the specific palette of shades depends on the type of coffee, brewing method, preparation, additives (including sugar) and many other external factors. However, in almost all cases, the taste is full-bodied, rich and intense;

3. 
   Reduces the feeling of hungerhas a not too noticeable, but still existing «fat-burning» effect, therefore it can be used in complex weight loss programs as an aid;

4. 
   Has a preventive effect in relation to a variety of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, asthma and cirrhosis of the liver;

5. 
   Among the negative factors — is addictive and has an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the stomach. Therefore, it is better not to drink on an empty stomach and to refrain from drinking at all with a predisposition to peptic ulcers.

Thus, coffee has both positive and negative qualities. And the most negative of them is addiction. Regular consumption of coffee leads to both tolerance to caffeine — in order to cheer up, you have to drink it more and more often — and addiction. She, of course, is not as strong as narcotic, alcohol, tobacco or medication, but there is.

So, let’s sum up.

It is worth noting that the danger of coffee manifests itself with its prolonged, regular or excessive use. 1-2 cups a day, not drunk on an empty stomach, are unlikely to harm the body in any way.

Chicory

Despite the fact that chicory is used as an alternative for coffee, the tastes of these drinks are very different. Yes, and the effect too. So switching from coffee to chicory may take longer than expected.

In addition, the invigorating properties of chicory are highly controversial. It does not contain psychoactive substances. Of course, its composition includes a huge amount of vitamins, as well as proteins and fats, but everything invigorates about the same as a regular breakfast. The only «but» — chicory contains tannins, which have a mild tonic effect, but they are presented in extremely small quantities — even tea bags offer more tannins.

That is, it will not work to cheer up in the morning by drinking a cup of a drink based on chicory. The tonic effect comes on slowly, and it is very mild, so there will be no sudden surge of strength.

In general, chicory is characterized as follows:

1. 
   Soft toning effect due to the content of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and tannins in the drink;

2. 
   specific taste, which has little to do with coffee drinks. But it is not very similar to tea either, so it can be used simply to diversify the diet;

3. 
   Contains inulin. This probiotic regulates blood sugar and helps in normal metabolism. So chicory is suitable for use in weight loss, and its ability to support metabolism is especially important for those who lose weight through diets or diet control;

4. 
   Inulin not only regulates metabolism, but also improves the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, that is, it helps with digestion. Sugar-free chicory drinks are suitable for people with diabetes;

5. 
   Among the negative qualities — Significant diuretic and choleretic action. Therefore, it is contraindicated in gallstone disease.

It is important to note that chicory is sold in two forms. The first is directly chicory. The second is chicory extract. And the extract is strongly not recommended for purchase, since it has neither positive nor negative effects, and it is quite difficult to understand which substance is used as a «ballast» in the finished powder.

So, let’s sum up.

As a result, chicory is more of an alternative to tea than coffee. However, many people like the taste of the burnt root of this plant. So the choice of drink becomes more a matter of personal preference than practical use.

It is important to note the content of inulin in the drink. This substance is useful for regulating metabolism, has a sweet taste and is safe for people with diabetes. But it is especially useful when losing weight with a diet or diet control, since during such periods it is more important than ever for the body to maintain a normal metabolism.

Comparison

In general, the conclusions are obvious — coffee invigorates and tones, and chicory is just a drink with some beneficial effects due to the content of vitamins and inulin.

In matters of taste, you can break even more spears than talking about the benefits. The rich aroma of coffee, its complex flavor palette, including sour, bitter, floral and fruity shades, but at the same time characterized by richness and strength, may not seem pleasant to everyone. As well as chicory. Therefore, you need to choose based on your feelings and impressions.