As soon as a woman sees those two telltale lines on the pregnancy stick, along with feeling joy she is filled with a lot of doubts as to what to eat or drink during this phase. What was safe earlier comes under the radar of doubt during the pregnancy period. This is because certain food products which had positive benefits under normal circumstances can have adverse effects on pregnancy.
Though chicory has a lot of benefits during pregnancy, on the flip side, because of its strong side effects like triggering uterine contractions and risks of abortion, it is recommended that to have chicory in moderation during pregnancy. So now let us see whether it is safe to eat chicory during pregnancy or not.
In This Article
- What is Chicory?
- General Health Benefits of Chicory
- Benefits of Chicory During Pregnancy
- Side-Effects of Chicory During Pregnancy
- Is it Safe to Eat Chicory During Pregnancy?
- FAQ’s
What is Chicory?
Chicory is a woody plant with bright blue flowers and it is a cousin to the dandelion plant. Chicory is also known as the sailor’s succor and wild succor. The leaves of this plant are used in salads, while its roots are baked, roasted, and ground and used as a coffee substitute.
Flowers and roots are also used for a lot of medicinal purposes. Because of its high nutritional value, this herb is highly beneficial.
General Health Benefits of Chicory
Chicory root, while frequently used as a supplement and food ingredient, may also be used as a coffee replacement. If you want to get the advantages of this fiber, boil the entire root. You can either consume it with a meal or make chicory root coffee for a hot beverage.
Following are some general health benefits of chicory:
1. Improves the Functioning of the Heart
Intake of chicory reduces the bad cholesterol which is responsible for a lot of heart problems and strokes.
2. Prevents Cancer
Research has found that chicory can reduce tumor growth and prevent several kinds of cancer.
3. Weight Loss
Chicory contains a good source of oligofructose and inulin that helps the body to lose weight.
4. Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Due to the sedative qualities that chicory possesses, it is a great aid in soothing the mind and reducing anxiety. Due to this quality, it reduces the chances of heart disease, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, and premature aging.
Moreover, chicory contains no caffeine so it can be used freely. It is found that consuming chicory reduces stress in the body.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Caffeine-free chicory coffee helps in a significant improvement in red blood cell deformability. This, in turn, reduces inflammation and may be the root cause of a lot of diseases. It also helps with pain and stiffness in joints and may help with arthritic symptoms.
6. Liver Protection
Chicory extract is found to be very rich in antioxidants and therefore acts as a great boost to the immune system and cleanses the liver.
8. Can Prevent or Delay the Onset of Diabetes
The extract of roasted chicory root has a fibrous makeup that can or delays the onset of diabetes.
Benefits of Chicory During Pregnancy
Besides the general benefits, chicory holds some advantages during pregnancy. Following are the top 6 benefits of consuming chicory during pregnancy
1. Store House of Vitamins and Minerals
Chicory is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals and therefore it makes up for the deficiency that occurs during pregnancy and thereby promotes the growth and development of the unborn baby.
2. Reduces Stress
A lot of doctors advise pregnant women to stay off caffeine during pregnancy. Chicory has no caffeine in it so it is a great substitute to reduce the consumption of caffeine and keep cortisol levels in check thereby reducing stress.
Being herbal in nature, chicory is supposed to have a very calming effect on the mind of the pregnant woman.
3. Prevents Digestive Issues
The common symptom of nausea, heartburn, and discomfort that are experienced during pregnancy are reduced by chicory consumption.
4. Reduces Constipation
Due to the presence of a large part of inulin, a strong probiotic, chicory helps in reducing constipation. Constipation is very common during pregnancy.
5. Immunity Booster
It acts as an immunity booster for pregnant women due to its anti-bacterial properties. Chicory thus helps in fighting against a number of dangerous diseases.
6. Chicory Helps Kidneys
Chicory extract acts as a natural diuretic that helps to increase urination frequency, thereby, eliminating all the toxins from the liver and the kidneys. It also helps in reducing water retention from the body during pregnancy.
Side-Effects of Chicory During Pregnancy
Though chicory has a lot of health benefits for pregnant women, the consumption of large quantities of chicory is known to have certain adverse effects. Some of the common ones include:
1. Abortion Risks
As this plant is an emmenagogue, it can bring on menstruation and can increase the risk of abortion when the consumption exceeds its required limit.
2. Sudden Uterine Contractions
Chicory is abortifacient in nature so it can cause sudden uterine contraction in pregnant women and thereby lead to a miscarriage.
3. Body Imbalance
Chicory intake can give a pregnant woman essential nutrients required for her body, but when consumed in large quantities it can lead to an imbalance in the body.
4. Chicory Triggers Weight Loss
According to some studies, chicory root fiber may regulate appetite and reduce overall calorie intake, potentially leading to weight loss. Therefore, it should be consumed in limited quantities during pregnancy. Excess use may result in weight loss in pregnant women, which is not desirable during this period.
5. Skin Ailments
It is known to cause skin problems like dermatitis and various other skin allergies in many pregnant women.
6. Allergic Reactions
People who are allergic to flowers like daisies, chrysanthemums, and marigolds should avoid using chicory. As chicory belongs to the same family, chicory may develop severe allergic reactions.
Various problems like hives, swelling on the face, intense and continuous itching, shortness of breath, difficulty in swallowing, wheezing, feeling of dizziness, loss of consciousness, and pale skin are some of the symptoms which can result due to an allergy from chicory.
7. Chicory can Cause Digestive Problems
Due to the presence of fiber in the chicory root, when it is consumed in large quantities, it can lead to gas, bloating, feeling of nausea, flatulence, severe cramps in the stomach, diarrhea, and a constant rumbling sound in the stomach.
Read here to know some of the home remedies to treat gas and bloating during pregnancy.
Is it Safe to Eat Chicory During Pregnancy?
It is found in a lot of research and studies that chicory is not safe to consume in large quantities during pregnancy. If there is no substitute, then you can have small amounts of chicory during pregnancy. But do check with your doctor before consuming it.
So to conclude as some people say it is better to follow the “all things in moderation approach” to the consumption of chicory. Compliance with the advice of the doctor will help a pregnant woman to avoid any kind of adverse effects which will result in a healthy pregnancy.
FAQ’s
1. Can I Add Chicory to my Coffee While Pregnant?
Yes, you can. Chicory has numerous health benefits. However, you cannot overload on coffee when pregnant.
2. Can Adding Chicory to my Coffee Lead to an Abortion?
It depends on the ratio and the quantity you consume. If chicory is added in small quantities to your single cup of coffee, it can be safe. Consuming too much of chicory can only harm you.
3. Can I Consume Chicory Daily, When Pregnant?
There is no recommended dosage for chicory consumption while pregnant. Chicory root has both benefits and side effects that can affect your pregnancy. Consult your doctor regarding the dosage.
4. Are There Other Foods That Contain Chicory?
Chicory root is included in the preparation of many food products including a few chocolates and health bars. Always check the ingredients list if you are keen on avoiding chicory. A quick research online can help you.
