Chicory is a woody, herbaceous plant and is used as condiments in different foods. Often used as a caffeine-free option, you may want to consume chicory during pregnancy as a substitute for coffee since it has a similar taste. However, you may need to consider its benefits and possible side effects before adding it to your pregnancy diet. This post will tell you about chicory, including its benefits and harmful effects on pregnant women.
What Is Chicory?
Chicory is a herbaceous, woody plant popular as the cousin to the dandelion. The herb is native to Europe, but it is cultivated all over the world. Chicory is also used as a flavoring agent in many food items. It is also used as a coffee substitute in some beverages, including some coffee beverages. Several different parts of chicory, such as leaves, flowers, roots, and buds, provide many medicinal benefits. The herb has a high nutritional value, so the right amount of the herb can be good for you (1).
Is It Safe To Eat Chicory During Pregnancy?
Research and studies reveal that chicory is not safe to consume in large amounts while expecting. However, if there is no substitute, then you can have a word with your doctor and have a small amount of chicory in pregnancy. Chicory is a strong uterine stimulant and can trigger uterine contractions during pregnancy, thus endangering your health as well as your fetus. The consumption of a large amount of chicory can trigger menstruation during pregnancy and lead to abortion. So, even if it offers many health benefits, you should avoid taking roasted chicory or drinking chicory tea during pregnancy.
Health Benefits Of Chicory During Pregnancy
High nutritional content in chicory can provide you many health and medicinal benefits during pregnancy even if you consume the herb in very small quantities.
1. Relieves Digestive Problems:
Chicory contains inulin, a strong probiotic. So eating the herb helps you combat several digestive and intestinal problems, such as indigestion, constipation, heartburn, acid reflux, and acidity, during pregnancy (2).
2. Prevents Cancer:
Research reveals that chicory extract minimizes the tumor growth and prevents the risk of several kinds of cancers during pregnancy. The herb contains fructans that provide it antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. Also, phytochemicals and polyphenols in the herb aid in preventing the risk of development of colorectal and breast cancer while expecting (3).
3. Minimizes Arthritis Pain:
Anti-inflammatory properties of chicory aid in minimizing pain resulting due to osteoarthritis during pregnancy. The herb helps you obtain relief from joint soreness, aches, and muscle pains effectively (4).
4. Promotes Kidney Health:
You can use chicory root extract as an effective diuretic during pregnancy. The herb promotes urination and aids in eliminating toxins from your kidney and liver. Thus chicory prevents the risk of water accumulation in your body while expecting (2).
5. Boosts Immunity:
Chicory acts as an immunity booster during pregnancy. Antibacterial properties of the herb protect you from bacterial infections while expecting. Phytochemicals act as antioxidants and other nutrients prevent the risk of development of heart problems and other ailments while expecting (7).
Side Effects Of Eating Chicory During Pregnancy
Even though there are several health benefits of consumption of chicory during pregnancy, an excess of consumption of the herb can make you suffer from certain side-effects. Some of the common side effects include:
Sudden uterine contractions during pregnancy Menstruation during pregnancy Abortion or miscarriage Skin inflammation Itching Appetite suppression Substantial weight loss Difficulty in breathing Wheezing Fatigue Bloating and gas Abdominal pain Drowsiness
