Benefits of Kasni Kutti
Chicory root good for digestion
Chicory root is a good source of friendly bacteria called inulin. These bacteria also called probiotics improves the functioning of the digestive system. Chicory root help in fighting various digestive concerns such acid, reflux disease, indigestion and heart burn as it works well to reduce acidity.
Chicory root reduces heart problems
Inulin present in chicory root helps reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol gets deposited on the walls of blood vessels causing blockages and restricting the blood flow. This condition leads to atherosclerosis and high blood Pressure and can also cause life threatening problems like stroke and hearyt attack. Chicory also has anti-thrombotic and anti-arrhythmic properties in it.
Chicory root prevents Cancer
Chicory root has been seen to reduce tumour growth in various studies done on cancer. Preliminary studies done on this topic has shown that the anti-tumor and antioxidant properties of chicory contribute to this benefit.
Chicory root has anti-inflamatory
Chicory in a 2010 study has been seen to reduce inflammation and pain among a majority of the subjects. It is extremely effective on reducing pain caused due to osteoarthritis. Chicory root used to reduce aches, muscle pains and soreness of the joints.
Chicory root fiber helps in weight loss
Olgifructose and inulin are found in chicory root. These two components are very good in weight management as they regulate ghrelin, an amino acid responsible for hunger pangs. This controls and avoids over eating and promotes a sense of satisfaction and fullness.
Chicory Reduces Anxiety
Chicory relieves stress by letting a person relax due to its sedative property. Chicory root of this plant can be consumed to induce sleep. Being a natural sedative it is safer than the chemical ones that are produced commercially. Reducing stress and anxiety helps lower the chance of having a list of health problems like heart diseases, hormonal , imbalance, insomnia, premature aging and cognitive disorders.
Chicory good for healthy kidneys
Amount of urination can be increased by consuming extracts of the chicory root. This extract has diuretic properties that increase the frequency and amount of urine passed. Chicory Root helps the body to get rid of excess accumulated toxins that are stored in the liver and the kidney.
Uses of Chicory (Kasni)
Chicory is used as a substitute of coffee. Though it does not contain caffeine, it gives similar effects as the original beverage. Its young leaves form a good ingredient for fresh salads while its matured leaves are used for cooking just like a vegetable. The medicinal uses of chicory are many as it treats various health conditions. Chicory is used to extract inulin which is helps in various bodily procedures such as digestion. Inulin is responsible for regulating microbial fermentation, putting a check on the amount of fat and cholesterol being absorbed and it increases the beneficial HDLs while reducing the harmful LDLs.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Chicory (Kasni)
Chicory though has a truck load of benefits, like everything else it has drawbacks too. If you are allergic to marigolds, ragweed and daisies you might also be allergic to chicory as they are closely related. People suffering from gallstone should not consume this plant in excess as it would aggravate the situation. Pregnant women should avoid consuming chicory as it could up the risk of having a miscarriage by stimulating menstruation.
Cultivation of Chicory (Kasni)
Chicory is a native of Eurasia that was taken later to America by the Europeans. Today it is found growing naturally there. In India chicory grows mostly in the northwest and southern parts. It is cultivated for its leaves, roots and seeds. Chicory grows well in well-drained soil where too much water cannot accumulate like sandy and chalky soil.