Nutritive Benefits of Chicory (Cichorium intybus): 

Chicory root contains some phytochemicals such as inulin (starch-like polysaccharide), coumarins, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones (lactucin and lactucopicrin), tannins, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, and volatile oils.

The secondary metabolites (flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins) found in chicory have been reported to demonstrate some biological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antihepatotoxic, which impact positive health effect on humans and livestock.

Inulin (starch-like polysaccharide)found in Chicoery roots :- 

Inulin is a polymer of fructose with β-(2-1)-glycosidic-linkage which accounts for up to 68% of the total compounds present in fresh chicory roots.

As a prebiotic, inulin is low in calorie and dietary fiber, making it a good replacement for sugar and an ideal component for diabetic nutrition

 Fresh chicory roots contain, by dry weight, 68% of inulin (a polysaccharide similar to starch), 14% sucrose, 5% cellulose, 6% protein, 4% ash, and 3% other compounds.

Dry chicory root extract contains, by weight, approximately 98% inulin and 2% of other compounds

Various studies have reported that prebiotics stimulates the growth of host-beneficial gut bacteria, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria for overall beneficial health

Probiotic:- 

A prebiotic may stimulate the immune system, decrease the levels of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine, relieve constipation, decrease the risk of osteoporosis by increasing essential mineral absorption especially calcium, and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by lowering the synthesis of triglycerides and fatty acids in the liver as well as lowering their serum levels 

Mixing of Coffee powder : Chicory powder  ( in 70: 30  or  60:40 ): 

It is  reported that moderate caffeine intake, especially through coffee, may lower the risks of type-2 diabetes, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. 

But, high doses, especially from energy drinks, may harm cardiovascular health, and unfiltered coffee can also raise LDL cholesterol levels.

As per one opinion,   drinking four cups of coffee a day may lower the risk of developing cancer, type-2 diabetes, heart diseases, and age-related disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 

But it is  suggested that it would be prudent for pregnant and lactating women to limit their coffee intake to three cups a day.

Drinking hot black coffee is recommended, with little or no additives like sugar or milk. 

Adding milk to black coffee can be good, as milk contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and allays the bitter taste.

Some people add   chicory, which comes from a perennial herbal plant with coloured flowers. This herb contains no caffeine but a polysaccharide called inulin, which supports digestion and can help control blood sugar.

 Chicory contains several compounds that help protect the liver from inflammation, shield the stomach from damage, and may help defend against cancer. Adding chicory to coffee also improves coffee’s fragrance and taste.

The optimal blend of coffee and chicory was suggested to be 70:30 or 60:40, coffee to chicory, to strike a balance between taste and benefits. In fact, most coffee sellers across India have these ratios, unless of course, a customer asks for ‘pure’ coffee.