The contents
What is chicory?
The advantages of chicory compared to coffee
The use of chicory for pregnant women
Possible harm and contraindications
Pregnancy brings about many changes in a woman’s life – some habits and eating habits fall under the ban. For example, it is recommended to avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages. This whole test is for lovers Cup of strong, hot drink immediately after waking up.
How can I replace all favorite morning coffee without harm to the health of mother and baby? Many see the solution to this problem in the consumption of chicory during pregnancy. Magicforum figured out what can replace caffeine during pregnancy.
What is chicory?
Few people think about the benefits that carries a small weed growing along roads, in meadows and forest clearings. To attract attention can only beautiful flowers, heavenly colors, decorating nondescript in itself the plant.
However, all that is valuable in chicory, hidden from view under the ground. For the industry of interest is the root of the plant, the rich composition of which determines its use. The most important components are:
•inulin;
•the pectin;
•b-vitamins;
•ascorbic acid;
•vitamins a, E, PP;
•iron;
•potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc.
Harvested plant material can be using
wild chicory, its drying root, fried and crushing. Or to confide in industrial production and to go to the nearest store or pharmacy, where it is easy to find chicory mostly in the form of liquid extract, soluble powder or roasted ground root.
The advantages of chicory compared to coffee
Undeniable is the use of substancesincluded in the composition of the drink from chicory root. However, the main feature that draws the attention of pregnant women is the lack of caffeine.
Studies show that drinking any products with caffeine and theobromine, increase the load on the cardiovascular system, and disturb the absorption of calcium and iron from food, stimulate the nervous system, irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Especially negative impact is manifested in the use of more than 2 – 3 cups of coffee a day, however, considering all the possible effects of this drink is useful for pregnant women.
A worthy alternative to tea and coffee in the diet can be chicory. This drink contains a large number of components required during pregnancy, for the same taste reminiscent of coffee, especially with sugar and cream or milk.
The use of chicory for pregnant women
The most powerful component of chicory – inulin, belonging to the group of dietary fibers. Digestive system of man it is not digested, but is a great prebiotic, feeding beneficial intestinal flora. Together with the pectin helps to combat constipation – a problem familiar to many pregnant women. In the presence of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, tendency to diabetes inulin is particularly useful for its hypoglycemic effect.
The iron contained in chicory are digested and absorbed much better than from other plant foods, promotes the normalization of hemoglobin levels and prevention of anemia at elevated needs of the body during pregnancy. It should be noted that the milk added to the drink to improve the taste of, interferes with the absorption of iron.
Potassium and magnesium have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system is experiencing a heavy load due to the increased volume of blood and also regulate the balance of electrolytes in the blood, help get rid of leg cramps, often disturbing pregnant.
Calcium and phosphorus are essential ingredients for the formation of bone system of the fetus and for prevention of osteoporosis in the mother.
B vitamins support the normal functioning of the nervous system, have a calming effect, normalizes sleep.
Possible harm and contraindications
The main contraindication for use is the presence of food Allergy to chicory and its components, so for the first time trying this drink is better to confine a small amount of low concentration.
Other States in which the use of chicory is not recommended:
gallstone disease is due to a choleretic effect, may dislodge stones in the bladder, their impaction in the duct and the development of colic;
low blood pressure;
gastritis, peptic ulcer disease;
urolithiasis with the formation of oxalate stones.
varicose veins of lower extremities other venous pathology.
In the case of pain in the lower extremities, dizziness, headache,
abdominal discomfort, sharp relief chair recommended to stop taking chicory and consult with your doctor.
Reviews of doctors about the drink from chicory
In the case of good individual tolerability of chicory can be recommended for consumption by pregnant women up to three cups a day.
Considering the temperature regime used in the processing of raw materials, preference should be given to the liquid extract or roasted chopped root. Instant powder is convenient to use, but contains fewer vitamins that are thermolabile substances and partially destroyed by spray-drying.
Ideal the doctors is the transition from coffee to chicory to the planning stage of pregnancy, since it is possible to verify the absence of unwanted effects of taking a drink without any harm to the unborn child. The consumption of large amounts of caffeine associated with difficulties in conceiving, so when trying to get pregnant, it is recommended to reduce the intake of this substance to a minimum.
In General, if you use chicory reasonable to take into account contraindications and do not exceed the permitted number of cups per day, from flavorful, delicious drink you can get not only fun, but also benefits the entire body.
Doctors recommend that you start eating chicory with small doses, to understand how it affects your body. If everything is OK, then it can become a part of your diet.
Earlier, the scientists said, whether harmful or beneficial chicory.