Chicory in early pregnancy: benefits and harm, contraindications

Everyone knows that during pregnancy, coffee can only be consumed in limited quantities, or is completely prohibited. For some women, this will not be a problem, but there are coffee lovers who find it difficult to give up their favorite drink. In this case, chicory can be used as a substitute, because it tastes similar to coffee. Chicory should be drunk during pregnancy regardless of your love for coffee, as it has many beneficial properties.

Is it possible to eat chicory during pregnancy?

Pregnant women need to pay special attention to their health, so before consuming any food or drink, you need to find out in advance whether they are allowed in their position. The answer to the question of whether chicory is allowed during pregnancy is definitely yes. This is even necessary, since the properties of this plant are extremely beneficial for the body, especially during this period.

Benefits of chicory during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body has to bear double the load. This is especially true for the hematopoietic and cardiovascular systems, because the need for blood increases. Chicory helps to ease the load on the heart, refreshes and cleanses the blood, and also increases the hemoglobin level. At the same time, this component supports the function of the spleen and liver and stabilizes the level of glucose in the blood, which is why it is often recommended for diabetics.

It is also known that hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy often cause feelings of nervousness, anxiety and irritability. With the help of a cup of instant chicory, you can stabilize your emotional state, as this plant has a calming effect on the nervous system, which is different from coffee, which, on the contrary, has a stimulating effect on the body.

In addition, this drink has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract - it activates gastric function, helps cope with nausea, relieves heartburn and constipation, and at the same time normalizes intestinal function.

Indications chicory in pregnancy

The main indication for the use of chicory during pregnancy is the plant's ability to improve liver function, which allows toxins to be removed from the body more effectively. Studies have shown that chicory helps restore liver function.

The plant contains a large amount of inulin. This is a special type of fiber - a nutrient component necessary for bifidobacteria, which help maintain intestinal tone. Chicory will help cope with flatulence and eliminate digestive disorders.

In addition, this plant reduces cholesterol levels and helps treat anemia.

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Pharmacodynamics

Chicory contains the following components: retinol, tocopherol, naphthoquinone and ascorbic acid, as well as thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenate and pyridoxine, as well as folic acid, choline and nicotinamide. In addition, the following minerals are calcium with potassium, sodium with magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus, as well as zinc, selenium and manganese.

The roots of the plant contain the glycoside intibin, which is actively used in the production of various medicines.

Regular consumption of a drink with chicory increases the level of red blood cells, which improves the composition of the blood.

During pregnancy, this component:

• stabilizes cardiac function and vascular tone;
• normalizes liver function, due to which toxins are removed from the body much faster, which is very important when carrying a child;
• helps to normalize the gastrointestinal tract, eliminating constipation, which is observed in many pregnant women, especially in the last stages of gestation. At the same time, it increases appetite, eliminates heartburn and has general tonic properties;
• also has antibacterial activity;
• has a relaxing and calming effect - this is very useful in the early stages of pregnancy, as it helps to support the function of the nervous system, which has a positive effect on the development of the fetus;
• normalizes metabolism, which is necessary for women with a tendency to gain weight, especially during lactation or pregnancy;
• prevents the risk of developing anemia, which is very common during pregnancy. Chicory increases the level of red blood cells, which are involved in the transport of oxygen to all organs, and in addition to this, to the fetus;
• has powerful choleretic and diuretic properties.

At the same time, chicory has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, reduces glucose levels and serves as a source of B vitamins for the body.

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Chicory during early pregnancy

Chicory is completely harmless for consumption in the early stages of pregnancy, as it does not contain any harmful components that could worsen the condition of the pregnant woman or negatively affect the development of the embryo.

But, in any case, each woman’s body, as well as the course of pregnancy, are completely individual, so before using chicory, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if this drink has never been consumed before.

Chicory with milk during pregnancy

Pregnant women are advised to drink milk to provide the child with the amount of calcium necessary for the formation of the skeleton. However, some have problems with the processes of digestion and assimilation of this product - in such cases, chicory will come in handy.

You should heat up the milk and add a few spoons of instant chicory. This plant has the necessary properties that make it easier to digest milk – it will not curdle in the stomach.

Dosing and administration

When making the drink, you should use chicory root - you can buy it already crushed and ready to drink. You should boil water, and pour boiling water into a cup, having previously added chicory there (in the amount of 1 teaspoon). Then add sugar to taste, and also milk (if desired). If ground chicory was used, it is recommended to let the drink brew for some time.

You should drink this drink 3-4 times a day.

The crushed root of the plant can be one of the components of tonic drinks. The fillers can be varied - lemon, apple juice or honey, etc.

Chicory roots can also be used as an additive to salads or vinaigrettes. Stewed chicory will be an excellent and original side dish for meat dishes.

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Contraindications

But, nevertheless, although the plant has many useful properties, it also has contraindications. It is forbidden to drink chicory drink with ulcers of the duodenum or stomach, with hemorrhoids, gastritis and varicose veins.

This drink should be used with caution, as frequent use in large quantities can lead to an acceleration of the process of removing fluid from the body. This can be useful if a woman has edema, but can also cause dehydration.

The use of chicory is also contraindicated in bronchitis or asthma, because this plant can provoke a cough. In addition to the natural discomfort of coughing, for a pregnant woman this can be fraught with contraction of the uterus and abdominal walls, which, in turn, increases the risk of miscarriage.

In addition, it should be taken into account that due to the presence of vitamin C in the plant, an allergic reaction may develop in women who are sensitive to this element. An overdose of vitamins can be fraught with various negative consequences.

It is also known that this drink can increase appetite, so if you are prone to obesity, you should drink it in moderate doses.

Overdose

Frequent consumption of chicory can cause an overdose of ascorbic acid, which is fraught with complications such as angioedema.

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Storage conditions

Chicory should be kept in hermetically sealed jars, and scooped up exclusively with a dry spoon, because even the slightest contact with water causes it to roll into hard lumps. Therefore, the storage place should also be dry. The storage temperature should not exceed 25 degrees.

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Shelf life

Chicory during pregnancy is allowed to be used only during the period when it is fit for consumption; after the expiration date, it cannot be drunk. In liquid form, the drink can be stored for 1 year. In the form of soluble powder, it is suitable for 1-1.5 years. Some types of chicory can be suitable for use for up to 2 years.

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