Chicory during pregnancy: benefits, contraindications and features of use

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

In the happy period of expecting a baby, every woman tries to carefully monitor her he alth. At this time, the menu is significantly limited, and the expectant mother refuses herself in many ways, including the use of her favorite drinks, in particular coffee. But it is quite possible to replace it, and the analogue is absolutely natural - it is chicory. It helps to cheer up and at the same time does not contain harmful caffeine in its composition. Thus, chicory during pregnancy becomes an excellent alternative to coffee.

Chicory: composition and useful properties

In the composition of the chicory root found:

• vitamins of group B, as well as A, C, E and PP;
• minerals - sodium, manganese, phosphorus, iron and potassium;
• about 15% sugars;
• tannins;
• organic acids;
• cholines;
• chicorine;
• essential oils;
• intibin.

The last component in the list - intibin - is actively used in the pharmaceutical field. Based on it, preparations are made that help normalize the functions of the nervous system.

Due to the unique set of biologically active substances, chicory is able to exhibit a number of useful properties: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, choleretic, soothing, stimulating appetite.

Chicory in the diet

The chicory that can be found on sale today is an extract from the roots of the plant. And as a rule, it has three forms: syrup, granules and powder in tea bags. Among all the most common is granular chicory. In addition to pure drink in stores and pharmacies, there are mixtures with various medicinal plants or dried berries.

During pregnancy, instant chicory is used instead of coffee, both in pure form and with a small portion of milk. For taste, you can add sugar or sweet syrup. In addition, its granules or powder are often added to salads and hot dishes - chicory helps to make them taste brighter, more original and gives additional benefits.

How does chicory affect the body?

Drinking chicory during pregnancy is good for the following reasons:

• he calms, relieves stress and uplifts;
• drink promotes vasodilation, normalizes cholesterol levels and does not increase blood pressure;
• displays frombody toxins, toxins, other harmful compounds, thus establishing the work of all internal organs;
• having in its composition a set of important biologically active substances, it normalizes the blood formula and is an additional source of vitamins;
• works as a mild diuretic;
• improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and regulates metabolic processes in the body.

Help the nervous system

Nervousness, worries for any reason - these are the conditions that are characteristic of pregnancy. Chicory, containing intibin in its composition, will help relieve increased anxiety and nervous tension. And at the same time, unlike pharmaceutical preparations, such a drink will take care not only of the condition of the expectant mother, but also of the he alth of the fetus. Plus, it is natural, and with its help a woman can reduce the amount of chemicals consumed.

Normalization of the digestive system

During the period of gestation, the work of the digestive organs is often disrupted, which provokes bouts of nausea, heartburn and constipation. In this case, a small cup of soluble chicory will help. During pregnancy, such a drink quickly solves the problems of the digestive system. With its help, the functions of the stomach are normalized, acidity is reduced and intestinal peristalsis is improved. As a result, it is possible to establish intestinal patency and significantly improve overall he alth.

Improve the blood formula

When pregnantchicory can be recommended for use in case of anemia, because, as you know, this condition is often observed in expectant mothers. The instant drink is rich in iron and other trace elements that improve blood composition and compensate for the deficiency of erythrocytes - blood cells that help supply nutrients to every cell in the body.

To normalize the blood count, a solution of chicory juice is recommended for use. For 100 g of milk, add 5 ml of juice and take it three times a day. If it was not possible to find such juice on sale, then you can make it yourself: pour chicory buds and its shoots with boiling water and pass through a meat grinder. Then we squeeze out the liquid from the resulting mass and boil it for five minutes. Chicory juice is ready.

Help with swelling

During pregnancy, problems with urination are far from uncommon. As a result, congestion is formed, which provokes the formation of edema. In this case, the chicory drink is prepared from the crushed roots of the plant. 4 tablespoons of raw materials are poured with a glass of boiling water and left in a thermos for 8 hours. Ready tea is drunk 3-4 times a day.

Early consumption of chicory drink

Chicory during early pregnancy, in the absence of contraindications, you can drink without fear. Since the drink does not contain any harmful substances in its composition, it is not capable of causing potential harm to either the expectant mother or the fetus.

However, in any case, consultation with a specialist is necessary, since onlyyour doctor is able to say for sure whether chicory during pregnancy is in your case. This is especially important in a situation where you are going to drink this drink for the first time.

Methods of making a drink from chicory

Drink from chicory, as mentioned above, can be prepared from granules, dry powder or syrup. Such forms are sold today in many stores and pharmacies. Consider recipes.

• Coffee. Pour boiling water over a couple of tablespoons of dry root, bring to a boil and cook at a low boil for a quarter of an hour. Leave covered for 5 minutes, strain and pour into cups.
• Cocoa. Mix 2 tablespoons of chicory with 2-3 teaspoons of sugar and pour half a liter of milk. Mix everything, put on fire, let it boil and cook for five minutes with constant stirring. It is advisable to filter the finished drink before drinking.
• With diabetes. Drinking chicory during pregnancy in this case is recommended in small portions throughout the day. A drink is prepared from a teaspoon of the root, poured with 200 ml of boiling water. The mixture is boiled in a water bath for 10 minutes, after which it is filtered.
• With diseases of the kidneys, liver and nervous disorders. In such situations, it is better to use dried grass. To prepare a drink, a teaspoon of raw materials is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and left under the lid for 30 minutes. Then the infusion is filtered and drunk throughout the day in small portions.
• Soluble chicory drinks are much easier to prepare. For this, granules orit is enough to pour the powder with hot water (it is better not to use boiling water) and add sugar to taste. If desired, you can pour a few tablespoons of milk. But at the same time, remember that such an additive can greatly change the taste of chicory, which not everyone likes. In most cases, this is due to the frequent change in taste preferences during pregnancy.

Contraindications

Having figured out when you can drink chicory during pregnancy, you should also dwell on its contraindications.

1. Chicory is a medicinal plant, the use of which can provoke the development of allergies.
2. Direct contraindications include individual intolerance. In addition, when purchasing mixtures that contain other herbs in addition to chicory, one should definitely pay attention to their properties. For example, stevia can provoke an increase in pressure, and ginseng stimulates uterine tone.
3. When using chicory during pregnancy with milk, you need to monitor the reaction of your body. It happens that this combination leads to problems with pressure and arrhythmias. Such conditions are evidence that you are not recommended to drink these products together, even if their individual use does not lead to a deterioration in well-being.
4. It is highly undesirable to drink chicory decoctions and infusions for varicose veins.
5. For gastritis, liver disease, gallbladder and peptic ulcer, such drinks should be completely excluded from your diet.
6. Uncontrolled consumption of chicory during pregnancy can cause he alth problems. In small quantities and in the absence of contraindications, such a drink will not bring harm.

In addition, it is recommended to start eating chicory during pregnancy with small portions. If at the same time you feel good - such a drink may well be present on your menu.