Wild chicory (called dandelion, dandelion or dandelion) is appreciated for its versatility as it is compatible with manyrecipes. The plant can be foraged and collected in the wild or grown in a garden. Wild chicory is a flowering perennial with a long, thick root and a very short stem with smooth leaves with serrated edges (hence the name dandelion). The flowers are golden yellow and the entire plant is edible. The leaves can be used raw in salads or included in recipes, just likespinach.
Wild chicory is prized as a medicinal plant, and the roots can be dried and used as a coffee substitute. The plant grows in meadows and pastures and the leaves are harvested when the plant flowers.
Properties and benefits of wild chicory
- It is full of vitamins and minerals. Rich in nutrients, wild chicory has been used as a medicinal herb for millennia. Rich in vitamins A, K and E; It also contains vitamin C and folate. Its mineral content includes potassium, calcium and iron. Other healing substances found in wild chicory include carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin.
- It is easy to grow. Wild chicory makes a hearty addition to a backyard garden for those who want to use the leaves in recipes. It grows from sprout to seed in a few days, but can live for years thanks to its deep root system. New plants can be grown by dividing the root system and strong leaves will emerge through gravel and concrete.
- Fights diabetes. Wild chicory added to your diet will reduce your risk of developing diabetes. The juiced leaves act as a catalyst in the production of insulin, helping to keep blood sugar levels low. The juice is also a diuretic that helps remove blood sugar from the kidneys by increasing urination.
- Promotes healthy bones, fights cancer and more. For a strong skeletal system, wild chicory reduces the risk of age-related diseases due to their high calcium content and presence of vitamin C. It also reduces the development of tumors by detoxifying and protects the body from luteolin poisons which are an essential component of cancer cells. Its rich iron value contributes to the reduction of developing anemia and regulates blood pressure.
- Keeps the liver healthy. Wild chicory reduces the risk of liver disease due to their high antioxidant content. It helps maintain a balance in the flow of bile (reducing the risk of developing liver diseases such as jaundice) and stimulates the liver to aid digestion (reducing the risk of constipation). It also helps maintain a healthy gallbladder.