Chicory better than coffee? Doctor's answer will surprise you
Can coffee be replaced with chicory (photo: Freepik)
Chicory is often called a healthier alternative to coffee. However, this is not always the case. Both drinks have different properties and affect the body differently, according to gastroenterologist and therapist Yevheniia Belinska.
Should you drink chicory
Many people think that chicory is healthier than coffee. However, in some cases, this is not true.
According to the doctor, chicory contains inulin, which can cause bloating and loose stools.
“If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, think twice before drinking chicory instead of coffee,” the doctor explained.
Chicory does not contain caffeine, so it does not give a sense of alertness or increased concentration, the very reason most people drink coffee. It also has a taste that only remotely resembles coffee.
“Each person makes their own decision, but I definitely cannot say that chicory is healthier than coffee,” the expert added.
In general, you can replace coffee not with a drink, but with habits:
- A glass of water in the morning
- Short physical activity (5–10 minutes)
- Daylight (greatly affects brain alertness)
Daily coffee limit not to exceed
As is known, excess caffeine can negatively affect health. Amount of caffeine in popular drinks:
- Espresso (30 ml) – 60–80 mg
- Filter coffee (240 ml) – 95–120 mg
- Instant coffee – 30–90 mg
- Energy drinks (250 ml) – 80 mg
Values may vary depending on the variety and preparation method.
According to the European Food Safety Authority, the overall safe limit for adults is up to 400 mg of caffeine per day — approximately 3–4 cups of filter coffee or 4–5 espressos.
Even at 200–400 mg/day, possible effects include:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure in sensitive people
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
