keto asparagus soup
But what is chicory root and is it keto? Read on to find out!What Is Chicory Root?Chicory goes by many names, from blue dandelion to cornflower and wild endive.
Without the leaves, the chicory root has been cultivated in Europe for a very long time as a coffee substitute. Its roots can be baked, roasted, ground, and
used as an additive to coffees. Its taste is kind of woody and
thanks to the amount of dietary fiber it contains, it’s not broken down in the small intestine. Instead, it travels to your large intestine and colon. It’s known as a soluble fiber, which
helps eliminate cholesterol from our bodies and helps regulate blood sugar levels. This is just one of the many health benefits of chicory. Ever heard of radicchio or endives? Those are the leaves. The root is simply called chicory root. What Is Inulin?Chicory root contains up to 20% inulin, which is a polysaccharide similar to starch. It’s also considered a prebiotic fiber, which helps your body stimulate the growth of “good bacteria” in the large intestine.
8gCarbohydrates: 10. 5gFiber: 0. 9g fiberWhen you do the math, it doesn’t seem like a keto or low-carb-friendly vegetable. However, it’s actually something that comes from the root itself – inulin – that is most commonly used in the ketogenic diet and since it’s a fiber it contains 0g net carbs. How Is Chicory Root Used?As mentioned above, chicory root contains a fiber called inulin, which cannot be broken down by your digestive system. It’s also considered a prebiotic and soluble fiber. In foods and recipes, inulin is used as a replacement for sugar. For example, certain ketogenic recipes require yeast (think: some keto bread), which has to rise somehow. Inulin is a great substitute for sugar in these kinds of recipes. It can also be added to yogurts, cereals, granola, protein shakes, and more. Not only does it bulk up the food a bit, but it also helps you with your daily fiber intake thus keeping you full for longer.