Chicory salad, or endive - a vegetable culture, which is externally very similar to a leaf salad;Only its leaf has a narrower and oblong shape. This plant is the "closest relative" of a dandelion familiar to all and belongs to the family of astroves.
Salad chicory, as the name suggests, has found the widest application in cooking, and with proper use it can bring tremendous benefits to our body. Let's see what properties are inherent in it and whether there are any contraindications to its use.
Characteristics of the
Endivian plant is in the form of a head, painted in a light green color. The leaves of lettuce chicory, as seen in the photo, are smooth, not dissected and "curly", about 10-12 cm long. But depending on the variety, the shade of this vegetable will be different;it can be light yellow, saturated green, red and maroon. To taste endive bitter, therefore less popular with other similar salad cultures.
Chicory comes from Asia Minor, from where it was brought and cultivated in Europe and America. In natural conditions, it grows along roadsides and meadows, and for cultivated plants, well-illuminated areas with no weeds are required.
Exposure to the body
Now we should consider the benefits of lettuce chicory and whether its use can cause any harm to our body.
About the benefits of
Endive has a unique composition that exerts a multilateral influence on many organs and systems of the human body.
- Vitamin A, which in this vegetable is much more than in other products, is necessary for vision. In addition, it promotes the production of collagen, which takes care of the beauty and health of our skin.
Important! Using daily fresh from salad chicory, you can achieve amazing results in a few weeks - it is noticeable to restore your eyesight and tone up the muscular system of the eyes!
- Group B vitamins are especially important for the normal functioning of the central nervous system - they help normalize sleep, help fight stress and neuroses, restore emotional balance. In addition, these substances take an active part in metabolic processes and are useful for muscle tissue.
- Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, increases the defenses of the body and helps it overcome the negative impact of the environment.
- Inulin - normalizes blood sugar, which is very important for people with excess weight and is useful for people suffering from diabetes.
- . Due to the high content of dietary fiber, rapid saturation occurs and the intestines are cleansed of the decay products. Also, lettuce chicory gently eliminates constipation.
- Intibin takes care of our digestive system, as well as the gallbladder and liver. Thanks to him, the work of the cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems comes to normal.
Recommendation! If you suffer from anemia, then a mix of juice of chicory salad, parsley and celery will help you - it's a wonderful tonic for the blood!
- Potassium improves the function of muscle tissue, as well as cardiac muscle and helps in the fight against hypertension.
- Magnesium is the prevention of kidney stones, as well as a substance that increases the "good" cholesterol.
- Manganese takes an active part in the process of producing important for our body enzymes.
Recommendation! To reduce asthmatic attacks, it is recommended to use freshly squeezed endivia juice, combined with fresh carrots and celery.
Salad chicory has found its application in cosmetology. For example, the regular use of its juice has a positive effect on the skin condition and helps to eliminate acne.
In addition, this vegetable is able to remove excess fluid from the body, which makes it an excellent product for those who want to lose weight.
Note! The famous French nutritionist Pierre Ducant included this plant in his diet - lettuce chicory acts as the main product at all stages of the diet developed by him.
Are there any contraindications?
There is no reliable data on the harm from eating salad chicory. Eating this vegetable in moderate amounts, you will bring only good to your body, and it will not have any side effects. Although you should not forget about individual intolerance, which can bring with you allergic reactions and intestinal disorders.
In addition, since salad chicory contains a large amount of vitamin A, its reception should not be combined with alcohol consumption and smoking;it is better to refrain from these bad habits and "push" them away for at least 6 hours before and after tasting dishes that contain endives.