Ellie Lauderdale Chicory is an edible vegetable belonging to the same family as chicory . It is also known as bitter chicory or bitter leaf.
Its consumption is associated with several positive effects for the body as it has a high capacity to eliminate bacteria and parasites, bringing mainly dermatological benefits.
Get to know this and other benefits, the types of almeirão that exist and the best way to consume the vegetable. Follow it below.
Benefits of garlic for your health
protects the skin
One of the most powerful medicinal benefits of chicory is its positive effects on the skin.
The extract from the root of this plant has protective and restructuring effects on the skin . ( 1 ) Being an “innovative ingredient to improve the skin’s barrier function”.
Eliminates microbes from the body
Chimney is a powerful antibacterial and, therefore, is able to prevent from simple to more serious diseases. ( 2 , 3 )
In addition, it has antiviral action and can act as an auxiliary treatment for diseases caused viruses. ( 4 )
Helps fight worms and parasites
The consumption of almeirão also confers the antiparasitic action . ( 5 )
This benefit has a positive impact mainly on the treatment of parasites that occupy the gastrointestinal tract and cause serious illnesses and symptoms.
Boosts immunity
consuming the properties of the almeirão, the body is able to increase its defenses against microbes and harmful agents, strengthening and stimulating the immune system.
In this way, the vegetable is able to prevent diseases and speed up medical treatments. ( 4 )
It has antioxidant properties
Chimney is rich in antioxidant substances capable of improving the health of the body’s cells and preventing serious diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinsonism and degenerative diseases in general. ( 4 )
This is because antioxidants fight free radicals, harmful substances that hinder the life cycle of cells and open the door to many health problems.
The consumption of antioxidant foods also helps fight and prevent premature aging, diabetes, hypertension and autoimmune diseases.
types of chicory
In addition to the common almeirão, we can also find the following types:
- purple hawthorn
- Almeirão Pão de Açúcar
- Almeirão Espadona (or Sword)
- Yellow leafy clam
- crispy chicken
- white chicken
- Broadleaf Chimney .
How to consume
chicory salad
This recipe is very easy to make and rich in nutrients. Learn following the steps below:
- Wash the chili leaves and cut into strips.
- Place the leaves in a bowl.
- Add 1 clove of garlic, chopped into small pieces, salt to taste, the juice of ½ lemon and 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Mix well.
braised salad
- Wash the chicory leaves and chop (or cut into strips). Reserve.
- In a saucepan, saute ½ chopped onion in a drizzle of oil.
- When the onion starts to brown, add 1 crushed or chopped garlic.
- Also add black pepper and salt to taste.
- Mix well to distribute flavor.
- Add the chicory and stir to sauté.
- After a few minutes, when everything is golden, turn off the heat and serve.
Contraindications
No scientifically supported contraindications were found regarding the consumption of almeirão. However, don’t overdo it , as any food (even if healthy) can be harmful when ingested in excess.
about the almeirão
The scientific name of the chicory is Cichorium intybus intybus, and it is a plant very similar to the common chicory, with the difference that it has longer and narrower leaves, covered little hairs and has a more bitter taste .
Despite being native to European territory, it can be found in several countries around the world, including Brazil.