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A few weeks back, we went to Timbertales - a secluded resort located in a 100-acre coffee plantation in Coorg, Karnataka. While our experience was delightful, what stood out was the knowledge we gained about coffee. Surrounded by vibrant greenery and the pleasant smell of dew and roasted coffee beans, every moment at Timbertales felt like being embraced by nature. During our time there, Somana, the resort’s expert on coffee, casually mentioned: “Did you know that most coffee in India has chicory in it?” Chicory is a root related to dandelions. It is usually roasted, ground, and mixed with coffee to improve its taste. Chicory has a woody flavor and a nutty scent that many in France and India appreciate. “The more chicory in your coffee, the less expensive it is,” Somana said with a grin. While chicory enhances the flavor and scent of coffee, it can also impact your stomach. Somana pointed out that too much chicory can cause acidity. Scientific research backs this up. Although chicory is a bit less acidic than coffee, consuming too much can lead to stomach issues like bloating and gas.
A study featured in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that chicory inulin products, while high in fiber, might mildly increase digestive problems. Interestingly, some individuals who blame coffee for their acidity might actually be reacting to the chicory that’s mixed in. Some research has also indicated that chicory root is beneficial for digestion when consumed in moderation. "Chicory is usually added to lessen the bitterness of coffee,” stated Pavithra N Raj, Chief Dietician at Manipal Hospital in Yeshwantpur, Bangaluru, Karnataka, in an interview with NDTV. “However, filter coffee without chicory is generally less acidic. Including chicory might raise the acidity of the coffee and lead to more digestive problems. The amount of chicory in your coffee should not go over 20-30%," the expert added. This raises an important question: If ingredients like chicory can make digestion harder, is pure coffee a better option? For those who don’t know, 100% pure coffee consists of only natural coffee and water – no mixtures, no filters. It turns out that pure coffee, especially black coffee, has many health benefits when consumed in moderation.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, coffee has antioxidants that provide these nine health advantages:
- Increases energy
- Improves concentration
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Beneficial for heart health
- May help you live longer
- Lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- Reduces the chance of colon cancer
- Supports liver health
- Lowers the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Dietitian Pavithra N Raj mentions, "Drinking plain coffee is thought to assist with weight loss. A lot of individuals choose to have it before working out. Therefore, having plain coffee is fine as long as you consume it in reasonable amounts.""There is no issue with enjoying chicory coffee or regular black coffee. These instant coffee mixes often have a lower amount of chicory and more coffee, which is still safe for people. Thus, you can enjoy both varieties, but remember to do so in moderation," the expert concludes. While chicory root can sometimes cause acidity, it's not entirely negative. You can enjoy it, but again, the expert advises doing so in moderation. Additionally, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional before introducing anything new into your diet.
