Chicory ~ Know Your Food

Chicory is a “bitter green” also known as curly endive. It is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Thiamin, Niacin and Zinc, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.

Chicory greens—the leaves of the chicory plant, often used as a salad green—are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that support eye health. The Nurses’ Health Study (which followed more than 77,000 subjects) found that 22% fewer cataract surgeries were necessary among women over age 45 who had the most lutein and zeaxanthin in their diet. The combination of vitamins C, K, folate and manganese make chicory greens particularly healthy for your bones as well.