Is Chicory Root Keto? Inulin Benefits & Gut Health

Ever heard of chicory root?

Probably not. Most people haven't.

But it's one of the main ingredients in our Keto Snacks, and there's a bloody good reason for that.

We're picky about what goes into our products. Everything has to be 100% natural, no weird chemicals, no artificial sweeteners.

Chicory root ticks every box. It's natural, it's sweet, and it won't touch your blood sugar or knock you out of ketosis.

So what actually is chicory root? And why are we putting bits of plant root in your keto bars?

Fair questions.

Let's break it down.

Chicory Root comes from the Chicory Plant, which is a pretty little blue flower that is part of the Dandelion family.

This ingredient has recently gained popularity among keto followers due to its high soluble fibre content and minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

By including products with this root in your ketogenic diet, you not only enhance the nutritional value of your meals but also support healthy digestion and maintain stable blood sugar levels! 

Amazing!

Additionally, chicory root contains inulin, and inulin is pretty awesome...

So, how can this little root contain so many wonderful health benefits?

It’s all attributed to one thing in particular, naturally found in chicory root… inulin!

Let’s get a little technical…

Inulin is a soluble prebiotic fibre characterized as an oligosaccharide - another fancy way of saying a carbohydrate fibre… and this is a good thing!

It will pass through your body undigested, all the way to your colon and onwards, and can improve bowel movements, help irritable bowel syndrome issues, and ease constipation.

Your body cannot absorb the Inulin fibre which means that it cannot be used as energy by the body, however, it does help slow down the rate at which food leaves our stomach, leaving us to feel fuller for longer. That is a blessing when starting a new diet.

It has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including its potential to cleanse the liver, which we will talk about in a little while...

But the big question is.....

Is Chicory Root Keto Friendly?

The short answer is yes, this root is keto-friendly!

Having low net carbs, means this ingredient won't cause trouble for the keto-dieters out there.

Studies suggest that chicory root doesn't significantly spike insulin levels. In fact, its high fibre content can actually help regulate blood sugar!

This means that even though chicory root contains 'some' natural sugars, they're released slowly into the bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes in insulin. 

Great news for those struggling to control Type-2 Diabetes!

What about gut health?…

Let's be honest, most of us don't think about our microbiome. But we should.

Inulin is a prebiotic fibre. It creates the perfect conditions for good bacteria to thrive, which is exactly why chicory root gets linked to better gut health.

And gut health matters more than people realise. It's tied to your immune system, your digestion, your energy, the lot.

Here's how it works. Inulin feeds the good bacteria in your gut, helping them grow and improving digestion. Chicory root is particularly good at boosting bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, the two strains most linked to a healthy gut.

Feed the good bacteria, and you keep your gut balanced. That means better digestion, less bloating, and better nutrient absorption.

It may also calm inflammation in the gut. Left unchecked, chronic inflammation throws that balance off and can cause issues you might not even trace back to your gut.

One thing to flag: some bloating or wind when you first introduce it. Totally normal. It settles as your gut gets used to the extra fibre.

The benefits far outweigh a few uncomfortable days.

Yes, by eating foods containing Chicory Root (And Inulin), you are ingesting a low-carb ingredient that will leave you fuller for longer. And that will in turn lead to less carby snacking, and better adherence to the Keto Diet!

And yes, as mentioned, you can enjoy Chicory-root-containing foods and you will still be in Ketosis!

Another weight-loss bonus for those struggling with sugar is research has shown that consuming the inulin fibre in chicory root can improve insulin sensitivity.

Insulin sensitivity refers to how responsive our cells are to the effects of insulin. When our cells become resistant to insulin, it becomes harder for our body to control blood sugar levels and we end up storing that excess glucose as fat. Not what most people want!

By improving insulin sensitivity, chicory root will support weight loss efforts and can help prevent conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Incorporating chicory into your diet can be a game-changer for weight loss, as it offers a natural way to support your goals without sacrificing flavour or nutrients.

A great substitute for ingredients higher in carbs, While not a sugar substitute exactly, when added to keto treats, chicory root adds a lovely sweet taste to any recipe.

This means you can get your sweet-tooth fix without loading up on keto-killing carbs!

Yes! Recent studies have also shown that Chicory Root has an amazingly positive effect on your Liver!

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances in our body, and chicory roots can aid in this process.

Chicory root contains compounds called polyphenols that have been shown to have protective effects on the liver. These polyphenols help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are both key factors in liver damage.

Chicory root has been found to promote bile production, which aids in digestion and helps the liver break down fats more efficiently.

By incorporating chicory root into your diet, you can also potentially improve your cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that certain components of chicory root can help lower LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol levels.

This is important for overall heart health and can further support your liver's function.

Incorporating chicory root into your diet is a simple yet effective way to enhance your liver health.

Its cleansing properties combined with its ability to improve cholesterol levels and support a keto lifestyle make it an ideal addition to any keto product.

So why not give it a try? 

Your liver will thank you for it!