Surprising Health Benefits of Radicchio
Radicchio or Cichorium intybus is a leaf chicory vegetable that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has a bitter, spicy taste that becomes less pronounced when cooked. The health benefits of radicchio are many. It helps with symptoms of insomnia and is considered an effective blood purifier. The fat- and cholesterol-free vegetable is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and has large amounts of antioxidants and plant phytonutrients.
Helps with Relaxation and Pain Management
Radicchio's bitter taste comes from lactucopicrin intybin, a chemical compound that has a relaxing effect on the body and helps with sleep. It is also an effective natural analgesic and antimalarial agent and is beneficial in treating malaria symptoms.
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Promotes Weight Loss
Radicchio is high in fiber, which promotes weight loss. It has a satiating effect that helps people feel full more quickly and keeps them satisfied for longer.
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Antioxidant-Rich
Radicchio is antioxidant-rich, which means it protects against harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress, age the body, and damage cells. Antioxidants act as the body's army by going to war against environmental and other stressors, can prevent premature aging, and even protect the body from developing harmful disorders and diseases. Radicchio can also increase energy and overall health and wellness.
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Promotes Digestion and Reduces Cholesterol
Radicchio promotes the production of bile, which offers significant health benefits such as aiding digestion by helping the body break down fatty foods in the intestines. Bile also helps lower cholesterol; healthy levels of cholesterol lead to better overall organ health.
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Rich Source of Vitamin K
Radicchio is rich in vitamin K, which promotes healthy bone formation and strength. The nutrient also supports neural health by limiting damage to the brain. As a result, radicchio can be part of the ideal diet for those with Alzheimer's.
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Protects Against Macular Degeneration
Radicchio is filled with phenolic flavonoid antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein. These antioxidants are known to promote good eye health. They are also effective for preventing age-related macular degeneration by helping the eyes filter ultraviolet rays.
Neutralizes free radicals
Radicchio can neutralize free radicals by preventing them from harming the body through oxidative stress and fight cellular and DNA damage. This is beneficial in the fight against heart disease and other serious and chronic disorders such as diabetes and cancer.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Radicchio is rich in inulin, a compound that can naturally regulate blood sugar levels. A reduction in blood sugar can reduce your chances of suffering a stroke and other vascular diseases.
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Promotes Digestion and Colon Cleansing
Radicchio is a high-fiber vegetable that helps the body effectively digest food and cleanse the colon. It is also beneficial when it comes to ridding the body of intestinal worms.
Rich in Polyphenols
The abundant polyphenols in radicchio lower your chances of developing the stomach flu and improve visual acuity, in addition to enhancing mental sharpness. Polyphenols improve gut health and provide nutrients beneficial to many essential functions.
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