Endive is a healthy vegetable that is very similar to a salad, except for the characteristic “curliness” and narrowness of the leaves. I will definitely list the chicory salad recipe below.
In general, salads based on fresh vegetables and herbs are an integral part of a healthy diet, especially in summer, when it is hot outside and the body is quickly dehydrated. I really love these dishes for their variety. There are practically no limits for imagination. Take the leaves as a base and add whatever you want: beans, cereals, seafood, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Be creative, change ingredients, find interesting options, add variety. Try to eat at least 4-5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits per day. The body will certainly thank you for this.
And if you want a new flavor, I suggest adding chicory salad more often. And not only in salads. Because the health benefits of endive are truly impressive. And that’s why.
Intibin gives the endive flavor a spicy and bitter (almost like arugula) taste. This substance has a positive effect on the activity of the digestive system, stimulates the pancreas and gallbladder, as well as the liver. Every day, she is forced to process a huge amount of toxins that come to us through food additives, pesticides, alcohol, etc.
Liver function is influenced by many factors, including our diet. And these foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, protein, green tea, garlic, turmeric, milk thistle, and, of course, endive will help to strengthen it.
In general, it is beneficial for the circulatory system as well.
Endive (or chicory salad) is rich in trace elements, especially copper. It also contains the macronutrients potassium and magnesium, both essential for the health of our cardiovascular system.
As for vitamins, here too, the benefits of chicory salad are obvious. For example, it contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision as well as collagen production. Or a vitamin of group B, which is important, in particular, for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles and for many metabolic processes. And also in the endive – a huge amount of vitamin K (phylloquinone).
Finally, the nearly 4 grams of fiber you get with each serving of endive will help you keep your blood sugar in check and promote healthy digestion.
Endive in cooking
Again, endive can be used not only in salads. Darker leaves are ideal for stewing or steaming.
Endive can be cut into narrow strips and added to soup. It also makes a refreshing and very healthy juice.
Healthy Endive Recipes
You can find several culinary recipes with endives in my app. In the meantime, I found another recipe with this wonderful plant – and I want to share it with you:
Pear, ginger and endive juice
Ingredients:
- pear – 1 pc.,
- endive – 1 pc.,
- ginger – 1 piece 2,5 cm long,
- cucumber – 1 pc.,
- lemon – 1/2 pc.
Preparation
- Peel the lemon and ginger.
- Remove the seeds from the pear.
- Cut all ingredients into medium sized pieces.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or pass through a juicer.
- Using endive in cooking is a fresh solution to bring a new flavor that will diversify your table and give you new sensations.