Radicchio is a leaf chicory, sometimes known as Italian chicory, and is a perennial. It is grown as a leaf vegetable which usually has white-veined red leaves. It has a bitter and spicy taste, which mellows when it is grilled or roasted.
Health benefits of Radicchio:Pliny the Elder claimed
radicchio was useful as a blood purifier and an aid for insomniacs in Naturalis Historia. In fact, radicchio contains intybin, a sedative/analgesic, as well as a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin which is used for making dye-sensitized solar cells.
Radicchio, like other vegetables
high in antioxidants, boost overall health, wellness, and energy. Dark red radicchio has an antioxidant score of 3,537 per 100 grams. Antioxidant-rich foods support the body’s metabolism.
Radicchio neutralizes free radicals in humans, and
helps fight cell damage. With its high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score, radicchio fights the cell damage to DNA that may lead to coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Radicchio promotes weight loss by being high in fiber. High fiber foods can make you feel full, and keep you feeling satiated longer.
Radicchio is
full of minerals like Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, and Magnesium. Radicchio is full of vitamins like Vitamin C, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B-6, Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin E. The human body often absorbs vitamins and minerals more effectively from fresh vegetables than from supplements.
Chicories, like radicchio,
contain a substance called inulin, which naturally helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes is linked to heart disease and stroke, so by controlling blood sugar levels with chicory patients can lower their risk of cardiovascular disease and complications. Health benefits of chicory include its effectiveness at fighting intestinal worms and parasites, aiding in digestion and colon cleansing, and helping to cleanse the blood, liver and circulatory system of harmful toxins. A healthy circulatory system supports overall fitness.
Radicchio promotes bile production. Increasing bile salts can improve digestion and reduce cholesterol. Reducing cholesterol directly benefits organ health and vigor. The dark red color of radicchio is also important. The red color in fruits and vegetables denotes phytonutrients such as lycopene, ellagic acid, quercetin and hesperidin. Their phytochemical properties are beneficial in regulating blood pressure levels, lowering bad cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.
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