benefits of radicchio

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.

The dark red color of radicchio is also important. The red color in fruits and vegetables denotes phytonutrients such aslycopene, ellagic acid, quercetin and hesperidin. Their phytochemical properties are beneficial inregulating blood pressure levels, lowering bad cholesterol levels, and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.

Radicchio has several health properties that can give children and adults a healthy boost, from high levels of antioxidants, to dietary fiber, and an array of vitamins and minerals. One little serving (approximately 86 grams or 12 leaves) of radicchio has 11 % of your daily total dietary fiber and 10% of your daily recommended dosage of Vitamin C.

Vitamins like A, B, C, and K are most easily absorbed and utilized by the body when consumed in foods, like radicchio. Vitamin K is vital for bone health, and it also appears to limit naturally occurring gradual neuron damage in the brain. Vitamin C boosts immune system health, promotes healing of all body cells, and detoxifies the body. Less known benefits of Vitamin C include: building collagen, supporting good bacteria in the gut, preventing the hardening of the arteries, neutralizing harmful environmental toxins, combating disease, and lowering cholesterol in the body.

Radicchio is rich in the lactone lactucopicrin (intybin). A study from the Massachusetts General Hospital has suggested antimalarial activity of lactucopicrin found in radicchio. Green radicchio is native to the Veneto region of Italy. It is commonly found in the dishes of Milan and is used in the springtime in France. The hearty green grows best in the cool months, and its real flavor comes through in the harsher, cooler conditions. Green radicchio has even been known to grow under the snow.

Although radicchio contains very low amounts of vitamin A, it possesses a high amount of phenolic flavonoid antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein. One hundred grams of the leaves provide 8832 micrograms of these compounds. Zeaxanthin concentrates mainly in the central retina in the eyes. Together with lutein, it helps protect eyes from agerelated macular disease by filtering harmful ultraviolet rays.

Radicchio is low in calories, while making consumers feel fuller without consuming more calories. One cup of radicchio contains only nine calories. This is a great food to eat to help one lose weight. . A nonforcing type of chicory Green radicchio is selfblanching and does not require a second growth period to produce a mild flavored and lightly hued heart of leaves. This variety of radicchio is not popular or widely grown in the United States, though it is seen more and more at local farmers markets and in CSA boxes.

Radicchio contains the phytonutrients lycopene, Ellagic acid and quercitin. Studies have shown to decrease the systolic blood pressure ? the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Radicchio also contains much more potassium than sodium. Potassium contributes to the reduction of hypertension and relaxes blood vessels, while maintaining proper blood flow.

One cup of radicchio contains 128 percent of the needed vitamin K. Adequate vitamin K consumption acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption, preventing bone loss and osteoporosis. IT used to be that when a restaurant wanted to add bulk and a little class to an abysmal, slammedtogether salad, it sliced in some red cabbage. Well, highpriced greens are now getting the same treatment, as they are joined on the plate at fancy restaurants by the expensive, waxy, purplered leaves of radicchio.

Several components of radicchio, such as potassium, folate, and various antioxidants are known to provide neurological benefits. Folate has been known to reduce the occurrence of Alzheimers disease and cognitive decline. Potassium has been linked to increase blood flow to the brain, and enhance cognition, concentration, and neural activity. One cup of radicchio contains 6 percent of the recommended daily needs of folate.