Kasni or common chicory (there are various names for this plant depend on the country, i.e. endive, witloof, sugarloaf, succory, sikuri, sigorei etc) is a perennial plant of Asteraceae family. It is easily recognized by its bright blue flower. This plant is native to Europe, but eventually found its way to Asia and America.
The plant has high value in food and beverage industries, where it’s cultivated for its roots. It is often used as coffee substitute and food additive. The roots are baked and roasted before taken as coffee substitute. Its role as traditional medicine is not very significant. So far, it’s only known as one of 38 plants used to produce Bach flower remedies.
But, scientists have done further researches on kasni plant. And they found out its seeds to be potential to have health benefits. Some experts even say, kasni seeds may prevent cancer. Want to know more about health benefits of kasni seeds? Check it out below. (Also read : What are The Benefits of Onion Skin Tea?)
Nutritional Value of Kasni Seeds
The chemical composition of kasni seeds depends on the species. If we are talking about common chicory, then it will have more values overall than Belgian endive (witloof). For complete list of nutritional value, see below.
A 100 g serving size of Kasni seeds from spesies Chicorium contains :
- 96 kJ (23 kcal) Energy
- 4.7 g Carbohydrates
- 0.7 g Sugars
- 4 g Dietary fiber
- 0.3 g Fat
- 1.7 g Protein
- 286 μg (36% of Daily Value) Vitamin A equiv.
- 3430 μg (32% DV) Beta carotene
- 10300 μg Lutein zeaxanthin
- 0.06 mg (5%) Thiamine (B1)
- 0.1 mg (8%) Riboflavin (B2)
- 0.5 mg (3%) Niacin (B3)
- 1.159 mg (23%) Pantothenic acid (B5)
- 0.105 mg (8%) Vitamin B6
- 110 μg (28%) Folate (B9)
- 24 mg (29%) Vitamin C
- 2.26 mg (15%) Vitamin E
- 297.6 μg (283%) Vitamin K
- 100 mg (10%) Calcium
- 0.9 mg (7%) Iron
- 30 mg (8%) Magnesium
- 0.429 mg (20%) Manganese
- 47 mg (7%) Phosphorus
- 420 mg (9%) Potassium
- 45 mg (3%) Sodium
- 0.42 mg (4%) Zinc
While a 3.5 cup of Witloof kasni seeds contains :
- 71 kJ (17 kcal) Energy
- 4 g Carbohydrates
- 3.1 g Dietary fiber
- 0.1 g Fat
- 0.9 g Protein
- 0.062 mg (5%) Thiamine (B1)
- 0.027 mg (2%) Riboflavin (B2)
- 0.16 mg (1%) Niacin (B3)
- 0.145 mg (3%) Pantothenic acid (B5)
- 0.042 mg (3%) Vitamin B6
- 37 μg (9%) Folate (B9)
- 2.8 mg (3%) Vitamin C
- 19 mg (2%) Calcium
- 0.24 mg (2 %) Iron
- 10 mg (3%) Magnesium
- 0.1 mg (5%) Manganese
- 26 mg (4%) Phosphorus
- 211 mg (4%) Potassium
- 2 mg (0%) Sodium
- 0.16 mg (2%) Zinc
Okay, that’s the nutritional value. (You may want to read : Health Benefits of Jaffa Cakes) Here are the health benefits of kasni seeds you’ve been waiting :Â Â
1. It helps cleanse the blood
Sometimes, if you are not aware of your surrounding and what you eat, your blood might become intoxicated. This can lead to several diseases. However, you can avoid it by consuming blood cleansing foods, such as kasni seeds. The chemical compounds provided by these seeds will neutralize the blood. Therefore, removing all the toxin.
2. A good food for liver health
Ever concerned about your liver’s health? Don’t worry, there are many super foods that provide treatments for liver. Kasni seeds is one of them. By keeping the health of your liver, you will safe from many diseases, such as liver tumor, anemia, and other blood diseases. (Recommended : Health Benefits of Green Tea for Liver)
3. Excellent source of dietary fiber
Well, instead of eating junk food which only contributes fat and carbs (which is responsible for obesity), why not eat kasni seeds? It’s much better in term of healthiness. If you look back to nutritional value’s list above, you will notice kasni seeds is rich in dietary fiber.
This is a sign that it is beneficial for your intestine and digestive system health due to its laxative properties. Dietary fiber make it easier to absorb food’s nutrients. As a result, all biological process occured in digestive system will not meet obstacles. Also, high fiber foods tend to prolong the feeling of fullness. So, you won’t get hungry sooner.
4. A good source of carbohydrates
Well, despite its presence (especially in abundant amount) in the body has been associated with diebetes (mellitus type-1 and type-2), carbohydrates is still a necessary substance for the body to function properly. Kasni seeds has average amount of carbohydrates. So, you will have enough carbs in your body. Don’t forget to do a lot of exercises. (Recommended : Health Benefits of Carbohydrates)
5. It helps to stimulate your appetite
Anyone who has sickness usually find themselves difficult to consume foods. Well, with exception of patients who supplied with nutrition via intravenous therapy, other patients still need nutrition from foods they are literally eating. As forcing the food is not always easy, kasni seeds can be used to help stimulate the appetite. Thus, food consumption will be much easier. Just chew some kasni seeds from the table and you are good to go.Â
6. Omega-3 fatty acid keeps your heart from diseases
Typically, any kind of grain including seeds contain fatty acid. This also applies to kasni seeds. Well, actually these seeds contain various amino acid and fatty acid (if you dig the information a little deeper). But, the most beneficial is omega-3 fatty acid which is said to be associated with lower risk of heart diseases.
Not only it contains omega-3 fatty acid, it also has all heart-friendly attributes, including low saturated fat, blood pressure control, low cholesterol level, and high concentration of potassium. Not all grains is good for heart well-being, so you must be careful when choosing which grain to consume. Kasni seeds is surely a recommended choice for you.
7. Excellent source of potassium
Banana has been famously known as exceptional source of potassium. However, there are a lot of alternative sources out there. One of them is kasni seeds. Well, this is another interesting health benefits of kasni seeds : it is a good source of potassium!
Potassium has been acknowledged for its irreplaceable role in urinary system and it is important part of excretion. So, having enough potassium in your metabolism will protect you againts urinary diseases. (You may interested in : Health Benefits of Pork Liver)
8. It helps maintain bone strength and teeth health
Who in their mind want to stay active until their 50s? Of course everyone want to achieve that. In order to “stay active”, a strong bones and a healthy clean teeth is necessary. Old folks typically more prone to bones and calcium deficiency diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc.
Well, we recommend to consume kasni seeds. It contains necessary minerals (especially Calcium and Iron) to strengthen and increase the density of bones.
Cautions in Using Kasni Seeds
Kasni seeds is quite safe to consume. As per today, there is no case of people getting diseases from eating these seeds.